How Is Vinyl Siding Sold?
Vinyl siding is used on the exterior of many new homes, and it can be installed to replace existing siding as well. The easiest way to buy it is through a hired contractor who will measure and install it. But if you want to do it yourself, there are some points you should consider. Does this Spark an idea?
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Types and Styles
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The most common vinyl siding is white or off-white and looks like wooden siding. The profiles differ from brand to brand. The profile is the shape of the individual panels, or what shape of board the siding mimics. As of 2010, colored vinyl siding is becoming more popular as techniques have been perfected that prevent the colored vinyl from fading in the sun. You can also get vinyl siding that looks like vertical boards, and trim sections that look like shake-and-shingle style siding.
Benefits
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Vinyl siding is relatively easy to install. Once installed, it is virtually maintenance free and lasts many more years than painted wood siding will last before needing a new paint job. It has the advantage of looking like wood siding, and it's also durable, pest-resistant, water-proof and energy efficient.
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How Siding is Sold
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Home improvement warehouses sell siding in boxes and cases. Buy enough siding to cover your house, including various trim pieces. J-channel trims are used on the sides of doors and windows. There are also special trim pieces for under a window. And you need corner posts for the corners of the building. Most corners are outside corners, but they also make a piece that helps you fit the siding together for a corner where part of the building juts out and forms what is known as an inside corner where it meets the main part of the building.
How to Buy
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One way to buy siding is to measure your house, do the calculations and just buy or order it from a home improvement store. Most stores will deliver it if you don't have a truck large enough to bring it home. But you can also ask for the store's help in calculating the amount needed, or you can contact contractors or installers directly and ask for estimates. Contractors will measure and purchase the siding and install it for one fee. Find installers or contractors in your area by asking for recommendations from a lumber yard or home improvement store, or ask friends and neighbors to recommend someone who did similar work for them.
How to Measure
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Measure the length and width of your house. If your house is not a single rectangle, measure all sides to get the entire perimeter measurement. Then measure the height of the sided surfaces (from the bottom of the siding to the top where it meets the roof). Multiply the perimeter and the height together to get the area of the surface that requires siding. For an area on the side of a peaked roof, calculate the area of the triangular part separately (multiply height by width and then divide by two) and add it to the first number. Measure the area of any openings that don't require siding, such as windows and doors. Add these up and subtract the sum from the area that requires siding. Consult the manufacturer or store to determine the number of square feet each box of siding covers, and divide to determine how many boxes to buy.
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References
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- Photo Credit house siding 3 image by Psycience from Fotolia.com
