Low-maintenance, smooth, and energy efficient, vinyl siding has been steadily growing in popularity. More homeowners are replacing their batt and board siding with vinyl siding and enjoying the benefits. However, as with anything else, it’s a bad idea to go into the search for new vinyl siding blind. Always do your homework on the kind of siding you want installed on your home so that you know you’re getting the best product.
Here’s everything you need to know about vinyl siding before you make a decision.
Vinyl Siding Certifications
There are plenty of siding installers that can install vinyl siding, but not all of them are certified by the Vinyl Siding Institute (VSI). The VSI offers training class and exams to test the installer’s knowledge of vinyl siding and proper installation before certification. For the professionals, a VSI certification offers extra credibility and validation of their skills, as well as increased exposure. For the homeowner, hiring a VSI certified siding installation professional means that you can count on a high quality of work from an expert in the field. All VSI certified professionals are trained to correctly fasten vinyl siding, keep it flat and secure on the walls, and safely prep the work area around doors and windows. Without a VSI certification, your vinyl siding installation may be done correctly…but there’s no guarantee.
The VSI website also contains a database and search engine for finding VSI certified construction companies. Johnson County Siding & Window Co, Inc. is a VSI certified company. You can confirm this here: https://www.vinylsiding.org/certified-pros-and-products/certified-professionals/
Various Vinyl Brands
Not all vinyl siding brands are created equal. You may be able to find some cheap options for vinyl siding, but chances are you’re also paying for cheap quality. When you search for vinyl siding, check the credentials of the brands you find to ensure that you’re getting a high-quality product as well as a high-quality installation. Here are some of the brands we recommend:
- Mastic Siding – Mastic Siding is created by PlyGem, a manufacturing company that’s been in business for 70+ years. They offer a wide variety of both horizontal and vertical vinyl siding, all with great aesthetic appeal and guaranteed high quality. You can trust this vinyl not to warp or rot, no matter what the elements throw at it.
- Quest Premium Vinyl Siding – Quest is known for quality vinyl siding with great color. They were the first to offer darker shades of vinyl and continue to do so today. They have 35 different color options in classic styles: double 4” or 5” rough cedar clapboard or double 4 ½” cedar dutchlap. Their boards can be relied on to stay 200% more rigid and flat than standard siding. With their great use of color, there’s no need to paint this siding.
- Structure Insulated Vinyl Siding – Looking to save money on your HVAC bill? Structure’s vinyl siding is known for thermal performance and strong insulation. It keeps the house cool in the summer and keeps cold air out in the winter with reduced air infiltration. Structure’s vinyl siding comes in 15 colors from light to dark, even earth shades in the middle.
- Cedar Discovery – If you want a more authentic, wood look then Cedar Discovery is the brand for you. They even add the detail of a hand-split shake to give the siding a rustic look that feels like real cedar. However, this vinyl siding is just as low maintenance as the rest and will never need to be painted. They offer 35 exterior colors and 5 premium colors.
- Board & Batten – For something different, go with Board & Batten’s vertical siding. With an innovative locking system and a fresh-painted look (without ever having to be painted), Board & Batten makes the perfect impression for the front porch or entryway of the home. It comes in 14 traditional colors from earth tones to darker colors and 8 premium colors.
Benefits
There are several benefits to enjoy from installing high quality vinyl siding. It’s incredibly low maintenance, needing only the occasional cleaning with simple soap and water. It has a smooth, clean look and many companies can even give it a more rustic, authentic look to fool the most discerning eye. Vinyl siding is also a great way to save money on energy and decrease your carbon footprint. Vinyl has a high R-value (or thermal resistance) naturally, and high-quality brands (like Structure) increase that value even further. Vinyl insulates your home and keeps it comfortable, while still costing less than other siding options on the market right now.
If you’re ready to install vinyl siding, Johnson County Siding & Window Co. has trusted, certified professionals who use the best products and provide quality installation. Contact us today for a free estimate.
