Home Remodeling & Construction Blog

Vinyl siding is designed to last for years, providing an attractive and durable exterior finish for your home. But certain conditions and circumstances can easily damage your Virginia siding. From melted panels to discoloration and problems with nearby vegetation, many of these situations can be avoided.

How To Avoid Melting Your Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding can hold up to extreme climate conditions, including hot summer days and frozen winter nights. But it is a combustible material. When direct flames or extreme concentrated sunlight is applied to the material, damage will occur.

Keep your BBQ grill and backyard fireplace away from the siding in order to reduce the risk of heat damage. Check the owner’s manual for recommended clearances and use non-combustible materials as a barrier. Remember that the fascia and soffits above your BBQ or fireplace are also made from vinyl and can be subject to warping and damage when exposed to heat.

Direct sunlight is rarely a problem with vinyl siding, unless the rays are concentrated due to reflection. Use shade trees and screens to break up concentrated rays before they hit your siding. Many energy efficient windows are designed to reflect light away from your home, but those same reflections may cause a problem on the neighbor’s vinyl siding. Screens, awnings or leafy branches can be strategically placed to break up the rays and avoid any siding damage.

How to Avoid Discoloration on Your Virginia Siding

Most quality vinyl siding products are manufactured to resist discoloration. You may notice some fading on the surface , but the color penetrates right through the siding materials offering an even finish. Dents and scratches will be less noticeable.

But discoloration can still be a problem if the vinyl is exposed to chemicals and other substances. Some insecticides and herbicides contain harsh chemicals that will stain the surface of your siding. Take care to protect areas around your garden, especially when using a sprayer or applying products on a windy day.

Remember to cover your siding when staining and painting exterior features of your home. Stain can easily splash onto the siding when you’re coating a deck or railing. Removing excessive stain or paint right away could help to avoid discoloration, but hanging up a thin plastic covering will work well to protect the entire area from overspray and splashing.

How To Avoid Damage From Vegetation

Many different plants pose a threat to your siding if left to grow unchecked. Vines, bushes and trees present the greatest danger. Branches, stems and vines can grow around, under and even through siding panels given the right conditions. If a particularly strong species of plant grows into your siding and establishes itself, further growth could warp the panels resulting in gaps.

The best solution is to keep vegetation off of your vinyl siding. Trim any vines and branches that make their way onto the wall, or keep a close watch on the plant if you don’t want to cut it down entirely. Many climbing vines stick to siding and cause discoloration. Cutting these away is your only option.

Your Virginia siding is designed for durability. With the proper protection and professional installation, vinyl siding provides a virtually maintenance free exterior finish. Use common sense and a keen eye to keep your vinyl siding looking its best for years to come.

Vinyl siding is a popular choice for homeowners across the United States. Offering a low maintenance solution for your home’s exterior, vinyl  is also available in a variety of styles designed to mimic traditional and maintenance-intensive types of Virginia siding. Have you considered these attractive and affordable alternatives to your preferred look?

Shakes and Shiplap

Wood siding adds charm to your home, but it will also add a fair amount of work to your schedule. Wood needs to be painted or stained in order to slow down the aging process. It also needs to be protected from pests and will rot quickly when moisture is consistently present.

There are various styles of vinyl siding that have been formed to look like wood - from replica cedar shakes to shiplap vinyl siding, these products offer all of the charm without any of the maintenance. You can even get these siding styles in natural wood colors, including golden cedar tones and traditional painted wood finishes like nautical blue or whitewashed pine.

Manufacturers also offer vertical vinyl siding that looks similar to tongue and groove cedar, a style often seen on sheds or pool cabanas. This gives your home a distinct look and comes in a wide range of colors and profiles.

Log Cabin Look

Besides the flat wood siding styles that are available, you will also find vinyl siding shaped to mimic log cabins. Rounded and textured to look similar to the rough hewn cedar logs used on rustic cabins, this style of vinyl siding is much less expensive than its counterpart and can be used for the whole home or as an accent.

Many people wonder whether vinyl can ever come close to the look and feel of genuine log cabins. Stop by your nearest building supply store or go online to browse through samples and pictures of this product. You may be pleasantly surprised at the realism this type of vinyl Virginia siding presents.

Stone and Brick Work

Are you looking for a stone accent on the facade of your home? Maybe you’ve always dreamed of a stone finish, but the design of your home cannot accommodate the weight and construction of that material. Check out the vinyl siding products that provide the look of stone or brick without the added weight and depth requirements. Less expensive and easier to install than even stone veneer is, formed vinyl siding is available in a variety of shapes.

Look for profiles made to resemble bricks, sandstone and a selection of other natural stones in varying shades. Often made from a polymer compound, these panels may be heavier than the standard vinyl siding pieces, but they are installed in a similar fashion and provide the same level of durability.

If you are considering what type of siding to install on your new home or home addition, take a close look at the many benefits vinyl offers. But you don’t need to settle for the standard appearance. Vinyl siding is available in profiles that mimic cedar shakes, wood shiplap siding, log cabins and even stone and brick. The possibilities for your Virginia siding project are wider than you may have thought.

Curb appeal is an important factor for every home. Elements such as landscaping and architectural design combine to create an attractive face for your house. But many would agree that the color of your Virginia siding is the most important factor in curb appeal. Are there any foolproof methods of choosing the best siding color for your home?

Color Selection

There are a few different aspects that will affect the colors available for your project:

• What Type of Siding Are You Installing? – Each siding type has a certain range of colors available. Wood and fiber cement siding tend to come in natural tones, although these types can also be painted in bright or bold colors. Vinyl siding is available in a wider range of custom colors, but cannot be painted.
• What Siding Manufacturer Will You Choose? – Not only do the different types of siding come in a variety of colors, but the various manufacturers offer unique choices as well. You will find many popular colors available from most of the major brands, but each tone may be slightly different and certain companies have unique offerings.

The Importance of Color Schemes

There will be one main color that forms the foundation of your Virginia siding. This tends to be a neutral color that is not too overpowering and suits the architecture of your home. Be sure to choose the main color wisely – a bold hue will draw attention away from the details and shape of your home’s architecture. Strive for a balance between an attractive color and a suitable foundation to showcase the beauty of your home.

The overall color scheme of your neighborhood should also be taken into account. If most of the homes around you have natural hues and earth tones, try to steer clear of bright primary colors. You certainly want your home to stand out, but not so much that it is considered the sore thumb on your block.

Consider how the color scheme meshes with the style of your home as well. Southwest ranch styles look best with earthy colors in the brown and tan range, while colonial homes can pull off pastels with ease. If your home is not a distinct style you may have more flexibility, but otherwise it is best for the siding color to pay homage to the design.

Choosing the Trim

Trim work and detailing can make all the difference to the appearance of your home. Choose the color and style of trim that will compliment the main siding color. Often a tone-on-tone color scheme looks stylish and can draw more attention to the shapes and slopes of the house. Contrasting trim colors make a bold statement and often look better on a larger home with fairly plain styling.

Don’t forget that the color of your shutters and doors needs to match well with the color scheme woven by the siding and trim. Be mindful of how everything looks together and be sure to consider samples at different times of day. That brown siding color you love may look much darker in the twilight or much lighter in the morning. Keep the samples out for a few days before making your final choice.

The color of your Virginia siding will help to create the overall appearance and curb appeal of your property. Consider all of your options and make wise decisions. After all, the face of your home will have a major effect on the value.

You are proud of your home and for good reason. It is the place where you rest, relax and really live. This building deserves to be finished in a way that reflects your personality and tastes, while also catering to your lifestyle and schedule. Siding materials like vinyl may offer a low maintenance solution, but will they create the charm and warmth you want from your home? Consider using Western Red Cedar for your Virginia siding project and discover the incredible benefits of this naturally durable and unbelievably beautiful product.

Incredible Appearance

There is nothing quite like the look of real cedar - imitations may be flattering, but can’t capture the same texture, color and finish of genuine cedar siding. Each tree actually has a unique tone and coloring, which means your home will boast a one-of-a-kind finish. You can leave the siding to weather naturally to a silver patina or plan on your choice of finish to create a completely different face on your home. Because cedar has very little pitch and resin, stains, oils and paint are easily applied and provide long lasting, even coverage.

Wood siding is often imitated because of the traditional charm it delivers. Whether you opt for tongue & groove, shiplap siding or any other style your Virginia siding contractor recommends, you can count on a look that is truly distinct and always appealing.

Eco Friendliness

Today’s families are concerned about their environmental impact. Western Red Cedar is an excellent choice in terms of sustainability and eco friendliness, for a number of reasons. Cedar is a renewable resource and genuine siding products are sourced in a sustainable manner.

Statistics show that each cedar tree harvested is utilized completely - 95 percent of the tree is used for products, while the remaining 5 percent is left on the forest floor to decompose and act as a natural fertilizer, mulch and wildlife habitat. There is an abundance of information regarding the environmental impact of vinyl siding, fiber cement products and aluminum lines. Western Red Cedar siding comes in far ahead of any of those in terms of being environmentally and future friendly.

Natural Strength

You can stain or paint cedar siding to alter the appearance, but the wood also contains a natural preservative that helps to deter pests and rot from damaging your home. Unlike pine or spruce timber, cedar does not need to be treated in order to be weather resistant. Genuine cedar siding products will last for decades without a problem, providing a beautiful finish on your home.

Wood siding also has acoustical properties that will help to contain noise, creating a quieter, more peaceful setting inside your home. It has natural strength and will not split, crack, warp or bend like other timber products will. Industry experts claim that cedar boasts twice the stability of commonly found softwoods due the low density of the timber. It also shrinks much less, which means fewer cracks and splits and flatter, straighter siding even in the harshest climates.

You have many options to choose from for your Virginia siding project. But if you’re looking for a beautiful, durable and natural product, Western Red Cedar siding may be the perfect option. Talk to your contractor today and consider the benefits this products offers.

Many homeowners wonder if it is possible to have the charm and appearance of wood without the maintenance. They also appreciate the texture of wood siding, but don’t want the hassle of having to paint it year after year. Are there options for your Virginia siding project that provide the beauty and form you’re looking in a vinyl siding product?

You may be surprised to find out just how many choices there are.

How Can Vinyl Look Like Wood?

Wood is distinct due to its natural color and rich texture. Vinyl, on the other hand, is often void of texture and comes in a glossy finish. It is available in a wide variety of colors that can easily mimic the natural tone of wood, but this alone will not create the appearance you want.

Vinyl siding manufacturers are now offering lines that include different wood grain textures and a matte or low gloss finish. This will eliminate the glare and shine that is associated with traditional vinyl and provide a more authentic wood appearance.

Which Types of Wood Siding Are Being Imitated?

There are various types of wood siding being used today - from beaded planks to shiplap and log walls. Basic styles are available from a wide assortment of manufacturers and you can even find more specialized styles from a few established brands.

Shiplap siding is the most traditional form of vertical siding on the market and easily imitated by vinyl products. Besides color and texture, the key element to produce a genuine look is the profile. True wood siding products have a deep profile and the most advanced vinyl lines mimic this. Profiles on vinyl siding produce shadows and a certain character on the exterior of your home, much like genuine wood siding does. But even with the texture, low gloss finish and profiles, vinyl siding is virtually maintenance free.

You can even find vinyl products to use on your Virginia siding project that will create the appearance of a log home. This style is certainly distinct and will provide the rustic charm of a log cabin (along with the ability to insulate well) without the traditional maintenance.

Benefits of Vinyl Over Wood

It will depend on your tastes, but vinyl does provide a number of benefits over wood for your Virginia siding project. Vinyl is extremely durable and resistant to extreme weather conditions. It is also easily cleaned up with water and will not require any staining or additional protection.

You may also find that vinyl products are less expensive than wood options, but it will depend on the brand you choose. Installation is quick and easy with vinyl, requiring less handling than wood which may result in a lower labor cost. Again, each job will be different and the specifications, trim and installation conditions will determine the exact price.

If you are longing for the look of wood siding yet require the low maintenance features of vinyl, ask your Virginia siding retailer what options are available. With low gloss finishes and natural colors, as well as deep profiles and the texture of wood, today’s products combine the best of both worlds. Capture the reliability of vinyl with the charm of wood in your choice of siding products, available at quality retailers today.

New builds in Virginia, home additions and major renovations will require exterior siding to be complete. You have a few different choices when it comes to Virginia siding, but for many homeowners it will come down to the two most popular – vinyl or brick. Both of the options have benefits and drawbacks that can leave the homeowners confused and undecided. Have a look at each type to help you see which is best for your home.

Vinyl Siding For Your Virginia House

Lending a certain Colonial charm to the neighborhood, vinyl sided homes are also low maintenance and durable. Vinyl presents a clean face on your home and will retain its color and attractive appearance for decades without any more than a hose down once or twice a year.

Today’s vinyl products are injected with color so that even scratches and gouges will not overly mar the finish. It provides excellent protection against moisture and heat, although it may have difficulty holding out against high winds and strong storms after a time.

Vinyl siding is relatively inexpensive and easy to install. It is also flexible and works well in gables and other odd shapes on the facade of your home. There are a wide variety of colors available and matching or complimentary color schemes can be easily found through a number of reputable suppliers.

When repairs to your Virginia siding are necessary it is advantageous to have a vinyl product installed. Components and parts are affordable and repairs are fast and simple, for the most part. When compared to the finicky repairs necessary on brick siding, replacements and renovations to vinyl sided homes are more straightforward and worry-free.

Brick Siding For Your Virginia Home

We know the story of the Three Little Pigs and how the brick house saved the piglets from the Big Bad Wolf. In the same way many homeowners feel safer and more secure behind brick siding. There is a sense of solidity that may be missing from a house finished with vinyl siding, although brick can be just as vulnerable when disaster strikes. In fact, many home insurance policies will not cover masonry damage should an earthquake or other natural disaster damage your brick siding.

Brick cuts down on street noise significantly, creating a quieter, more peaceful home inside. Installed along with the proper insulation and airtight seals, brick walls help to create an energy efficient home that will stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter. The same can be said for vinyl siding, however. It depends more on the quality of insulation and the construction techniques used behind the siding.

Brick is more expensive than vinyl, both for the product itself and the labor to install. Repairs are costlier as well, although brick is very durable and will be maintenance free for at least a few decades. After that point you will likely need to repoint the bricks to fix up deteriorating mortar.

When you are building a new home or putting on an addition your choice of Virginia siding is likely to come down to brick or vinyl. Consider using a combination of the two to enjoy all of the benefits and control the construction costs. If you would rather one over the other, rest assured that both are excellent choices to create an attractive and low maintenance exterior home finish.

Nasty and even disastrous weather conditions have been felt across the country this spring. High winds and heavy rain are bound to cause damage to the exterior finish on homes and repairs are often necessary. Both the product that you choose and the steps of installation taken will help you make the most of your Virginia siding replacement.

Under It All

Vinyl siding is commonly seen on homes both large and small. And although this product is an excellent choice for durability and appearance, it is the underlayment that makes the most difference to the comfort level inside your home. Good quality underlayment will increase the R-value of the exterior finish, providing better insulation against heat loss and reducing your utility bills. Also, the strength of the underlayment will be an effective barrier against wetness caused by rain, sleet and snow.

The stability of the material installed underneath your vinyl siding allows for a stronger hold. When the fasteners have something substantial to grip they are more resistant to the forces of wind and rain that accompany heavy storms. Hurricanes and tornadoes are the ultimate test, but using the strongest underlayment available best protects your family.

Installing a thicker underlayment can also reduce the noise levels on the interior of your home. If you live in a high traffic area or find that noise upsets your sleep patterns, be sure to ask for a layer of thick foam board or rigid foam insulation. This will help to absorb the sound from outside and create a more peaceful, quiet atmosphere inside the house.

Maintenance Matters

Consider maintenance requirements when it’s time to replace your Virginia siding. Steer clear of products that require frequent attention and have a closer look at those that provide a worry-free finish. Vinyl siding is an excellent alternative that will never rot and can be cleaned to a shine with simple soap and water. This material is also available in many different styles and colors to provide a beautiful finish on your home.

Other styles of siding require more work to ensure durability and a clean, attractive look. Wood siding is a good choice for energy efficiency and creating a charming appearance, but this material will need regular staining or painting to remain durable. The weight of wood siding may help to reduce future wind damage and targeted replacement is simple with this material, but vinyl is still a much better choice for maintenance.

Quality Brands

Ensure that the brand of siding you choose will provide a durable, long lasting finish. Certain inexpensive vinyl product lines do not contain enough pure vinyl to resist cracking even in normal weather conditions. And these cheaper lines are also prone to fading due to the use of a lower quality coloring agent. Look at the overall value of a product before deciding and remember to consider this replacement project an investment in your home. Good quality is designed to last, meaning money will be saved in the long run.

If the recent wild weather has left your exterior home finish damaged call a professional siding installer to find out the best options for a Virginia siding replacement. High quality, low maintenance products installed with a strong, stable underlayment is your optimum choice.

It only makes sense that homeowners want to save money on their heating and cooling bills. You also want to be comfortable inside your home at all times of the year. When it comes to replacing the siding on your Virginia home, does this choice matter to overall energy efficiency? It’s important to consider which type of Virginia siding best suits your tastes, but don’t discount the properties that are unique to each type.

Outlining Siding Options

Maybe you are planning to replace only a portion of the siding, in which case you will need to go with a similar product (or at least one that compliments the existing siding well). But when you are investing in a complete replacement or tackling an addition the options are wide open.

You could install vinyl siding, a popular and affordable alternative that also boasts the benefits of being low maintenance and long lasting. But vinyl likely has the least insulation value of all siding types. Make sure that you are installing this product onto a stable flat surface that has been properly covered in house wrap.  Without a solid wrap against the effects and infiltration of wind, rain, snow and sleet your home will be inefficient and at risk of serious damage. Mold, mildew and other water damage are a result of contractors and DIY enthusiasts that have skipped this step. Plywood or other sheathing products must have a solid wrap free from tears, rips and other gaps in order to maintain efficiency.

Other options include natural wood siding and fiber cement board. Both present a distinct appearance and carry a much higher price tag than vinyl. Wood and fiber cement (a mixture of wood fibers and cement dust made to resemble wood with less maintenance required) will offer a higher insulation value for your home, but only when installed and maintained correctly.

Professional Installers

One of the most important factors for ensuring energy efficiency is the installation of your Virginia siding. A trained professional will be able to measure and prepare the materials properly, install them with care and include all of the finishing touches that make your home tight and efficient. Gaps, cracks and holes in the siding will create drafts and cut down on the comfort level inside – increasing your heating and cooling costs considerably. When you are investing in a project it pays to make sure it is done right and a professional will help you get there.

This is especially true when dealing with fiber cement siding. Dangerous and difficult to handle due to the composition of the product, fiber cement siding is not recommended for a DIY job. Wood siding is simple to handle, but when gables, dormers, trim and corners are involved even simple wood siding layouts can get the best of you. Hiring a pro will save you time and ensure a top quality finish backed by a service warranty.

Although you want it to look good, Virginia siding also has an impact on the level of energy efficiency in your home. Be sure to choose the best product, install house wrap underneath and call on the services of a pro to seal up your home in the best possible way.

Siding is available in a number of different materials and brands, from vinyl to concrete, wood and aluminum. A siding installation contractor is a specialist that knows the specifics on how to handle each different type. You’ll find a lot of companies that offer Virginia siding installation, but not as many that truly know what they’re doing.

How can you find those treasured expert installers amidst the selection of others? By avoiding these top five mistakes that homeowners commonly make that may leave them with a substandard product and/or installation.

1) Getting Less Than Three Estimates

You may have an iron clad referral from a trusted friend, but that shouldn’t stop you from getting at least three estimates from different Virginia Siding installers. Not only will this allow you to better compare the professionalism of each company, overall price and the level of pre-sale service, but having a three estimate minimum will stop you from making impulsive decisions about who to hire.

2) Not Checking the References of Contractors In the Running

When you’ve narrowed down the playing field and think you have a winner, be sure to ask for references that include past customers you can speak directly to. Once you have those names, by all means call them. Visit the house and have a close look at the siding installation job, if at all possible. This is the only way you can truly get a sense of what to expect from this contractor.

3) Not Checking For Local Licensing and Insurance Coverage

You’ve likely called local contractors, but it’s worth checking to be sure that the contractor you’re interested in is licensed to work in your area. Find out if they are a member of any local builder’s associations or BBB chapters. It’s also a good idea to get the name of their insurance company, just to make sure they are covered by a local agent that’s close at hand should anything go wrong.

4) Falling For Offers to “Install At Cost”

It’s commonly seen after a natural disaster has caused widespread damage, but fly by night contractors are always roaming around looking for a few homeowners to hook. If a deal sounds too good to be true it probably is and you’re best to avoid it.

Often these cheaper than the industry average companies ask for a sizeable deposit or payment in full up front, which should be an immediate red flag to homeowners. A deposit is normal, but paying more than half of the total price before any work is done is not necessary.

5) Not Asking For a Lien Waiver When All is Said and Done

Because of the job’s size, your siding installer may put a lien on the contract from the beginning to protect his/her investment in the labor and materials of the job. After completion that lien is waived to remove it from your home and close the job off completely. Some homeowners forget to have that final step done and end up with a hassle when time comes to sell. It’s a small step, but one that causes major headaches if it gets missed.

Hiring the right Virginia siding installation contractor can be a longer than expected process. But you’ll be much happier with the final result when you take the time to find the best siding industry expert around.

Weather is a powerful thing and the major function of our homes is to protect our families from the effects of harsh weather. But what protects the house? When it is properly installed, Virginia siding actually shelters your home and family from more than the weather. Siding creates a better sealed environment that helps produce improved air quality and better overall health.

As an added plus, siding provides Virginia homes with a clean, well tailored look. More affordable than other finishing options for your exterior walls, siding delivers a host of benefits that may surprise you.

Improve Older Virginia Homes

The character of traditional homes can be easily revived with Virginia siding. Those classic colors that graced your home in years gone by can be brought to life again with siding, available in a wide array of custom colors made to echo the glories of the past. But that’s not all this product will do.

Moisture is an enemy of your home and it can become a major problem with older homes. Newly built Virginia homes are sealed tight against the damage moisture can inflict on wood framing and the structural components of your house. Even if there are no visible holes, moisture has a nasty way of seeping into hidden gaps and cracks. That moisture will slowly but surely attack the sheathing and other vulnerable elements underneath. Often older homes are left inadvertently exposed to this type of damage.

That’s where Virginia siding can come in and improve the situation.

Having a pro install siding on your home will ensure a much tighter seal against the elements and moisture that’s constantly trying to get in. The siding will create a jacket or cover around your home and the extremely durable, low maintenance finish will last for years in any weather.

Keep Other Enemies Out

Siding doesn’t just block moisture. Pests such as ants, cluster flies, termites and wasps like to make their homes in and behind old siding. If the siding is loose, damaged or simply rotting away, the insects will basically move in and serious damage to the exterior and interior of your home will be the result.

If air borne allergies are a concern in your home talk to a professional about the latest lines of Virginia siding that will better seal the harmful elements from entering your home. Keep the dust mites, bacteria and mold out of your house and create better indoor air quality by replacing your old siding with one of the newer, more technologically advanced brands of siding.

Because You’re Worth It

Your family deserves to live in a home that is well protected from the harsh elements. Allergy sufferers deserve to have better air quality that means less sickness and uncomfortable conditions while relaxing at home. And wouldn’t it be wonderful if the exterior of your home was brought back to the beauty it once had?

Installing new siding will do the trick. Your home will be better protected, the air quality inside healthier and the curb appeal of your home much improved. Give a Virginia siding contractor a call today to get started on this home improvement project.