HomeSiding
As a Maryland or Virginia homeowner you might have an older siding application that needs replacing or maybe you are curious about your choices in the marketplace or it could be you just heard of new insulated vinyl siding. Exterior siding topped the list in Remodeling magazine’s 2007 Cost vs. Value report, which compared the construction costs of various projects to estimates of their resale value and Red Carpet Remodeling feels an education is vital before you move forward in any remodeling project so you can make the best choice in all of your house renovation decisions from learning more about EnergyStar Windows effectiveness to entry door replacement.
Why should I hire a specialty siding contracting company? Unless you’re incredibly handy large home improvement projects are better left to the professionals. A company that employs siding craftsmen, who have the proper credentials and experience, can help you with significant savings and save you time while adding value that lasts for years.
What are some of the problems with siding on the majority of current homes? Aluminum requires frequent re-painting and can crack, chip, and fade over time. There is no insulating value to aluminum because it conducts warm and cold air and Asbestos can be extremely harmful if swallowed and is a maintenance nightmare. If it is taken off your home make sure the specialist wraps the product and takes it to a designated dump sites. Builders grade vinyl products produced for large new construction projects, but are also used for the price-conscious buyer. Wood has to be painted regularly and it offers little insulation for the home.
What are my material options in the replacement siding market? We feel with siding there is only one material of choice on new luxury homes and for remodeling projects large and small and that is vinyl. Studies have shown the alternatives ALL have major disadvantages. Wood material has a high cost, no warranty, requires frequent painting and/or staining every 4 years. Its availability is subject to spot shortages and it is susceptible to insect and weather damage. Wood can split, warp, swell, rot, and chip and cut edges can absorb water and swell if not finished/painted properly. Fiber cement can stain from moisture, break or snap during handling, can “look wavy”, and the performance of fiber cement is dependent on regular maintenance. Masonry is a high cost to install and manufacture and can crack with foundation shifting. It requires periodic re-pointing of joints and the joints can crack. Hardboard is subject to moisture damage and swelling. There are limited styles and have a short usable life
What are the benefits of vinyl siding, when properly manufactured and expertly installed? Various styles provide the ability to modernize or maintain a classic look. Your home will be virtually maintenance free, outside noise will be significantly reduced, and give your home a freshly painted look.
Does upgrading to high quality vinyl siding increase the resell value of your home? Since today's home buyers want minimal maintenance and don't want to buy a home that they will have to spend several thousand dollars on within three years after purchase. A vinyl exterior will increase your equity if you decide to move over 80%, according. Real estate experts state in the competitive DC marketplaces an aesthetically pleasing exterior will cause a home to sell quicker and for more money.
What are the differences in the vinyl used by siding manufacturers?
Vinyl is a man-made compound and there are numerous components in vinyl and there are numerous types and grades for siding manufacturing. Builders grade vinyl can crake, chip, peel, flake, and discolor over a short period of time because it is mainly recycled vinyl. Raw vinyl PVC (Poly vinyl chloride) resin which is used in pipes is also a main ingredient used on more upper tier siding. The best material on the marketplace is proprietary and patented and uses a multi 4 life technology.
What sizes are vinyl panels offered in? Double 4" Narrow clapboard style siding creates extra shadow lines, adding definition and refinement to your home's design. Double 5" This popular style of clapboard siding gives the appearance of two 5" boards creating a look of simplicity and timeless beauty. Double 4" Dutch Lap Dutch Lap siding, known for its deep beveling, creates a prominent shadow line or a look of distinction. Double 4.5" Dutch Lap siding, known for its deep beveling, creates a prominent shadow line for a dramatic effect. Double 5" Dutch Lap The wide panel of 5" Dutch Lap siding and its deep beveling provides a bold look with strong shadow lines. Double 6" helps with resistance to impacts and the rigidity to straighten out wavy walls. Vinyl Shake Siding has a distinct look and when it comes to high end performance, nothing makes a stronger impression than vinyl shake and shingle siding.
What is the spectrum of color options in the vinyl siding marketplace? The vast array of color options can include Antique White, White, Sandalwood, Mist, Birchwood, Clay, Gray, Almond, Cream, Pewter, Camel, Sage, Cocoa, Indigo, Olive, Pecan, and Slate.
What is the most proven advancement in siding?
Insulated Siding is the name! This is a package with vinyl siding and an insulated custom contoured backing that will provide better protection against damage from impacts while offering a stunning true cedar finish. This siding is precision engineered and manufactured to fit the profile of today’s home sidings, creating a fully supported solid surface and providing a blanket of foam insulation around your home. The space behind the siding is completely filled, bridging any imperfections in the wall and eliminating sagging, shifting or warping, which can give homes an artificial appearance. The added rigidity and strength of Insulated Siding resist wind damage and damage from impact, as well as providing a solid look and feel for the life of your home. Fullback Technology™ is the patented thermal support system used and manufactured from high-performance expanded polystyrene (EPS). This is an exceptionally adaptable building material, which can be custom engineered to conform to the precise dimensions of exterior sidings. Insulated Siding with Fullback Technology™ delivers energy savings, structural support, breathability for reduced mold and mildew and pest control.
How much can I save In energy costs with Insulated Siding?
Answer:
Heating and cooling will account for over 50% percent of the energy costs experienced in the average home. The stable thermal performance of Insulated Siding results in heating and cooling savings that add up over the life of the structure. According to independent testing, Insulated Siding offers an industry average system R-value* of 3.96, more than three times the R-value of other popular home sidings. Insulated Siding is home siding that includes a rigid foam insulation, fused behind the exterior surface of the siding panel. Because the insulation is contoured to fill the gap between the siding and your home, it delivers maximum energy efficiency, along with durability, low maintenance and lasting beauty.
What makes Insulated siding a “Green” product? Insulated Siding is an Energy Star®-qualified insulation product, engineered to satisfy the stringent standards of the U.S. Department of Energy and the EPA. By reducing energy consumption by up to 20%, homeowners can feel proud to be part of the energy solution for years to come. The EPA reports that household energy needs account for 35 percent of all U.S. emissions of carbon dioxides, 75 percent of sulfur dioxide and 38 percent of nitrogen oxides. By utilizing energy-efficient materials like Insulated Siding in homes, we can reduce the amount of air pollution.
How does Insulated siding reduce infestation and fight mold and mildew? Insulated Siding is manufactured with an insect-fighting ingredient that uses a patented process to incorporate the EPA-registered additive into the insulation. The ingredient utilizes boron, a naturally occurring inorganic mineral, to deter termites from nesting in the foam, yet it is safe for humans and pets. Insulated Siding also eliminates the cozy space behind the siding where insects congregate. It is estimated that an average family of four creates six gallons of water vapor a day through routine daily activities such as breathing, perspiring, running water, showering, laundry, washing dishes, etc. If this is not released, it can condense on and between wall studs, and can cause both structural and health-related problems. Moist materials provide an ideal growing medium for molds, fungi and bacteria, which are organisms that can promote a host of respiratory problems. Insulated Siding’s unique breathablility, which is three times that of other forms of exterior insulation, allows water vapors to escape the home, helping to reduce moisture and maintain a healthier home environment.
How do I pay a remodeling contractor for their services? One of the most important considerations for your home improvement project is financing. After all, the project will go nowhere if you can't pay for it. Fortunately, there are several options that can provide the dollars you need. Four of the most common are a home improvement loan, a home equity line of credit, a home equity loan (second mortgage), and a cash-out refinancing of your current mortgage. However, the simplest method of financing is cash. It is customary to pay one-third when the contract is signed. The number and timing of other payments depends on the size of the job, but do not make final payment until all work is successfully completed, inspected and approved.
Can I get a siding estimate over the phone?
Most home remodeling companies will not because all advisors must be present at the time of the estimate. The reason for this is there are different manufacturers, styles, and underlayments that can all affect the dollar amount. This saves your time and ours because we can answer all of your questions right away, and when you choose to get the work done, we won't need to reconnect multiple times. That converts to real savings, too. We need to be able to see and measure the job site. We are devoted to the idea of meeting the needs of our customers when it comes to home remodeling and it is almost impossible to determine what a persons goals and needs are without seeing the home and talking to them in person about their needs.