How to choose vinyl siding

Due to the large range of finishing materials, everyone can be puzzled and not immediately decide which one to choose. The abundance of proposals from manufacturers makes confused. If we talk about modern and innovative materials, among them the honorary leading place is occupied by siding. But, and its diversity is presented in a huge number of models, which are made on the basis of different materials. The most common vinyl siding, which is presented in different shapes and colors. Let's figure out how to choose vinyl siding, because each of the manufacturers promises high quality of their products, but you should make sure of this yourself before you buy a profitable product.

A few words about siding

Today, manufacturers use innovative technologies and equipment that can handle almost any material to the desired state. So, for the manufacture of siding use:

• vinyl;
• tree;
• metal;
• cement;
• plastic.

In addition, externally sheets can imitate brick, logs or stone. This allows you to change the facade of the house and give it a completely different look.

Note! Each type of siding has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. Before you go to the store, you must examine all the characteristics.

Features and benefits of vinyl siding

For its manufacture is used polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This choice is due to the high decorative potential of the material, which means that the manufacturer can produce siding panels in a large color spectrum and different textures. To impart resistance to damage in the manufacturing process, plasticizers are introduced. There are vinyl siding by type of installation:

• vertical;
• horizontal.

The list of advantages is large enough, but it is worth to highlight several main characteristics:

1. Resistance to deformation. Due to the elasticity and plasticity of the upper layer, it is able to withstand the ingress of small stones.
2. Resistance to environmental influences. Regardless of changes in air temperature, hail, strong wind and high humidity, the coating remains in its original form.
3. Resistant to mold and insects. If the tree is almost immediately exposed to insect attacks, then vinyl siding is not afraid. It does not accumulate moisture, so moss and other types of vegetation will not appear inside it.
4. Ease of installation. Siding panels are designed in such a way that one person who does not have special skills and knowledge will cope with their installation. The small weight and the compact size provide the big speed of work. This will require a minimum set of tools that is in every home.
5. Durability. If we talk about high-quality vinyl siding, then its operational life can reach 50 years or more.
6. Range. Innovative technologies allow you to create a variety of decorative facade panels. With their help, you can implement any design idea.
7. Fireproof. Even at high temperatures, siding does not burn.
8. Environmental friendliness. All materials used for the manufacture of vinyl siding are completely safe for humans and the environment. During operation, it does not emit any harmful fumes.
9. Operation and care. After installation, just wipe the surface of the siding with a damp cloth or wash off the dust by pumping water from a hose. A big advantage is the lack of need to paint over paints or use other means of protection. In the formation of drips after rains, you can apply any detergent without aggressive components and abrasive particles. Throughout the life of the panel will not change its shade, despite the intensity of sunlight.
10. Price. If you compare siding with other finishing materials for the facade, then you can immediately note a big difference in price. Therefore, the siding of the building leads to a reduction in costs.

This is an incomplete list of the positive characteristics of vinyl siding, but this is quite enough to consider it the best among others.

Note! The most common textures are: imitation of shipboard and block-house (log wall).

Domestic and foreign manufacturers

Products that are on the market today, not only from domestic producers. Find out which is better to choose siding will help a little general information regarding each of them. Thus, North America is the birthplace of vinyl siding: its production began in the United States and Canada more than 50 years ago. Despite the fact that today it is produced worldwide, these countries are considered the most conscientious. The list of advantages is quite large, but at the same time there is one major drawback - the high cost. Since it is affected by the cost of transportation.

If the choice of material will occur among domestic producers, then it is worth being guided by some tips from experts. Consider siding only desirable light shades, as it is less susceptible to ultraviolet cure. The same applies to all components. Too dark shades will quickly burn out due to high temperature readings. For example, black or dark brown color will not only quickly lose its brightness and saturation, but will also contribute to the heating of the internal structure, which will lead to destruction.

Note! When choosing vinyl siding from North American manufacturers, you need to pay attention only to the appearance and aesthetics. All other characteristics will correspond to the specified data in the accompanying documentation.

Vinyl Siding Selection Criteria

Before you start searching for the desired finishing material, you should familiarize yourself with some of the features. Each sheet of vinyl siding has an internal and external surface. The first will be responsible for the rigidity: the higher this indicator, the more stable the material will withstand temperatures and mechanical damage. The second provides high stability with external aggressors, that is why it is firmly opposed to burnout, swelling, etc.

Now consider the main criteria:

1. Through color. Each sheet of vinyl siding should have a uniform color on both the inside and the outside. Some manufacturers use less pigments to save money when dyeing the inside, resulting in a lighter shade. The presence of different colors suggests that staining was carried out only superficially after production. Such a model will have a low cost, but at the same time the worst characteristics.
2. Thickness. This parameter has standard indicators that are written in the technical documentation. For high-quality vinyl siding, sheet thickness of 1–1.2 mm is sufficient. Therefore, you should not consider only thick models, as they may be less durable than thin ones.
3. Uniform thickness. Carefully inspect the side cut - it should be uniform along the entire length - from the nail to the castle part. Equal sheet thickness will ensure uniform distribution of loads over the entire surface.
4. Holes for mounting. On each sheet in the upper part should be horizontal elongated holes, which are designed for fasteners. In the role of them can be screws or nails. These holes must be flush and have smooth edges.
5. Front surface In most cases, the upper layer of siding has an imitation of stamping "under the tree", but each manufacturer develops its own. In this case, you must be guided by your own taste preferences and style conceived.
6. Anti-burrowing castle. The top of the sheets should end with a small bend (located above the mounting holes). This will provide a more secure mount, which will increase the strength of the entire structure under wind loads.

Note! Quality siding has the same color on both sides. The front surface of the sheets should not have any defects in the form of cracks, peeling or delamination.

When choosing vinyl siding on the market or in specialized stores, it is necessary to pay attention not only to the material itself, but also to its packaging. Even with a visual inspection, you can determine how high-quality products are inside. The responsible manufacturer packs its products in hard cardboard boxes, which will ensure reliable transportation and storage. Do not forget that it is necessary to find out as much as possible about the variant in question: study it, ask the seller questions. Only in this case can you buy high-quality vinyl siding for house trimming, which will last for many years.

Video

Watch a video in which you will be told about how to choose wall and sheet siding: