How to install and Maintain Vinyl Siding

Introduction to Vinyl Siding

Vinyl Siding is generally used in houses or small buildings for weatherproofing purposes and pleasant aesthetics. Vinyl Sidings are durable. It is nothing but a plastic exterior wrapping around the structure made from Polyvinyl Chloride(PVC) resin. In the UK it is also known as uPVC weatherboarding. It is also done to preclude the requirement for painting every few years.

It was only from 1970 that the production, speed, color ranges and impact resistance began improving for Vinyl Siding and now its manufacturing is done by a process called Co-extrusion in which 2 layers of PVC are laid down in a continuous process of extrusion.

The top layer out of those two layers is weatherable and durable material and is 25% of siding thickness. The titanium dioxide which is approximately 10% provides resistance to breakdown from UV light.

How to Install & Maintain Vinyl Siding?

How to instal

Before installing the Vinyl Siding it is to be kept in the mind that Vinyl contracts and expands with changes in temperature. Thus, it should be nailed loose and cut short by approx ⅕ inches and it should be installed on a flat surface. We need to line the wall with sheets of rigid foam board for that approx ⅕ inches thick.

The tools required are 12 foot standard length of siding, J-Channel, vented and unvented soffits, fascia covers, door/window trim channel, utility channel, metal starter strip and corner molding. Siding and rigid foam are nailed in place by galvanized shingle nails. There are various colors and styles in Vinyl Siding,Soffit, Siding and fascia are cut with tin snips.

There can be 5 steps on a broad level when installing the Vinyl Siding:

1. Soffit and Fascia
2. Siding the Walls
3. Dealing with Obstruction
4. Window and door trim
5. Meet the Soffit

How to maintain

Generally, Vinyl Siding lasts 10 to 12 years but with proper care and maintenance its life can be extended to decades. Dirt accumulation, mold, mildew and stains on Vinyl Siding can be cleaned using mild soap with water and this costs pretty less to maintain.

Before washing we should follow the directions to wash the Sidings by the manufacturer and keep check over below stated things for a great maintenance:

1. Check overall appearance
2. Check interior walls for damage
3. Check for warped, loose and broken panels
4. Lastly and most important choose right cleaners and equipments

Advantages & Disadvantages of Vinyl Siding

Advantages

1. It is affordable.
2. It doesn’t require painting.
3. It is easy to install.
4. It has low maintenance.

Disadvantages

1. The installation is not full-proof although it is simple.
2. It can permit moisture below the surface.
3. It can lower the value of property.
4. It can result in other maintenance issues.
5. Its manufacturing causes damage to the environment.

Conclusion

Although Vinyl Sidings are available in a wide variety of colors but it precludes us from painting once it is installed. It can be a great option as it is affordable and its maintenance costs are less but it is bad for the environment. When choosing Vinyl Siding for your home these factors shall be considered.