When you think about maintaining the exterior of your home, a few different things probably come to mind. These may include roofing, windows, and most importantly, siding. But how much do you know about your home’s vinyl siding and how to properly maintain it?
As with any piece of home maintenance, knowledge is power. And without the proper knowledge, you might endanger the integrity of your siding, bay windows, and roofing repairs.
Whether you’re getting ready for siding installation or you simply want to learn how to better maintain the vinyl siding you already have, here are eight important facts you might need to get on top of that maintenance schedule.
1.
Vinyl siding is engineered with polyvinyl chloride — the third most popular synthetic plastic polymer in the world! It was first introduced in the 1950s as an alternative to aluminum siding.
2.
The vast majority of siding is rated for wind speeds up to 110 MPH. But if the wind does damage it or rip it off, vinyl siding installation is quick and simple.
3.
More than 30% of homes in the U.S. have vinyl siding on them! That makes vinyl the most-used residential siding material in the nation.
4.
It is almost 2.5 times less expensive than mid-grade cedar clapboard siding. So not only is it durable, it’s extremely cost-effective!
5.
Vinyl siding repairs are easier than almost any other siding repairs. Where in other cases, siding repair may require extensive work, vinyl repairs can be as simple as replacing a panel or two.
6.
It requires less maintenance than almost any other type of siding. Unlike wood, it never requires sanding or staining.
7.
Vinyl siding can cost anywhere from $3 to $7 per square foot. So to side a 2,800-square foot home, you could probably expect to pay between $8,400 and $19,600.
8.
All you need to clean it is a hose, a water-vinegar solution, and a good scrub brush. Talk about simple maintenance!
If you’re not an expert in vinyl siding installation, that’s okay! But you should know enough about your siding to be able to take good care of it. With any luck, these eight facts have helped boost your knowledge levels a bit!
