Siding FAQs
For additional questions, call our office to request a free quote at 847.281.9890 , stop by one of our convenient showrooms in Libertyville or Long Grove, or send us a message.
1. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF REPLACING OLD SIDING?
Besides giving your house a clean new look, new siding can dramatically reduce maintenance costs and time on the exterior of your home. Other benefits of siding are durability and increased insulation. Siding can be beautiful and is customizable in color and type to match any home. The biggest benefit of siding will always be low maintenance.
2. HOW DOES THE COST OF SIDING COMPARE TO THE ADDED RESALE VALUE IT PROVIDES?
In terms of adding resale value to your home, 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 or replacement of worn out siding also make a home more attractive. 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.
3. DOES SIDING FADE?
While all substances will fade, siding fade is minimal, happens very slowly and is rarely noticeable. The Hunter’s Scale is the measure of fade used for siding. The Hunter E unit specifically measures color difference. As a reference, a Delta E of 1 Hunter unit is a barely noticeable color difference. A good warranty will guarantee products will not fade in excess of a Delta E of 4 Hunter units, which, in layman’s terms, means you are guaranteed color stability in the long term.
4. HOW DO I MAINTAIN SIDING?
For moderate dirt, hosing off the siding with water and a soft brush once a year is adequate to keep it in top condition.
5. WHAT IS A SIDING GAUGE?
This pertains to the thickness of the siding panel. As a rule of thumb, a higher gauge is better as it provides more protection from the environment and more insulation from extreme weather. Thicker panels also are sturdier and hang flatter against the house walls. A premium gauge would be about .046″ thick with a 3/4 ” butt.
6. WHAT IS CO-EXTRUSION?
This means the siding has two layers that have been fused together. The top layer is called capstock which prevents fading and things sticking to it. It also protects from harmful UV rays. The second layer, often referred to as the main body, is for strength and stability. The capstock is generally a thin layer while the main body is a thicker layer.
7. WHAT IS R-VALUE?
Efficiency and insulation are always given in terms of an R-value. These values quantify the rate of heat loss allowing the consumer to understand the insulation value of the product. As a standard rule of thumb; you want the highest R-value you can get. If the R-value is high, there is less heat loss. These standards are set by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers.
8. WHAT IS VSI CERTIFICATION?
VSI (Vinyl Siding Institute www.vinylsiding.org) is an independent third party tester of vinyl siding. The institute will show up unannounced at the siding manufacturer plant and look at siding characteristics (width, length, thickness) and perform various tests (wind, rain, etc) on the products to ensure quality.
9. HOW INVOLVED IS THE INSTALLATION PROCESS?
Siding installation is much less intrusive than customers believe. The installation can be scheduled in about one to two weeks and the install usually takes three to six days. There is absolutely no customer preparation work involved. LandMark Exteriors will take care of everything from the initial estimate to the siding installation.
10. IS ONE SEASON BETTER THAN ANOTHER TO HAVE MY NEW SIDING INSTALLED?
Not really. Vinyl siding can be installed any time of year, as your schedule and budget allow. Contractors are generally 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.
