Vinyl Siding Archives - Vinyl Siding and Vinyl Installation Company Worcester Webster MA

10 Benefits of Vinyl Siding for Your Home’s Exterior

May 18, 2023 By josh_benson Leave a Comment

Vinyl siding is becoming an increasingly popular choice for homeowners who want to enhance the look and durability of their homes’ exteriors. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right siding material for your needs. However, vinyl siding stands out as an excellent option for many reasons. In this article, we will explore the top 10 benefits of vinyl siding for your home’s exterior and why Better Way Home Improvement is the go-to choice for vinyl siding installation.

1. Durability

Vinyl siding is made to last. It is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, including heavy rain, wind, and snow. This siding material can also resist fading and cracking, making it a smart long-term investment for your home’s exterior.

2. Low Maintenance

Vinyl siding is a low-maintenance option. It is easy to clean, and you don’t have to worry about repainting it every few years. In fact, you can keep your vinyl siding looking new with just a quick rinse from a garden hose.

3. Cost-Effective

Vinyl siding is an affordable option, especially when compared to other materials such as wood or brick. It’s an excellent investment for homeowners who want to upgrade their homes’ exteriors without breaking the bank.

4. Energy Efficiency

Vinyl siding can improve your home’s energy efficiency by acting as a layer of insulation. This insulation helps keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, ultimately reducing your energy costs.

5. Versatility

Vinyl siding comes in a variety of colors and textures, making it a versatile option for homeowners who want to customize their homes’ exteriors. You can choose from different finishes, including wood grain, and select from a range of colors to achieve your desired look.

6. Increased Home Value

Installing vinyl siding can increase your home’s value. The improved curb appeal and low-maintenance feature of vinyl siding make your home more attractive to potential buyers.

7. Environmentally Friendly

Vinyl siding is a sustainable option. It is recyclable and doesn’t require harsh chemicals or paints, making it an eco-friendly choice for homeowners.

8. Resistant to Insects and Rot

Vinyl siding is resistant to insects and rot. Unlike wood siding, you don’t have to worry about termites, carpenter ants, or other pests damaging your siding.

9. Quick Installation

Vinyl siding can be installed quickly and easily. This means that you won’t have to deal with the inconvenience of a lengthy home renovation project.

10. Better Way Home Improvement

When it comes to vinyl siding installation, Better Way Home Improvement is the go-to choice for homeowners. We offer top-quality vinyl siding materials, expert installation services, and a dedication to customer satisfaction. Our team will work with you to choose the right vinyl siding options for your home and install them quickly and efficiently.

In conclusion, upgrading your home’s exterior with vinyl siding is an excellent investment. With its durability, low maintenance, and energy efficiency, vinyl siding is a cost-effective option that can enhance your home’s curb appeal and value. For the best results, trust Better Way Home Improvement for all your vinyl siding needs.

For the Love of Vinyl Siding

August 16, 2014 By josh_benson Leave a Comment

I recently came across this article, on This Old House and felt it was worth a share! Much valuable insight and information regarding types of vinyl siding and choosing the right vinyl installation for your home can be found in this worthwhile read. Enjoy!

The Benefits of Vinyl Siding

There are few subjects in the whole arena of residential construction products that draw battle lines as sharply as vinyl siding. Proponents harp on the fact that it never needs painting, while its detractors insist that houses should never be covered with anything but real wood.

As a building material, vinyl siding is relatively new — it was introduced in the late 1950s as a substitute for aluminum siding. But its reputation was tarnished in the early days when it cracked, faded, buckled, and sagged.
Ongoing changes in the product’s chemistry and installation techniques have improved its performance and furthered its acceptance by builders and homeowners.

In fact, vinyl has captured 32 percent of the U.S. siding market for new homes, with no end in sight to its growing popularity. The reason, in part, is because it’s often (but not always) cheaper than red cedar or redwood and takes less time to install.

A mid-grade vinyl costs about $1.60 per square foot to install, not including the necessary trim pieces, while the installed price of mid-grade cedar clapboard, exclusive of trim and paint, is about 2.5 times higher. (Some premium vinyls cost about the same as the best grade of cedar, but the installed cost is still lower because it goes up faster and doesn’t need painting.)

All Plastic Siding is Not the Same

Vinyl is a polymer formed during a chemical do-si-do between ethylene gas and chlorine, which produces a fine white powder called vinyl resin. When it’s melted and mixed with different additives, the resulting compound can be as rigid as pipe, as supple as a shower curtain, or durable enough to survive the heavy foot traffic on a kitchen floor.

Not Entirely Maintenance Free

To keep vinyl siding looking its best, it should be washed periodically to remove the mold, mildew, dirt, and chalky oxidation that collects on the surface. Tom uses a soft-bristle brush and a bucket with a 30/70 mix of vinegar and water. (If that doesn’t do the job, the Vinyl Siding Institute suggests mixing 1/3 cup laundry detergent, 2/3 cup powdered household cleaner, 1 quart liquid laundry bleach, and 1 gallon water.) He just brushes it on, working from the bottom up, and gently hoses it off. Tom discourages homeowners from using a power washer on their siding; the high-pressure equipment is likely to drive water behind the panels.

READ ENTIRE ARTICLE or to learn more about Vinyl Siding, contact Better Way Home Construction

Consider Your Climate for Your Vinyl Installation Project

June 30, 2014 By josh_benson Leave a Comment

Weather matters when installing vinyl siding

Just as you would choose clothes to protect yourself against the harsh weather outside, you should consider your climate for your vinyl installation project.

Beyond the brink for extreme weather

If you live in a colder climate, you may want to choose a higher gauge siding, of .44 or higher, so it doesn’t expand and contract as much in extreme cold-weather conditions. Higher gauges (or thickness) also help in extreme heats, keeping your home’s exterior from cracking.

If you reside in an area that experiences high winds, consider a vinyl siding that has been tested and approved for heavy wind conditions. One option may be the Durabuilt 440 Series Double 4″ Traditional Lap Vinyl Siding available at Lowes for $9.44 per square, which comes in 13 colors.

If your home is located in a warmer climate, you may want to consider a siding that can withstand extensive sun exposure and won’t easily fade. Technically advanced vinyl siding, such as Generations Thermal Core Siding, is formulated of quality ingredients and manufactured within close tolerances within state-of-the-art, quality-controlled facilities. As a result, the siding will withstand virtually any and all kinds of harsh weather or seasonal extremes.

The cost of weather resistance

While a higher gauge usually means more expensive siding, it is not the only factor for cost. Siding can cost as little as $0.45 per square foot if you do it yourself, or around $5-7 per square foot if you hire a professional to install the vinyl siding. Expect to pay in the high end of the $5.30 – $6.48 per square foot range for a licensed, bonded and insured contractor and for complex or rush projects. Hire carefully, only after verifying prior work quality. Consider the long term savings of hiring a professional who guarantees their work, verses your own time, materials and missteps of doing it yourself.

Trendy looks for a new house makeover

Because vinyl siding doesn’t require the maintenance of wood and gives you a larger field of options than brick, vinyl siding installation is on the rise. Even some older homes that are made of brick or wood are converting to vinyl siding, which, in some cases, can improve the value of the house. However, siding choices now come in a larger variety than ever before. The colors alone come in a large wheel of choices from earth to eccentric tones, but they also comes in stucco, wood, stone, brick, and fiber cement options.

You can also choose to have the siding installed vertically, for a different look. Of course, the option can cost between $2 to $10 more per square foot, depending on what you want.

If your home is subject to a moderate climate, an unusually wet environment, frigid winds or hot, humid conditions, properly hung vinyl siding will continue to maintain its good looks and handsome design no matter what the weather. Whether you choose to hire a professional or to tackle your vinyls siding installation project yourself, pick a siding that is right for the climate in which you live!

Frequently Asked Questions About Vinyl Siding

June 3, 2014 By josh_benson 1 Comment

Are you asking yourself if vinyl siding is for you? Maybe you already have vinyl siding but it is time for an upgrade? Do you find yourself asking whether or not vinyl siding is for you? Would you like to know a few basic facts about vinyl siding? After all, why do so many homes in the United States have vinyl siding? Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about vinyl siding.

What is vinyl siding?

Vinyl siding is plastic exterior protective layer for a house, used for decoration and weatherproofing, imitating wood clapboard, and used instead of other materials such as aluminum or fiber cement siding. It is an engineered product, manufactured primarily from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin.

If I wish to bring life back to my vinyl siding on my home . . . do I need to remove my current siding first?

If you have a home that already has vinyl siding but it is outdated, or in bad repair, you can get new vinyl siding. You may definitely have the new layer installed over the existing siding on your home. Many installer elect to do this as it saves on time and actually provides an extra layer of insulation for your home. In some instances, the existing siding may have gaps or issues of rot beneath the siding, so it might require the existing siding be removed and areas of concern addressed – prior to adding the new vinyl siding.

Does vinyl siding just come in beige or ugly pastel colors?

Historically, the options for vinyl siding were slim to none and consisted of muted and unpleasant pastel hues. Fortunately, today’s vinyl siding can come in any color you desire. In fact, vinyl siding can be made to resemble real wood or clapboard look that many of those who visit your home will ave to touch it literally to find out if it’s real or vinyl!

Will high winds rip off my vinyl siding?

Most siding installation is rated for winds up to 110 mph. If wind does rip it off, note that vinyl siding is much easier to re-install than other types of siding. Reputable installers will honor their work and offer maintenance or guarantees under most circumstances. In the event of an unusual act of God – insurance companies will cover the replacement costs.

What is a “square” of vinyl siding?

A square is 100 square feet of siding (10 feet by 10 feet). Installers will order vinyl siding according to the estimated “square” of your home.

How do I maintain my vinyl siding?

Some soapy water and a garden hose is typically all that is required to clean and maintain your vinyl siding. Pressure water cleaners is not usually recommended as the pressure might be too much. A soft bristled brush and diluted solutions of 30% vinegar and 70% water will work wonders.

How long will the color of my vinyl siding last?

The color in vinyl siding retains itself for quite a long time. Compared to traditional exterior house paint, the color in your vinyl siding will last much, much longer. Yes, the color may fade over time, but if properly cleaned and maintained, it can last for decades.

Is vinyl siding considered tacky?

In recent years, vinyl siding manufacturers have really stepped up to the plate to offer much more than the “plain vanilla” product we have become accustomed to. Even old homes can be sided with vinyl and retain their historic appeal.

What are the benefits of having vinyl siding?

Vinyl siding is the most affordable option around. Vinyl siding installation will usually include a lot of extras such as–gutters, window cap, insulation under the siding, rot repair, etc. At Better Way Home Improvement, we recommend that you put it to the test. Get a quote for having your house professionally painted and then get a quote for a vinyl siding installation. Chances are, the vinyl siding installation quote will prove much more affordable. Give us a call at 508-987-6900 and get any additional questions you may have regarding vinyl siding answered.

Why Does America Side With Vinyl Siding?

April 17, 2014 By josh_benson Leave a Comment

America Sides with Vinyl Siding

According to studies conducted by experts in the industry, the Vinyl Siding Institute has compiled this lists of arguments for vinyl siding installation and why is remains America’s number one choice:

BEAUTY: With its unmatched selection of colors, shapes, and textures – vinyl siding can play a beautiful role in your home’s exterior look – and will keep your home looking great year after year.

DURABILITY: Able to withstand high winds (certified to at least 110 mph) and resistant to the weathering effects of heat, cold, and moisture, vinyl siding will retain its great looks, guaranteed. Vinyl siding manufacturers generally offer a lifetime warranty for the original homeowner and typically carry a prorated warranty of at least 50 years to subsequent owners.

LOW MAINTENANCE: Unlike other exterior siding, vinyl siding only requires simple, periodic cleaning with mild soap and water from a garden hose. Homeowners do not have to worry about rotting, splitting, or insect damage. Other maintenance requirements such as painting and caulking are out of the question with vinyl siding.

ENVIRONMENTALLY GREEN: Vinyl siding demonstrates remarkably better environmental performance than any other exterior finish. Vinyl siding manufacturers have partnered with recyclers to increase access to recycling facilities for vinyl siding.

ECONOMICAL: Vinyl and insulated siding consistently rank among the highest return on investments for remodeling projects. For all the beauty and durability vinyl siding delivers, what homeowners often appreciate most is its low installation cost – lower than all other exterior cladding – and is backed by most manufacturers with a lifetime warranty. It’s also inexpensive to maintain because it never needs painting or caulking. Simple periodic cleaning with soapy water and a sponge is all that is needed.

At Better Way Home Improvement, we have been installing vinyl siding to homes throughout New England for more than 14 years. Even after 14 years we drive past vinyl siding installations we have performed and they look every bit as good as the day we installed them years ago! Call us now at 508-987-6900 for your FREE consultation.