Vinyl siding questions

[Skinnywater]

I'm gathering information on vinyl siding for my 1600 sq.ft. single level home. It currently is built with a wood composite siding and the home is was a cheap one built in 1981.<br />I have access to the usual local companys that sends salesmen around begging to give me a quote.<br />Then there is Sears.<br />What I'd really like to do is buy the materials and put it on myself.<br /><br />If I decide to have it installed what has been your experiences?<br />As far as a DIY job, how'd it go?<br />Prices?<br />Is aluminum a better way to go?

 

[Bart Sr.]

Re: Vinyl siding questions

I took off the hard siding on my home in 2000 and put on vinyl.I was getting bids as high as $15k for tear-off and replace.That included disposal.<br />But I figured I could use my experience and do it myself.This became a MAJOR project as I wound up doing the roof,putting on aluminum vented soffits, putting in two small windows and both garage entry doors and the siding.<br />After it was all done we had $7k spent.This increased our home's value by $15k.<br />In hindsight I feel the aluminum would have been better due to color fade.<br />MY "best advice" to you for cost effective replacement would be to apply aluminum yourself.If you have never done siding yourself you should check out the "how to" videos.<br />If you go with vinyl be sure to use a .04 or better thickness.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Vinyl siding questions

Basically a very easy install. You might have to invest in some time. The toughest part will be the challanges around the windows and how to finish it off.<br /><br />Absolutely work the money to install. Cuts way back on your heating/cooling costs with a pretty fast return.<br /><br />Bob

 

[SlowlySinking]

Re: Vinyl siding questions

Good advice from the members, a real money saving do-it-yourself job but expect to devote lots of time. Most siding contractors recommend stripping but in most cases it only affects the bottom line, your wallet. I would add a layer of foam insulation board under the siding or use the vinyl siding with the insulation attached. Aluminum is okay but dents too easy. Like any do-it-yourself job, it's all in the research and planning.

 

[tommays]

Re: Vinyl siding questions

i did it and it was a LOT of work ripping off the OLD<br /><br />i would use tyvek or a different house wrap its good stuff<br /><br /><br />i had a guy do the trim in aluminium its a littel beyond DIY because of the price of a brake<br /><br />i would plan on doing the soffits in vinyl also<br /><br />you really should do the trim and soffits first<br /><br />it took a LONG time but i saved a LOT of money<br /><br />tommays

 

[Holdimhook]

Re: Vinyl siding questions

What tommays said. It's harder to take the old off than to install the new. Take your time and don't get in a hurry. It's really straightforward and not very difficult once you get into it, and you'll save a TON of money!

 

[Skinnywater]

Re: Vinyl siding questions

Thank you all.<br />I'm leaning towards aluminum because of the normal 1-2 months of 100f days we get here. The sun is so dang intense and I'm afraid of the vinyl warping after a few years.<br />When I said my home has existing wood composite siding, and not being a carpenter, I think what it's called is sheating? This is 4x8 sheets of a pressed wood product that has a wood texture, it's painted. It is nailed to the stud frameing and sandwiches the insulation between the sheetrock.<br />I'm assuming I won't need to strip that?? Am I off base by thinking it can be simply covered?<br />Naturally I'd secure loose edges and loose nails. <br /><br />The trim at the corners, around windows and doors is a 1x3 painted roughsawn. I expect to strip this and replace it. And while I'm at it I'll be replacing all my windows, 10 of them in varying sizes.<br /><br />Last major project was 4 years ago when I took a 2 week vacation, striped the composite roof and replaced it with a metal one. It took 4k in materials and a month to complete with help from wife and kids. A very difficult but nice project.<br /><br />I think the siding project might even be easier if I don't have to strip the outside of my home off!

 

[Bart Sr.]

Re: Vinyl siding questions

You have what we in Minnesocold call "eight inch on center."<br />Tyvek paper is code required here.<br />Since you have done the roof project we know you have skills so you should be fine.<br />You should be able to go right over the top of that siding.<br />Do some checking to make sure you comply with state and local codes.<br />Good luck.

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: Vinyl siding questions

I'm like 90% sure Aluminum is against the law here in MA - I didn't even think they made it anymore. The problem with AL is what happens if your house catches on fire. Aluminum siding keeps fire inside your house, intensifying the heat and literally turning your house into a furnace. Aluminum siding also creates serious problems for firefighters because it makes it difficult to locate the source of a wall fire...You should check local codes...<br /><br />Today's vinyl is so good (if you use a good brand) it won't warp or fade. Here in the Northeast where we have severe weather of almost every description, all you see used is vinyl. It lasts decades...

 

[Ron G]

Re: Vinyl siding questions

Have you looked into hardiplank alot of people around here are going to that instead of vinyl its like the old wood siding but it does not rot and is easy to install?

 

[Twidget]

Re: Vinyl siding questions

I wouldnt worry too much about your 100* days. People around here have used vinyl for years with no problem. Trust me on this one, I used to live in Vacaville, the Texas sun in much harsher than in northern California.<br /><br />There is a company here advertising a vinyl with an integrated foam backing. I was told the foam is mainly to keep the vinyl from getting wavy. I dont know if the integrated foam would add any benefit or not. <br /><br />Hardiplank is all the rage here at the moment.

 

[Booner]

Re: Vinyl siding questions

Skinnywater: look at this: http://www.jameshardie.com/ <br /><br />James Hardie: World leader in fiber cement siding.<br />Yes cement siding its almost indestructible its much beater than vinyl. The house I live in now has Hardie siding and I think it’s the best stuff on the market.<br />Its hail resistant, can be painted I think 25 year warranty. You wont put a rock through it mowing. My kids practice volleyball bumping and serving against it. <br /><br />The last house I lived in had vinyl siding I didn’t care for it much. Weed eater will break the trim, lawn mower can put a rock through it, and you can’t paint it so you’re stuck with one color for life.

 

[Ron G]

Re: Vinyl siding questions

You can also use a solid color stain on hardiplank,endless color variations from paint to natural wood looking.

 

[Twidget]

Re: Vinyl siding questions

Yes cement siding its almost indestructible its much beater than vinyl.

It may be better than vinyl long term, but it is not indestructible. My house has it along the back and on the eaves. <br /><br />When my son was 6, he bounced a baseball off the house and broke the siding. <br /><br />Overall, it is great stuff though. It takes paint a lot better than wood. The house is only 3 years old and the hardiplank portion still looks like new. The cedar trim around the windows hasn't fared nearly as well.

 

[NathanY]

Re: Vinyl siding questions

Skinny, I used to work for Sears Home Central out of Tulsa OK back in 99-01 as a sub, then before that for my dad. If there is anything that I can help with, just shoot me an email.<br /><br />Basically, you dont need to tear any wood siding off of your house. It makes for good insulation. Wrap it in the 3/4 pink foam. It comes in 4x8 sheets, and is tongue and groove. The foam is very dense, and has an R rating higher than 4" fiberglass insulation.

 

[Skinnywater]

Re: Vinyl siding questions

Nothing but quality people here on Iboats.<br />Thanks for the additional options and considerations.<br />I'll have my ducks in a row by Spring. I'll keep you informed on my choice and it's install.<br /><br />Nate I'll probably be in touch.