Advantages of the Different Types of Siding Offered

Aluminum or Vinyl Siding: These siding options are available on new homes as well as often put on over older types of siding. The biggest advantage of this type of siding is that they do not require painting. The disadvantage is that aluminum siding dents and vinyl siding cracks. For Vinyl there are brands that will hold up longer than others, but they also come with a price tag. It is also worth mentioning that this type of siding is very easy to clean and maintain.

Masonite Siding or Hardi Plank: These siding options have a similar appearance but offer very different results. Masonite siding deteriorates over time and requires painting, caulking and routine upkeep. Hardi Plank (a brand name) is a similar looking product but is made of cement and therefore does not rot. It is growing in popularity and is a terrific alternative to Masonite.

Brick or Stone: Both of these products provide an excellent siding option. They are virtually indestructible as well as attractive. They do not require the routine maintenance that other types of siding require. The biggest drawback is price, but in this area it is possible to get this type for much less than other areas in the country.

Stucco: Traditional stucco is made with cement and offers a solid, lasting, moisture proof siding. It is seen a great deal in Florida where the climate would require constant upkeep on other types of siding and the solid cement siding keeps the houses cooler than traditional siding.

Cedar Shakes: For those who love the look of cedar shakes, it is an excellent alternative to Masonite siding as it requires less maintenance. When treated with stain it does not rot or peel.

Veneer & Synthetic Siding: These siding alternatives give you the appearance of other types such as stucco or brick, but do not give you the quality or longevity.

Clapboard Siding: is made from solid wood, is more costly than other types of siding but lasts longer and looks better than other manufactured sidings such as Masonite. It is also a product that lends itself well to stain and therefore will not peel as siding that is painted.

Steel and Vinyl Coatings: These are becoming more and more popular. They are more expensive but are nearly indestructible thus requiring little maintenance. Vinyl Coatings are applied like paint but are much thicker. Since it is a relatively new product it is important to hire a professional company to do, it would be hard for someone without the tools to preform this task.

 

TUTORIAL

1. Siding sections are 12 feet long and 10 to 12 inches wide. The lower edge hooks onto a lock that is molded into the top of the piece underneath it. For the first bottom row of siding on a wall, begin by attaching the starter strip that came with the package. The bottom of the first vinyl section will lock into this strip.
   
2. Proceed up the wall, connecting each length of siding by locking it into the piece below it, then nailing it loosely into place, driving the nail into the wood studs or the sheathing. Adjust the lengths as needed by cutting them to allow for windows, doors, adjacent walls, etc.
   
3. Where the vinyl siding connects to a door, window, or wall will need the appropriate trim piece (included with the siding). These are meant to hold the vinyl in place, cover cuts and imperfections, and provide an area where the siding can swell and shrink according to the environment. Place these trim sections where they are needed. There should be a ¼ inch of space between the end of a piece of siding and the inside of the channel, to allow for expansion. Overlap pieces by no less than an inch.
   
4. At the outside corners, place the outer corner posts using the channel molded into the sides as your guide. Overlap two sections of J-channel trim at the top corner of windows and doors to send moisture down and to the sides of windows so that water won’t seep behind the siding or the trim.
   
5. Where vinyl siding lies against a horizontal surface, such as a window, you will need to place a piece of under sill trim. You will no doubt have to cut the top edge of the siding to fit, but the under sill trim has been designed to grasp onto this cut edge and hold it firmly. If you have to horizontally cut the siding, it helps to create small tabs along the cut edge with a snap lock punch tool. These tabs will help secure the siding to the trim.

Sources Include: www.ehow.com