1. How does vinyl siding compare with other siding materials? In a way, it's almost no contest. When compared to wood, brick, stone, stucco, and metal sidings on the basis of initial cost, maintenance costs, appearance, durability and value, vinyl siding is clearly superior.
Alside offers a broad range of vinyl siding products, so you can choose one that's easily affordable. Whichever you choose, you can expect the highest quality and lasting beauty. And Alside vinyl siding never needs painting or staining. It doesn't chip, peel, dent or rot, so you can forget costly repairs. Just rinse occasionally with a garden hose.
In addition, Alside vinyl sidings are backed by a strong Lifetime Limited Warranty*. And because vinyl is the preferred siding for more and more homeowners, it retains most of its installed cost. Moreover, Alside premium vinyl siding provides all the beauty of expensive wood sidings with your choice of smooth or grained surfaces; rich, low-gloss colors; and a variety of classic siding profiles.
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2. What can be done to improve the appearance and durability of my home's exterior?
Maybe you're tired of dealing with peeling paint and rotting clapboards. And you wonder, "Will another coat of paint really hide the weather-worn condition of my wood siding? And even if it can, is it worth the cost?"
Or maybe you're thinking about replacing warped hardboard siding...or getting rid of dated asphalt or asbestos siding...or eliminating dented metal siding...or giving a fresh, contemporary look to masonry walls.
Then now is the time to switch to the easy-care beauty of Alside premium vinyl siding. A wide choice of styles, colors and trim options makes it simple to create the look you want for your home. Whether it's a contemporary colonial or a 120-year old farmhouse.
New siding will rejuvenate an older home, give it a completely new look and significantly reduce costs for home upkeep and maintenance. For 50 years, Alside has been helping millions of Americans create homes that match their dreams and fit their budgets. And with a full range of trim, soffit and accessory options available in a host of different decorator colors, virtually any look can be achieved to improve the appearance and durability of your home's exterior.
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3. Isn't it less costly to just repaint my home?
If you plan to move within the next three years, the answer is probably "yes." But if you plan to stay in your home longer than that, the calculations begin to heavily favor vinyl siding.
Of course, if your home has special problems for example, warped clapboards that have to be replaced or lead-based paint that has to be scraped and sanded off. the cost of painting can become truly staggering.
According to Remodeling magazine (October 1996), investing in new siding can prove to be an excellent choice in terms of payback. In the West, a homeowner can recoup 65% of the cost of siding in terms of resale value added to the home. In the East, the payback is 76%. In the South, it's 84%. And in the Midwest, the cost recouped is 69%.
Compare the ongoing costs of painting every three to five years to a one-time investment in new vinyl siding. For most homeowners the conclusion is obvious vinyl siding is by far the better long-term value.
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4. Are there any other materials that are better than vinyl?
Not when it comes to siding. Vinyl siding's outstanding features and benefits have made it the most popular siding material in America today. And because vinyl is the preferred siding for more and more homeowners, it retains most of its installed cost (see previous question for details). It's the material of choice on new luxury homes...and the first choice for remodeling projects large and small.
Leading manufacturers such as Alside offer a broad range of vinyl siding products, so you can choose one that's easily affordable. Plus, Alside vinyl siding never needs painting or staining. It doesn't chip, peel, dent or rot, so you can forget costly repairs. To maintain a like-new appearance, just rinse occasionally with a garden hose.
And Alside vinyl siding offers flexible design options that make it ideal for contemporary homes...and for stately century-old Victorians. You can choose from smooth or grained surfaces; rich, low-gloss colors; and a wide variety of classic siding profiles. Plus low-maintenance trim products and accessory options that add to both the beauty and value of your home.
What's more, Alside vinyl sidings are backed by a strong Lifetime Limited Warranty*, so you can count on getting all the quality you paid for.
Exceptional beauty. Durability. Economical price. Easy maintenance. Long-term value. Outstanding warranty. If these are your criteria, there's no better choice than vinyl siding from Alside.
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5. How does the cost of vinyl siding compare to the added resale value it provides?
In terms of adding resale value to your home, vinyl siding is one of the best investments you can make. In its annual survey of project cost versus added value, Remodeling magazine said that "the highest payback comes from projects that give an older home the same features that have become standard in new homes."
Exterior improvements such as the installation of vinyl siding also make a home more attractive on the market. According to a real estate agent interviewed by Remodeling , "Things like new siding and new windows will not add dollar for dollar value...(but) they will cause the house to sell quicker for more money."
Another point to keep in mind: if, like many homeowners, you add insulation to an older home at the same time you're having vinyl siding installed, you add even greater value and market appeal to your home.
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6. What exterior design options do I have with vinyl siding?
Vinyl siding is one of the most versatile exterior design products you can work with. Alside, for example, offers many different vinyl siding lines. That broad selection lets you choose among a wide variety of design options, including horizontal and vertical siding; traditional clapboard and authentically detailed "shaped" sidings; wide and narrow panel exposures; smooth, subtle and deep wood grain textures; plus a wide assortment of traditional and contemporary colors .
Not sure what "exact look" you want? Just check out the many styles that are available, right here on our Web site. Or for more information on using Alside vinyl siding to create a beautiful, affordable, easy-care home, call a local siding contractor who sells and installs Alside products. Ask for a copy of The Alside Exterior Design Idea Book . It's filled with ideas and suggestions that can help you plan your special remodeling project.
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7. What accessories and trim are available?
When you design the exterior of your home, you should think about more than just siding. You'll need trim for windows and doors, and at inside and outside corners. You also may need soffit to finish the underside of eaves, or for a porch ceiling or entry overhang.
With Alside, creating a finishing touch that sets your home apart is easy. Because Alside offers a complete range of easy-care accessory and trim options. Standard trim lets you merge siding and trim pieces to create a balanced, uniform, look. Trimworks decorative accessories provide the premium look of hand-crafted beauty. These trim products give you an exceptional way to add special elegance at windows, doors, corners and other key accent areas.
Alside even offers easy-care replacement windows and shutters. In fact, no other vinyl siding company offers you as many trim and accessory options . That's why Alside is the first choice among homeowners who really want choices.
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8. My home is partially brick and partially wood siding. Can I still use vinyl siding?
Sure. Vinyl siding is extremely versatile and can be used with just about any exterior building material. Brick, cinder block, even natural logs and field stones.
If you have special installation concerns. Such as running vinyl siding along a natural stone chimney, for example. Talk to your contractor. He's probably handled a similar installation in the past. If he hasn't, he always can get detailed installation instructions from an Alside technical specialist.
As a homeowner, that's important. Because it means you're working with a professional team. A qualified contractor with a knowledgeable, experienced technical support group behind him.
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9. Is vinyl siding really as durable as everyone says?
Absolutely. The correct technical name for the material used in vinyl siding is polyvinyl chloride. It's a strong, durable, proven material that has earned a solid reputation for its beauty and permanence. It's used in automotive applications, medical devices, defense weapons, appliances, floor coverings, and of course, home construction.
It's ideal as an exterior material because vinyl siding doesn't rot, crack, dent or warp. Plus it never peels or blisters. And because the color goes completely through Alside siding, it never has to be scraped, sanded or painted.
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10. How do I choose a reputable contractor?
First and foremost, make an informed decision. Require references and look at previous work. Word-of-mouth recommendations from neighbors or friends who have recently resided their houses are an excellent start. You may also want to ask about liability insurance, customer satisfaction policies and professional credentials.
The relationship you have with your contractor is extremely important. Choose someone whose skills you trust, someone qualified to perform the task required, and someone you can work with comfortably.
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11. If painting isn't required, how do I maintain my vinyl siding?
It's simple. There really is no maintenance, just occasional cleaning.
Ordinarily, the cleaning action of a rainfall will be adequate to wash your vinyl siding. However, vinyl siding and soffit should be washed periodically by hosing with a garden hose and clear water, particularly in those areas not exposed directly to rain. If you desire to do a more thorough cleaning, or where high soil collection conditions occur, use a soft-bristled, long-handled washing brush. It attaches to your garden hose and makes washing your siding easier.
For hard-to-remove dirt, such as soot and grime found in industrial areas, wipe the siding down with a solution that's recommended by the manufacturer. If you wash the entire house, start at the bottom and work up to the top, as less streaking will result. It is important that immediately following all washing operations, the entire surface be thoroughly rinsed with fresh water from a garden hose.
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12. Is one season better than another to have my new siding installed?
Not really. You can have your vinyl siding installed in any season, as your schedule and budget allow. But keep in mind that some contractors are more available during the off-seasons. 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.
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