Home renovation projects continue to surge, with Americans fixing up their homes in record numbers. With continued ups and downs with supply chains and labor shortages, it is hard to know when is a good time to tackle your next renovations project.
The good news is that some products have been less affected by pandemic volatility. One is vinyl siding.
Due to its lower prices and durability, vinyl siding remains one of the most popular home projects. It’s a good investment, one that will protect your home and make it more energy-efficient.
If you are considering vinyl siding installation, there is a lot to consider. The information below covers everything you need to know about the advantages of vinyl siding, as well as the installation process and cost. It can help you determine if it is a good option for your home.
Advantages of Vinyl Siding
One of the biggest advantages of vinyl siding is variety in design. You can choose from a wide range of colors and customizations. You also can paint vinyl siding, if you decide you prefer a different color down the road.
Besides choosing between different configurations of vertical- and horizontal-style siding, designs can look like shakes or scallop shingles. Vinyl siding can mimic higher-end products like wood or stone, but will not fade over time. You can even install shutters on vinyl siding, to give it more curb appeal.
Unlike wood and other materials that are susceptible to mold and rot, vinyl siding will last for many decades. If you live in an area with frequent strong winds or storms, vinyl is a great option. It can absorb minor impacts from debris and will not flake or chip like other materials.
Vinyl siding is also easy to clean and maintain. You can remove most algae or mold buildup with a garden hose or small pressure washer.
It’s energy-efficient. Vinyl reflects heat well and can come insulated, to keep your home cool during the summer and warm during the winter. Also, it is effective at reducing noise pollution by absorbing sound waves from outside your home.
Another huge advantage of vinyl siding is cost. Even high-end vinyl is relatively inexpensive. It’s also pretty straightforward to install, which can cut down on labor costs.
Due to its durability, vinyl siding has one of the highest returns on investment (RIO) of any home renovation. You can expect to recoup upwards of 80 percent of the initial costs if you sell your home.
Vinyl Siding Installation Process
The vinyl siding installation process involves only a few straightforward steps. First, the crew must measure the sides of your home to determine the amount of material needed for the project.
Before installation, it is important to assess whether there is wood damage anywhere on your home. The base layer also should be covered with a house wrap to keep moisture out.
Besides being free of mold or rot, the surface on which the siding is installed must be flat and smooth, so major protrusions may need to be corrected. A combination of furring strips, which are long pieces of wood or metal, and ridge foam boards can smooth over minor bumps.
The furring is important for creating a drainage plane that allows air to circulate behind the siding. This helps keep mold and rot at bay, protecting the siding and your home. The foam boards are what attach to your siding.
Technicians will install foundational strips of siding, held in place by utility trim and J-channels. These secure to the strips at the top and bottom of walls, and along the siding edges. They will then need to cut trim pieces to go around windows, doors, and other openings around your home.
The average time to install vinyl siding is between one and two weeks. This will depend on the complexity of the install project and any surprise repairs that may pop up.
Vinyl Siding Cost
Vinyl siding will cost between $3 and $10 per square foot. That is a wide range; where your project falls depends on several factors, including the size of your home and the materials you select.
Also, as mentioned, there are variations in siding products. You can expect to pay more for ones that have specific designs, such as those made to look like wood, brick, or stone
Besides design, you will need to choose the level of thickness. Most siding is between .04 and .05 inches. This may seem insignificant, but which grade you select will impact the cost.
Insulated vinyl siding will cost more than non-insulated. Note that this option increases your home’s “R-value,” or overall level of insulation. It will help reduce energy consumption and utility costs and add more value to your home.
You can expect the labor cost to install vinyl siding to be between $2 and $4 per square foot. In some cases, you can install new siding on top of an existing layer. If old siding must be removed, then that can impact labor costs by $1,000 or more.
Other factors that will impact labor include the condition of the base layers of your home. If installers need to replace wood or make other repairs, this will increase the total price.
Finally, the layout of your home could impact labor costs as well. The more windows, doors, light fixtures, and other objects that technicians have to work around, the slower the project will go. Note that a reputable installer will be able to assess most challenges at the outset and give you an accurate estimate.
Find Vinyl Siding Installation Near You
Now that you have an idea of the advantages of vinyl siding, as well as the costs and what the installation process entails, you can decide if it is right for your home. Vinyl siding is a cost-effective option that can make your home more energy-efficient and keep it looking great for years.
If you are searching for “the best vinyl siding installers near me,” look no further. At Pyramid Aluminum, we pride ourselves on providing quality materials, installation, and customer service. Reach out to us today for a free vinyl siding installation quote or to learn more about the many home-improvement services we provide.
