6 Things You Need to Know Before You Choose New Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding came on the scene in the late 1950s. It has advanced in leaps and bounds since then.

According to Mark Feirer on ThisOldHouse.com:

…vinyl has captured 32 percent of the U.S. siding market for new homes, with no end in sight to its growing popularity.

Putting new vinyl siding on your home can be a great home improvement in many cases. But there are some things that you should know before you head out to choose and buy the new siding product. You will find a wide range of features and colors to choose from and you will have the new siding for many years with the proper installation and maintenance.

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Many people think that all you need to do is pick a color and hire a contractor but this can be a huge mistake. With a little knowledge and research, you can get more bang for your buck and possibly even prevent problems in the future. Since siding is not cheap to buy or install you want to make sure that your decision is the right one from the very start.

1. Impact Testing and Thickness are Both Important for Quality Vinyl Siding

When you compare vinyl siding products you should verify that the thickness of the panels is right. Thin panels will become brittle over time and they can be damaged easier. Impact testing ensures that the panels will stand up to an impact without breaking or cracking. A higher impact test rating means the panel will withstand a stronger impact of any type.

2. Will This Home Improvement Affect Property Values?

Often home improvement projects are performed in order to increase the curb appeal and value of the property and properties that surround yours. Think about how well vinyl siding fits with the homes in your neighborhood. There are some rare situations where this type of product could actually decrease the value instead of boosting it, although usually the opposite effect is seen.

Replacing the siding on your home has the highest return on your investment of all the major remodeling projects.

Source: DIYLife.com

3. What Warranty Will You Get for The Price?

Each vinyl siding manufacturer and product will have a specific warranty that is offered, and this warranty can vary by a considerable amount. Compare warranties along with price, and pay attention to what each warranty will and will not cover. Sometimes some of the most affordable choices will have the best warranties.

4. Pay Attention to Perm Ratings

Perm ratings are a feature of vinyl siding that measures how well the product will allow moisture to escape from the structure. When you cook, shower, or perform other normal activities in the home moisture is created. The perm rating of the product should be at least at a five, and a higher number is better to ensure moisture can escape from the structure.

5. Insulation and Energy Efficiency are Also Important with Siding

Insulation and energy efficiency are both important considerations with new vinyl siding. If you are going to undertake this type of home improvement product why not go a step further and choose insulated panels or add extra insulation while the old panels are off the home? This will help lower your energy bills and eliminate any drafts in the residence.

6. Durability is the Key to a Long and Beautiful Life

Vinyl siding needs to be very durable in order to stand up to extreme weather and temperatures, and a high durability will keep your home improvement results looking great for many years to come. Panels which are less than a foot in length are more likely to come loose, and thin panels could be damaged or lost in high winds or other severe weather situations.

What else do you think homeowners should know before they choose new vinyl siding and why?