Everything You Need to Know About Siding

Despite its long-standing bad rap—once frowned upon for cracking and warping—vinyl siding has come a long way since replacing that old aluminum siding on grandma and grandpa’s house in the 1950s.

Advances in the 1970s (and the decades to follow) reengineered vinyl siding to stand stronger than ever. Developed to near perfection, the modern version of the siding material boasts a proven track record of high performance and optimum energy efficiency.

Built to weather any storm, vinyl siding is virtually indestructible under normal circumstances. In fact, the ultra-durable material can withstand wind speeds up to 110 miles per hour, tipping the end of a category three hurricane or F2 tornado.

But wait—there’s more. Vinyl siding keeps its color without fading, gives insects the boot, and boosts your home’s curb appeal, all for the cheapest installed cost. The most popular exterior cladding choice in America—also one of the most affordable at $4 to $7 per square foot—vinyl siding easily fits within the average homeowner’s budget.

What makes vinyl the best material for siding?

The architectural feel of wood meets the durability of vinyl to bring your home a lifetime of beauty and performance.

Maximum curb appeal begins with options. Choose from a wide range of sizes, textures, designs, and custom colors to find the perfect vinyl siding to complement your home’s exterior. And forget about painting—save that time and money for something else.

Just like an attic, basement, or crawl space, the sides of your home need the right amount of insulation. Innovative technologies maximize energy efficiency. Vinyl creates a “blanket” for your home, keeping the cold air out and protecting against heat transfer to minimize your energy costs all year.

Built to stand the test of time

From heavy rain to high winds to snowfall, the elements can give your home’s exterior a beating. Exposure takes its toll on your siding, costing you money out of pocket for repairs. But weather-related wear and tear—and all of its problems—go away with durable, long-lasting vinyl siding.

The thicker the siding, the better the protection for your home. Modern vinyl siding with a super-strong and extra-large 6 to 7-inch reveal promises peak performance, protecting against the elements for the long haul. Vinyl even stands strong against constant sun exposure, which would fade the color on other siding materials.

For its impressively long lifespan, most vinyl siding manufacturers offer lifetime warranties that can even outlast the house. On average, vinyl siding provides optimum performance for 40 to 80 years.

How to care for vinyl siding

Vinyl siding practically wrote the book on low-maintenance home improvement projects. Easy to install and mostly maintenance-free, the material stays strong with just some occasional cleaning, monitoring, and inspecting.      

Top ways to clean

Regular cleaning of dirt, grime, and (potentially) mold keeps your siding looking as good as new and rich with its original color. Soap, water and a long-handled scrub brush usually do the trick.

For a deeper clean, try a 30% vinegar and 70% water solution. Even better, mix 1/3 cup of powdered laundry detergent, 2/3 cup of powdered household cleaner, 1 quart of liquid laundry bleach, and 1 gallon of water.

Power washing takes cleaning to the next level. But consider hiring a professional, if only for the peace of mind. Water can shoot upwards behind panels and soak the wood of your home’s exterior. An experienced cleaning technician knows how to clean your siding without losing its natural attractive appearance or structure.

Monitor for moisture and mold

Moisture build-up leads to dangerous mold growth and other major issues. Inspect your vinyl siding for escaping moisture to minimize water damage.

Replace broken panels

Damaged panels make your vinyl siding less effective at protecting your home from the elements. Replacing cracked, chipped, or blemished panels individually—rather than replacing them all—adds to the low-maintenance convenience of installing vinyl siding.

Best time to buy vinyl siding

You can save money by purchasing siding in the fall and winter. Demand drops during the cold season and the prices often drop, too. Most certified contractors work year round. Find out if scheduling the install in late fall or early winter can lower the total cost.

Super-strong siding built to weather any storm.

Ready to create a one-of-a-kind exterior for your home? Get peak performance from your vinyl siding with our unique 6 to 7-inch reveal. Reach out to King Quality today.