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!
