What is vinyl siding made of?
Can the color peel or flake off?
Do I ever have to paint my siding again?
If painting isn't required, then how do I keep my vinyl siding clean?
How does its price compare with other replacement siding materials?
What is fiber cement board siding made of?
Do I have to paint fiber cement board?
Do I need a special contractor to install fiber cement board siding?
How does its price compare with other replacement siding materials?
How much does it cost to side a home?
Is one season better than another to have my new siding installed?
Are siding and installation prices fairly standard? Do I need to get more than one estimate?
Is there a definite "best" siding product out there?




Q: What is vinyl siding made of?

A: Vinyl siding is manufactured from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a revolutionary building material that has replaced metal as the prime material for many industrial, commercial and consumer products. PVC has many years of successful performance as a construction material, providing impact-resistance, rigidity and strength.



Q: Can the color peel or flake off?

A: No. There is no paint to peel, flake off or blister.



Q: Do I ever have to paint my siding again?

A: No. Vinyl siding is virtually maintenance free. The most you ever have to do is give your home a washing with soap and water once or twice a year.



Q: If painting isn't required, then how do I keep my vinyl siding clean?

A: Usually all you will need is  to rinse your siding down annually with a garden hose. Every few years professional pressure washing with the appropriate cleaner will restore your siding to like new!



Q: How does its price compare with other replacement siding materials?

A: Vinyl siding is less expensive than other siding materials. When you consider that you no longer need to have your house repainted every few years, the cost is very economical and eventually will be recovered by eliminating repainting costs.  Consult individual manufacturers for specific warranties.



Q: What is fiber cement board siding made of?

A: The siding is made from cement mixed with ground sand, cellulose fiber, and other     additives.   Fiber cement siding can resemble stucco, wood clapboards, or cedar shingles, depending on how the panels are textured. Fiber cement is more durable than wood or stucco, and is also fire resistant.



Q: Do I have to paint fiber cement board?

A: Yes.  And no.  It depends on the product you choose.  Yes -- If you want to select your own personal paint color, fiber cement board comes pre-primed for easy application.  Because it is moisture-resistant, it never swells or rots so the paint doesn’t peels, chip or crack which means you won’t have to re-paint unless you want to change the color of your home.  No -- Cement board comes in a variety of pre-painted colors from which to choose, allowing you to select the proper shade without lifting a finger.

Q: Do I need a special contractor to install fiber cement board siding?

A: Fiber cement board does require a special technique and skill set for installation. It's a bit heavier and can be brittle if handled improperly. Unlike vinyl siding, it’s not easy to “hide” incorrect cuts or mistakes.  You want to make sure the installation crew has plenty of experience with fiber cement siding as it is very different than installing vinyl siding.



Q: How does its price compare with other replacement siding materials?

A: Although more expensive than vinyl, fiber cement siding is considerably less expensive than wood. Fiber cement has become popular because it requires little maintenance and can have a natural, wood-like appearance.  While vinyl remains the least expensive and most used siding, fiber-cement continues to make strides in the market. Known for its higher-end appearance, durability, and green qualities, fiber-cement is expected to lead siding in growth through 2008, reaching almost 14 million squares, according to a report by market research company The Freedonia Group.



Q: How much does it cost to side a home?

A: Because we offer several types of siding at a number of price points to fit any need and any budget, and because every home and siding job is unique, there is no way to answer this question. The best thing to do is invite a sales representative into your home so he can measure it accurately and discuss other needs you may have.



Q: Is one season better than another to have my new siding installed?

A: Not really. You can have your vinyl siding installed in any season, as your schedule and budget allow. Regardless of when you have your new siding installed, you'll enjoy the immediate benefits of improved appearance, as well as the long-term benefits of durability and easy maintenance.



Q: Are siding and installation prices fairly standard? Do I need to get more than one estimate?

A: You need more than one estimate whenever you are having work done on your home. Unfortunately there are people out in the world that look to take advantage of others. Make sure any contractor you talk to realizes that you are getting more than one estimate. Always be wary of an estimate that seems too good to be true as well!



Q: Is there a definite "best" siding product out there?

A: No. There are a large number of very good products out there each with their own unique blend of positives and negatives. Do your homework and ask for advice from the experts - the siding contractors you will get estimates from. They may be able to offer unique insights into your home, climate, or local region that may help the decision process.