Here at Integrity Exterior Solutions, we have advised many homeowners on the value that vinyl siding provides. When our customers are looking for new siding, they often select vinyl as their top choice before ever meeting with us because, after doing some light research, they soon discover that it is a very affordable, maintenance free siding. However, most of our customers have many more questions before they feel comfortable enough to commit to an investment in vinyl siding, so we have compiled a helpful list of some of the most popular questions that Tom Buck, owner of Integrity Exterior Solutions, has been asked on a regular basis.

Vinyl siding estimates are affected by a few different things. First the amount of vinyl siding required to cover your home will affect the total price, so having one of our project managers come out and take measurements of your home is very important in receiving an accurate quote for your new siding project. Second many of our customers also have additional work that needs to be performed to complete the project. For example, does the old siding need to be removed hauled away? Do you want house wrap or insulation added behind the siding? Is there additional soffit or trim work that needs to be completed? And finally, which vinyl siding products do you prefer?

It is possible to install vinyl siding over wood siding provided it is not rotting. We can also install furring strips on stucco or block walls and install vinyl siding directly over it. Installing vinyl siding over brick is not recommended. Cement board and old vinyl siding must be torn off a house before installing new vinyl siding.

With the right product, vinyl siding can last forever. If you install vinyl on your home properly and in fifty years you start to experience irregular fading, the manufacturer will cover parts and labor (warranties vary by manufacturer and product lines). The key is hiring the right company. A manufacturer will not guarantee against installation defects.

For most projects we would estimate roughly two weeks, but this is dependent on the size of the home and all the detail work that needs to be completed. If you’re working with another company and they’re moving significantly faster, they may be skipping steps that result in poor workmanship.

The only time vinyl siding will warp is if it is too tightly installed, and the only time vinyl siding will normally crack is if it’s a cheap vinyl siding. The cheaper builder grade products can have issues, that is why we generally recommend our customers use the premium products, but as some people are on tighter budgets, they will prefer more economic solutions. We will install what you feel is best for you and your home.

All vinyl siding will fade, but it fades evenly and at such a minimal amount that it’s not visible to the eye. Irregular fading can occur, but if it does occur, the manufacturer warranty will cover both the material and the labor to replace the defective product. Integrity Exterior Solutions will assist you with the paperwork required by the manufacturer.

The premium products that we offer do carry a hail resistance warranty, and the manufacturer will take care of materials and labor in the event of hail damage. But here’s what most people don’t realize about hail. It’s also impacting everything else that the manufacturer won’t cover. Window trim, chimney flashing, roofing and gutters that are affected by hail will also need to be replaced, and that’s an additional expense. When this happens, you will still need to take advantage of your home insurance. Integrity Exterior Solutions has been working with home owners and insurance companies in the Lincoln area for years and can help you with every step of the process.

We do install an energy-efficient siding product, but we also go a step above other companies in the area. We install house wrap on the home which eliminates any wind that could make it through the nooks and crannies in the house and reduces the chances of water infiltration. In addition to that we offer a 3.8 R-value fanfold insulation. This keeps your walls warmer and reduces your energy costs.

We recommend replacing your gutters. Here’s why: In most cases the downspouts will need to be removed when replacing the siding. This is a great time to upgrade to 3” downspouts. If you are changing your siding color you may also want to change the fascia and soffit color, this is easily done while the gutters are removed. As a side note, if you are doing a roofing project, you will want to make sure that you have a tarp over the vinyl siding to protect it from falling asphalt, tar, and nails.

No, once vinyl siding is on your house the chances of water getting through are few and far between.

Every 2-3 years, power wash your vinyl siding. Depending on your area, you may elect to do this more often, but our recommendation is to just perform this basic maintenance every couple of years.

Yes, but it is not going to be a long-term solution. The paint will not last, especially if it is in direct contact with the sun. We recommend selecting a color you will be happy with for years to come.

No. Wood siding products will sometimes attract critters like wasps, spiders, and woodpeckers. Installing vinyl will eliminate those pesky problems, provided that it is covered accordingly.

Let’s start with the positives. The benefits to Hardiplank and LP Smart Siding is that you can change the colors, whereas with vinyl siding it is final. We find that most people don’t want the work or expense that comes with changing colors, but some people may prefer to have the option. On the other hand, Hardiplank will not guarantee against fade, while the vinyl product we recommend does.

Hardiplank is about 30% cement fiber and the rest is additives. You may have seen some of the class action lawsuits regarding this product shrinking and cracking, leading to moisture intrusion and structural damage in homes. With the recent history we would recommend vinyl over Hardiplank. LP looks like wood, so some people may prefer that for aesthetic reasons.

Of the three products, vinyl is a great option because it’s low-maintenance and improves energy efficiency while some homeowners may prefer LP Smart Siding for its similar appearance to wood and the ability to change color. It may also matter to you that vinyl is typically more economical than LP and Hardiplank. We will install whichever the homeowner prefers.

In any event, Integrity Exterior Solutions can install all products to manufacturer specifications to assure a successful installation and no problems with the manufacturer in the future stating that it was improperly installed. This will protect your warranty and give you peace of mind.