Some adventurous home owners decide to install vinyl siding for a variety of reasons. If you pick up an old fixer upper and want to jump the value by a quick 10 grand or more, you will find new siding to do that in short order. Or maybe you just want a worry free home exterior. While some can accomplish this project on their own, most choose to hire a professional.
Reasons for new siding
If you hate to paint, vinyl siding is for you you won't have any vinyl siding problems if you choose to install it. Especially if a home has old chipping, flaky paint, you probably do not look forward to spending days out there with a grinder, trying to get all the chunks off only to re-prime and paint again. The best way out of that nightmare is to install vinyl siding. More than just for your comfort, you want to install new siding if the existing exterior is rotting or falling off. Patch up jobs may solve problems, but they never look as good as brand new. Be careful if you have old asbestos siding; it poses a danger to your health and to be safely disposed of requires professional handling.
Challenges of installing vinyl siding
Some people feel intimidated at the thought of having in installation of vinyl siding. They don't know how to vinyl siding. While this project is not for everyone, most people who are handy with maintenance and other do-it-yourself projects will be able to tackle the job, as long as they do it in steps. First, you may consider removing all the old siding. Depending on what the old product was, this could be more difficult and time consuming than installing the vinyl. If the old siding is a flat surface like the old T-111 plywood, you may fasten your vinyl directly to that surface. If you choose not to take off the old clapboards, you may instead purchase strips of wood (call strapping or furring strips) to install vertically over the siding. Install some type of house wrap for a vapor barrier first as this will prevent draftiness and mildew problems.
How to get the job done
You install vinyl siding with just a hammer and nails. It snaps together like Legos, so the process goes smoothly. Use a sharp utility knife or pair of metal sheers to cut the end pieces to size. Put up J-channel around windows and doors, and place corner trim at each edge of the house walls. Things become more complicated if you need a vented soffit system at the bottom side of the roof overhang. If this intimidates you, hire a professional. Commercial siding installers will do a custom job to enhance the beauty and features of your home. You will be much happier with a good looking home for the rest of your life, than to just pinch a few pennies right now. Increase your curb appeal and bring lasting value to any home or business when you contract a professional to install vinyl siding. You will be glad you did; so will your neighbors.
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