When it comes to vinyl siding, many homeowners are attracted to the idea of tackling the job themselves to save money. But it’s essential to consider the risks of a DIY installation because, while installing vinyl siding may seem simple at first glance, there are a number of factors to consider.
In this blog post, we’ll explore vinyl siding, its benefits, the risks of a DIY installation, and the importance of hiring a professional to ensure it is installed correctly and efficiently.
What Is Vinyl Siding?
Vinyl siding is an exterior cladding material made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin. It is a popular choice for homeowners because of its durability, low maintenance requirements, and attractive appearance. Vinyl siding can be found in various colors, textures, and styles, making it a versatile option for any home.
Vinyl siding consists of a series of panels designed to interlock with one another. These panels are typically installed horizontally, although they can also be installed vertically or in a pattern that mimics the look of traditional wood siding. The panels are usually around 12 feet long and come in a variety of widths.
One of the benefits of vinyl siding is its low maintenance requirements. Unlike wood siding, which needs to be repainted or stained every few years, vinyl siding is designed to be virtually maintenance-free. It doesn’t require painting or staining and can be easily cleaned with a pressure washer or garden hose.
Another benefit of vinyl siding is its durability. It is resistant to many elements that can damage other types of siding, such as rot, insects, and moisture. Vinyl siding also has a high resistance to impact, meaning that it is less likely to dent or crack than other materials.
Vinyl siding is also an energy-efficient option for homeowners. It can help reduce energy costs by insulating the home and reducing the heat that escapes during the winter. Some types of vinyl siding are even designed to reflect heat away from home during the summer, helping to keep the interior cool and comfortable.
Overall, vinyl siding is popular for homeowners because of its durability, low maintenance requirements, and attractive appearance. If you’re considering updating the exterior of your home, vinyl siding is definitely worth considering.
Benefits of Vinyl Siding
As we mentioned in the previous section, vinyl siding is a durable, affordable, energy-efficient option that will last at least 20 years (if properly maintained).
Did you know those are just a few benefits of vinyl siding? Other benefits include:
- Attractive appearance: Vinyl siding is available in various colors, textures, and styles, making it a versatile option for any home. No matter what you’re looking for, you can accomplish it with vinyl siding.
- Affordability: Vinyl siding is typically less expensive than other types of siding, making it a cost-effective option for homeowners on a budget.
- Long lifespan: With proper installation and maintenance, vinyl siding lasts at least 20-30 years, making it an ideal choice for homeowners who don’t want to replace their siding every few years.
- Environmentally friendly: Vinyl siding can be recycled, reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.
- Versatility: Vinyl siding can be installed on any type of home, from modern to traditional and everything in between.
Risks of DIY Vinyl Siding Installation
As tempting as attempting a DIY vinyl installation might be, it’s not recommended for several reasons. Lack of experience, safety hazards, and incorrectly installing the vinyl are just a few of the hazards you might risk. Let’s take a closer look.
- Lack of experience: Vinyl siding installation requires a certain level of expertise to ensure proper installation. Without adequate experience, DIYers may struggle with the installation process, leading to mistakes that can be costly to fix.
- Safety hazards: Installing vinyl siding on a tall ladder or roof can be dangerous, particularly for those without experience or proper safety equipment.
- Incorrect installation: Incorrect installation can lead to various problems, such as gaps between panels, improper alignment, or improper sealing. This can result in moisture penetration, drafts, and damage to your home’s structure.
- Voided warranty: Many manufacturers require professional installation to maintain the warranty on their products. Attempting to install vinyl siding on your own may void the warranty and leave you with no protection if something goes wrong.
- Time-consuming: Vinyl siding installation can be a time-consuming process, particularly for those who are not experienced. DIYers may find that the installation process takes much longer than anticipated, leading to frustration and lost time.
Why You Should Hire a Professional
Hiring a professional to install your vinyl siding might seem simple, but it’s a game changer. You’re not just purchasing the installation; with it comes increased safety, customization options you might not know about on your own, and the expert advice of the professional installer. Let’s take a closer look.
- Proper installation: A professional vinyl siding installer has the knowledge, skills, and experience to install your siding correctly. This includes proper alignment, sealing, and fastening to prevent moisture penetration, drafts, and other problems.
- Quick and efficient installation: A professional installer can complete the installation process quickly and efficiently, saving you time and hassle.
- Safety: Vinyl siding installation can be dangerous; a professional installer has the necessary safety equipment and training to ensure a safe installation.
- Warranty protection: Many manufacturers require professional installation to maintain the warranty on their products. By hiring a professional installer, you can ensure that your warranty remains valid and protects you in case of any problems.
- Cost-effective: While it may seem like a DIY installation is a cost-effective option, as we mentioned earlier, mistakes and poor installation can lead to costly repairs down the road. A professional installation can ensure that your siding is installed correctly the first time, potentially saving you money in the long run.
- Customization: A professional installer can help you choose the right type of vinyl siding for your home and customize the installation to your specific needs and preferences.
- Expert advice: A professional installer can provide expert advice on maintenance and upkeep to ensure your vinyl siding lasts as long as possible.
While it may be tempting to attempt a DIY vinyl siding installation, hiring a professional can ensure that your siding is installed correctly, safely, and efficiently and gets you warranty protection.
Leave Vinyl Installation to the Professionals at Mountain States Windows and Siding
If you’re considering vinyl siding installation for your home, choosing a company with the knowledge, skills, and experience to do the job right is important.
At Mountain States Windows and Siding, we specialize in vinyl siding installation and have a team of trained professionals who can ensure a safe and efficient installation process.
Contact us today (801.572.8039) to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help protect your home with high-quality vinyl siding. Don’t risk costly mistakes and poor installation; trust the Mountain States Windows and Siding experts for all your vinyl siding installation needs.
