Vinyl siding has become an immensely popular cladding option for homeowners, builders, designers, and architects. This is no surprise, as installing vinyl siding has many advantages; it is a cost-effective, long-lasting, and visually appealing option that is easy to maintain. Many homeowners choose to install vinyl siding on the outside of their homes to give them a new and clean look in a different color.
Doing It Right the First Time
While choosing vinyl siding may be an easy decision for homeowners to make, it is important that they take care in choosing the right contractors and materials for the job. This is because vinyl siding installation gone wrong can cause major problems down the line that can end up costing thousands of dollars. When vinyl siding is installed incorrectly, it can lead to warping and buckling down the line that could require heavy maintenance. Therefore, it is important that the job is well thought out and executed properly from start to finish by experienced contractors so as to avoid future problems that can arise from a poor installation job.
Often it might pay off in the long run for homeowners to pay a little more money up front to guarantee the best possible results and quality long-term performance. It is always wise to seek out experienced contractors certified in the installation of vinyl siding. Experts also suggest that homeowners request references from their contractor candidates before hiring them for the job to ensure that they have past customers who are happy with their work. Because the real test for vinyl siding comes with time, it is best to talk to a mix of references from the recent and more distant past.
Getting Educated: The Main Factors Behind a Solid Vinyl Siding Job
It is always helpful to get educated before making any major decisions about vinyl siding.
First, vinyl siding must be installed in a straight and level fashion. This ensures that there are no cracks for moisture to get in and cause weather damage. Sometimes contractors must remove old underlying pieces of the original siding to create a flat surface on which the new siding can rest.
Next, another key factor in the successful and correct installation of vinyl siding is allowing for expansion and contraction of the panels. Vinyl siding panels naturally expand and contract with outdoor temperatures. When siding is not properly installed to account for it, expanding and contracting panels can lead to structural and aesthetic problems that will only get worse with time. Experienced vinyl siding contractors should be well aware of these possible threats and adjust accordingly, which involves taking the temperature during installation into account as well.
Ensuring a Smooth Installation Experience
Homeowners should be proactive throughout the installation process. You do not have to be experts to ask questions, request references, and understand basic installation dos and don’ts.
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