Vinyl siding, long strands of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) attached to homes to look look similar to wood siding, is an outside covering for a home, invented in the 1950s to replace aluminum siding. Omaha Siding contractors have fielded many questions about this popular product, providing the answers here.
Can you put new siding on over old siding?
Yes. While some homeowners are real go-getters and strip off the old first, it’s not necessary. Most renovations see installers putting new siding over the old.
When the Omaha Siding Contractor talks about a “square” what does he mean?
Siding comes in 100 square feet increments or 10 feet x 10 feet.
What kind of colors can siding be purchased in?
While siding of the past came in mostly light, pastel colors like yellow and light blue, today’s offerings are richer, seeing more regal colors like burgundy and dark greens. The rainbow of colors to choose from has grown greatly over the years.
How long will the color last?
If you apply a colored product to your home, it’s not expected to last forever, but you can be sure colored siding is going to last a great deal longer than a paint job. Depending on the color you choose, expect the original color to last at least ten years.
Is it really durable?
No one is going to say vinyl siding is as durable as brick; however, it is rated for winds up to 110 mph. Additionally, if a storm does rip some of the strips off, it’s easier to replace the strips than other types of siding. Vinyl siding is made to last the life of your mortgage, with warranties for the materials ranging between 20-40 years, depending on how thick the materials are. Some manufacturers even offer products with a lifetime warranty that can be handed off to the home’s new owner, if the house is sold. Omaha winters are not a concern either, as vinyl siding is resistant to the cold, heat and moisture.
How do you take care of siding?
Many homeowners picture themselves lugging a large pressure washer around, but that’s not the answer for most vinyl siding. Instead, a regular garden hose, a soft brush and diluted cleaning solutions will do the job. Contractors also say vinegar and water will get it clean, too. To keep a fresh, well-maintained look on your home, wash your house at least once a year.
