Deciding factors for what type of siding material to choose include, amount of annual rainfall, appearance, and price. Vinyl siding is a popular choice for homeowners because it is very budget-friendly, easy to maintain, durable, and well-suited to Vancouver weather. If you are in the market, here are some helpful tips for buying vinyl siding.
Vinyl Siding Project Binder
When purchasing vinyl siding there are lots of decisions to make in order to achieve the exact look you want for your home exterior. Start a vinyl siding project binder. It can be a small notebook, loose leaf pages stapled together, or a smaller-sized scrapbook. While keeping track of your project on a digital device might seem like a good idea, it will be easier to add pictures from magazines and flyers, file receipts, and organize contractors’ estimates in a “journal.” While visiting home improvement stores, write down the brands that catch your eye. Talk with experts about the advantages and disadvantages of vinyl siding and take notes. Having all of the information in one place will make the process easier.
Grades of Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is available in a number of grades or thicknesses: the thicker the vinyl siding, the better the quality. Typically the thickness of the siding material determines the price – higher the grade, higher the cost.
Economy siding is generally less than 0.35” thick, making it vulnerable to damage and fading and ineffective preventing heat loss.
Mid-range grades of vinyl siding are between 0.4” and 0.45” thick. Depending on the brand, it can include finishes to stop fading and is compatible with temperate climates where temperatures don’t fluctuate from one extreme to another.
A high-range grade of vinyl siding is the most expensive but is long-lasting, wind-resistant, acts as a heat/sound barrier, and retains its original colour. The thickness of high grades of vinyl siding can start at 0.5”.
Set a Budget for Your Siding Project
What grade of siding do you want? Which style of vinyl siding will give your home that “wow” factor? Since you’re getting new siding, maybe you should also replace the wood soffits and fascia? Setting a budget will help you prioritize areas of most importance. Once you’ve decided on a dollar figure, factor in 15% more for overruns.
Types and Styles of Vinyl Siding
If you really admire cedar siding but are reluctant to invest the time it takes to maintain, vinyl siding is an excellent alternative. It can be manufactured to have the appearance and texture of any other siding material such as wood grain plank, cedar shingles, or cedar shakes.
The direction of the siding panels plays an important role in the appearance of your home’s exterior and its curb appeal. For example, vinyl board and batten siding has a vertical orientation and helps make a “boxy” house appear taller. Using horizontal vinyl lap siding on a narrow frontage home will add depth or width.
A certain type or style or a combination of both can be used to create a feeling. For a rustic welcome, mix board and batten vinyl siding with vinyl cedar shakes and accent rows of half-round shingles. Pairing vinyl lap siding with cedar shingles will create a relaxed modern look for your home.
