How Vinyl Siding Is Made And Maintained
Vinyl siding can be an attractive and durable option for home siding. It's one of the most common siding options used today. You can choose from horizontal and vertical boards. Plus, the siding comes in many colors that make the panels look like painted or stained wood. Here's a look at what vinyl home siding is made from and some tips for maintaining it once you have it installed.
Vinyl Siding Is Made In Layers
A typical vinyl siding panel has two layers made of polyvinyl chloride. The top layer also has ingredients that protect against UV damage and fading, and that add color. The bottom layer often contains limestone. Some siding panels have a third layer of foam insulation.
Due to the way the siding is manufactured so that color pigments are added to the vinyl rather than being painted on, the color is permanent. This is why the siding typically doesn't even need to be painted. Also, since the siding is made of PVC rather than wood, even though the panels may look like wood, there are no problems with rotting and insect damage.
Vinyl Siding Is Low Maintenance
One of the most desirable aspects of vinyl siding is that it requires very little care. If a panel gets damaged due to an impact, the panel is easy to patch up or replace with a new one.
You might want your siding contractor to leave you several panels when you get your siding installed. You can keep them in your garage so you always have spares for repairs. That way, you won't have to worry about finding a color match if the color of your siding is discontinued in a few years.
Vinyl is a light material, so it's easy to work with when installing and making repairs. You might be able to repair the siding yourself, but if you can't, be sure to call a professional to do the job when needed so rain doesn't get behind the siding through cracks and get the walls of your house wet.
Vinyl siding won't need to be painted or have old paint scraped off, but like any other siding, it will collect dust, dirt, and stains. You'll want to wash the siding to keep it clean. Making that an annual chore is usually a good idea so your siding stays fresh and attractive.
You don't need special cleaners or equipment. You can use vinyl siding cleaner and a power washer if you want, but you can also just use mild soap and a garden hose to get the siding clean. Just be sure to rinse well so there is no streaky residue left behind.
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