Is vinyl siding good or bad?
Vinyl siding is a wildly popular exterior covering for a home for good reason: It’s inexpensive and durable, often coming with a lifetime warranty. So, vinyl siding lasts and lasts and lasts.
What are the pros and cons of vinyl siding?
Vinyl Siding Pros and Cons Let Us Help You Decide
- Vinyl Siding Pros and Cons Make an Informed Decision. In this article, we will discuss some of the pros and cons of vinyl siding. ...
- The Benefits of Vinyl Siding. Vinyl Siding is one of the most popular materials for home construction today. ...
- Potential Disadvantages of Vinyl Siding. ...
What should be under vinyl siding?
Vinyl siding can be installed over sheathing, foam board or the old siding using 1x4 nail strips. What must be immediately under the siding is a moisture barrier, like Home Wrap. Fan-fold foam or foam panels can work as moisture barrier if properly taped when installed. I have a hard time believing the tape stays, but that is how they do it ...
What are the steps to installing vinyl siding?
To install vinyl siding to the soffit and fascia area on your home, nail lengths of J-channel along the inner edge of the fascia, leaving the nail heads out about 1/32 to 1/16 of an inch. Next, measure and cut the siding to fit the measurements of your soffit, and push each panel into the J-channel.
Is there wood behind vinyl siding?
The wood that goes under residential siding – exterior sheathing – performs several functions. It adds insulation, waterproofing and structural support for the framing. It also provides a surface on which to nail the siding. The most common sheathing materials include oriented strand board and plywood.
What is the board behind the siding called?
Today siding is also made of cement board, but the same type of wood is used underneath the siding. This material is called sheathing. It firms up the exterior walls and forms a solid layer for the foam board and siding.
How can I tell what is under vinyl siding?
Vinyl siding has seams between the pieces. You can push/pull at one of these to make enough room to get a small pen light inside for a peak. You can also inspect around any protrusions like water faucets or vents. Lastly, you can get a special vinyl pulling tool that is a thin blade with a small hook at the end.
How is vinyl siding attached to the house?
21:5329:45How to install Vinyl Siding - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt is critical that the vertical panel floats between the upper and lower J channels fasten theMoreIt is critical that the vertical panel floats between the upper and lower J channels fasten the panel's not more than every 12 inches apart remember to nail in the center of the nail slots.
What goes between siding and studs?
Underlayment. Underlayment or weather resistive barrier (WRB) is installed between the siding and the sheathing. This can be tar paper or a house wrap such as HardieWrap® or Tyvek HomeWrap®.
What is siding attached to?
Siding or wall cladding is the protective material attached to the exterior side of a wall of a house or other building.
Can I drill into vinyl siding?
So, can you drill into vinyl siding? You can safely drill into any vinyl sidings if you take a few precautions and follow the correct steps. However, you should avoid doing drilling when the weather is cold as the siding can become brittle. You may want to consider using vinyl siding clips instead of drilling.
What insulation goes under siding?
1/2" Polystyrine Foam Board Insulation This is most common with vinyl siding. The foam board is nailed in place with washer head nails and should be taped at the seams to prevent air movement. The typical R-value of this product is R-2.5 to R-3.5 depending on the density of the foam board.
Can you take vinyl siding off a house?
A: Surprisingly, yes. You can remove it with little effort and in a way where you can easily reuse the pieces. Vinyl siding is installed from bottom to top, so start at the top and work your way down when removing it. The perimeter of every wall has trim pieces (J-channel, sill/utility trim, etc).
How do you hang something heavy on vinyl siding?
Locate the horizontal seam where the siding pieces snap together. Lift the upper siding piece lightly and slowly insert the hook between the seam, with the hooked side facing out. Push the hook firmly until it snaps into the seam. Hang any item no more than 12 pounds or according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
How do you remove vinyl siding?
0:022:31How to Remove and Replace a Section of Vinyl Siding - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipA japanese style puller's small claw makes it easier to grab the nail. Head. Once all the nails areMoreA japanese style puller's small claw makes it easier to grab the nail. Head. Once all the nails are removed push the siding piece straight down to free it from the course.
Do i need foam board under vinyl siding?
By installing insulation on the outside of the framing it causes the location of the dew point to move to the outside of the wall assembly. This reduces the likelihood of condensation within the wall cavity. The exterior insulation also helps keep the siding (all vinyl siding leaks!)
What Is House Wrap and How Does It Work?
House wrap is a water-resistive barrier (WRB) that keeps moisture from penetrating the house and allows vapor to escape, leaving the walls dry and lowering the risk of water damage.
Is It Mandatory To Install House Wrap Behind Vinyl Siding?
There are no specific laws or building codes requiring homeowners to install house wrap behind siding. So, in a way, you can get away with not wrapping your house in a protective waterproof barrier. But, the benefits of house wrap far outweigh the downsides.
Why Do You Need To Install House Wrap Behind Vinyl Siding?
Whether installing siding on an older house or a new build, you should factor in house wrap installation.
4 Common Myths on Installing House Wrap Behind Vinyl
Are common myths deterring you from installing house wrap? It is time to bust the myths to help you make more informed decisions. Some common misconceptions are:
Is House Wrap Expensive?
The cost of installing a protective moisture barrier behind the siding will depend on several factors. Labor, cost of material, and taxes will all add to the final installation cost.
How Hard Is It To Install House Wrap?
You might consider skipping the house wrap for fear that it will take up all your time. The truth is, you do not need to be a pro to install house wrap.
Does House Wrap Affect Ventilation?
House wrap is plastic, so it can prevent the house from ‘breathing,’ right? This is not true at all, and it should not prevent you from wrapping your house.
House wrap - explanation
House wrap is an exterior sheathing with a design and purpose to keep moisture and water infiltration away from the home, while at the same time allowing water vapor to escape out of the house. Some house wrap materials help to keep the cold air from blowing into a house, and that way provides an energy-efficient home.
How does it work?
House wrap is a material with very tiny perforations that are so small so that water molecules cannot pass through. Even if the water manages to get past your vinyl siding there is no chance to get into your home, because the house wrap will form the water-resistant barrier.
Installing house wrap under vinyl siding
Installing house wrap is a straightforward process and won’t require an unreasonable amount of time for your installing vinyl siding project. It is vital for this sheathing to be installed properly or you won’t get the optimal performance from this material.
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New siding over old siding
In new construction, builders may just choose vinyl siding from the beginning but with a renovation, the cost of removing the existing siding can cut into the cost savings of the project. So the unique approach is installing new siding over top of the old.
Energy efficiency
If the new siding material is not pre-insulated then siding underlayment may be needed to provide an additional layer of thermal protection, especially with new construction. Exterior insulation is so important to increasing interior comfort and lowering energy bills.
Vinyl siding installation
Even this is not an article that deals with vinyl siding installation, I think that it will be useful to say a few words about how this method works.
What is a Barricade House Wrap?
Barricade House Wrap is an economical option for the average home, offering moisture and tear resistance. Another advantage of this modern house wrap product is that it is semi-transparent in design, which makes installation and locating framing easier for your contractor.
What is house wrap?
The majority of house wrap you will find now is a lightweight, synthetic material primarily designed to be placed between the siding and the sheathing. There are different ratings for house wrap, depending on your budget and what level of moisture protection is best suited for your home.
Is vinyl siding waterproof?
Another benefit of quality vinyl siding is that it is highly water-resistant when correctly installed. Some contractors that favor vinyl may go so far as to say it’s borderline waterproof. In reality, although the vinyl material itself is waterproof, the numerous seams and gaps that occur during installation aren’t.
Can you wrap a house with vinyl siding?
There is no logical reason not to have house wrap under vinyl siding, and many authorities strongly agree that it should be viewed as mandatory, even if your local building codes don’t necessarily require it. Vinyl siding is one of, if not the most popular exterior cladding for residential homes. It is relatively easy to care for, has ...
Does vinyl siding need insurance?
Despite the good qualities of vinyl, it does pay to have extra insurance in the form of house wrap. Your vinyl siding will perform as the primary defense against moisture and air leaks, but your house wrap comes in strong as a secondary defense.
What is vinyl siding?
Vinyl siding is a durable form of plastic commonly used on the exterior of homes. It comes in many colors and styles, even imitating the look of wood and other siding materials.
Why is vinyl siding slick?
Vinyl siding's slick surface means that dust, cobwebs, and other debris slide off relatively easily when sprayed down with a garden hose. Because there is no paint to peel, you will never have to scrape, patch, prime, and paint your house's exterior surface.
How long does vinyl siding last?
Vinyl Siding Can Result in Other Maintenance Issues. Manufacturers often advertise that high-quality siding lasts about 20 to 30 years. However, depending on your climate, the siding might actually begin to show its age after only 10 to 15 years. Vinyl siding, especially dark siding, begins to fade in sunny climates.
Why does my siding split?
Siding planks often split or break due to the expansion and contraction caused by temperature changes. If a lawnmower sends a rock flying at your house, it may pierce the siding. Vinyl siding cannot be patched; the entire plank must be replaced.
How much does fiber cement siding cost?
As an example, 24 pieces of 4 1/2-inch by 145-inch ship lap horizontal vinyl siding, grey, will cost in the $150 to $200 range. 1 Comparably-sized shiplap fiber-cement siding will cost at least twice as much. Vinyl siding will nearly always be your cheapest home siding option.
Does vinyl siding flatten the exterior of a house?
Architecturally, vinyl siding tends to flatten the exterior of a home. Special molding and trim are obscured, resulting in a two-dimensional look. Since many home buyers regard vinyl siding as inferior, it may result in lower offers for your home if you should decide to sell.
Can you install vinyl siding yourself?
Once you have purchased vinyl siding, you can install it yourself, but most people rely on a contractor. Since vinyl siding's effectiveness depends on proper installation, a shoddy job means even worse troubles in the long-term. If your siding is nailed too tightly, it will expand, crack, bulge, or warp.
Why is vinyl siding so popular?
Vinyl siding is incredibly popular mainly because of its affordability, durability, and ease of maintenance. The fact that it is water-resistant is a quality that adds to its appeal. The question is: if vinyl is water-resistant, is there really any need of installing a house wrap behind your vinyl siding. You need a house wrap behind vinyl siding ...
What is the best insulation for vinyl siding?
Foam board insulation is the best underlayment for vinyl siding because it increases a home’s energy efficiency, improves the home’s soundproofing, and even increases the home’s value.
Why does house wrap perforate?
The added puncturing that it will incur due to the new siding installation can prove to be too much for it to create an effective moisture barrier for your home.
Why is it important to leave house wraps to contractors?
A poorly installed wrap can stifle air movement, lead to an unnecessary increase in a home’s humidity, and lead to moisture problems. This is why it is always advisable to leave the installation of house wraps to expert home wrapping contractors.
Why is my house wrap so bad?
This is because an improperly installed house wrap will cause poor airflow in a home. It will also act as a condensation surface where moisture gathers. The combination of these two things will encourage mold growth in vinyl sidings and even in the home. It will also lead to rotting and other moisture problems.
Why do we wrap our homes?
This is because mold loves moisture, and removing the source of water that is sustaining its survival and development is an effective way of discouraging an infestation.
What is a house wrap?
A house wrap is a type of WRB (Weather Resistive Barrier) that is designed to keep moisture from infiltrating homes, while at the same time being permeable enough to allow water vapor to escape out of the home.
What's Under My Siding?
I have a 1925 Craftsman Bungalow, and cannot wait to re side it. Is it possible the original wood siding is under there somewhere? Is it common practice to strip the house vefore vinyl siding is put up? I can see the original knee brace barackets that are boxed in. What do you guys think?
Comments (4)
I think there's only one way to find out what's underneath for sure and that's to remove the siding. I'd look for a place that isn't visible to the street, maybe behind some shrubs or near the back of the house and carefully remove a section.
Why is exterior insulation important?
The exterior insulation also helps keep the siding (all vinyl siding leaks !) further away from the exterior sheathing. Basically it creates another drainage plane that helps protect the sheathing and framing from damaging water infiltration.
Why is foam board insulation good?
One of the biggest advantages to installing exterior rigid foam board insulation is improved moisture control. By installing insulation on the outside of the framing it causes the location of the dew point to move to the outside of the wall assembly. This reduces the likelihood of condensation within the wall cavity.
Can you put rigid foam board on exterior walls?
By installing rigid foam board insulation on the exterior walls you’ll need to pay special attention to the details. You’ ll need longer nails for nailing trim and siding. You’ll need to properly flash window and door openings. You’ll also need to pay attention to window and door extension jamb depths as they will increase if ...
