One of the best-polished looks for your home is the wood-grained look of fiberglass coated with acrylic paint. Acrylic paint bonds to the fiberglass during the manufacturing process. The acrylic paint is weather resistant, retains its color, and resists fading, scratching, chipping and denting. The acrylic covered fiberglass siding is resistant to oxidation, rust, and corrosion.

The siding comes in a wide variety of colors, and you can choose from widths of 4” and 7”. Fiberglass comes in 16’ lengths that butt tightly together instead of lapping over. It gives an uninterrupted appearance and fits tightly enough that caulking is not necessary. It has a self-aligning interlock system that snaps into place for easy installation. The product is lightweight enough for one person to handle it.

Fiberglass siding has a built in water management system that uses clips to hold it away from the sheathing. It allows any water that gets behind the siding to drain and lets air continue to circulate drying out any possible moisture. The unique drainage system eliminates rotting and deterioration. Corners, trim and starter strips are made to go with the fiberglass siding.

The siding system is an eco-friendly product made from silica sand, which is a plentiful natural resource. The covering takes less energy to manufacture than many of the other siding options. The siding is lightweight and ultra durable. It has a low expansion and contract rate making it resistant to buckling, warping, and twisting. One difference from some of the other types of coverings is that fiberglass is so strong that insects cannot eat it, and rodents do not like it.

Fiberglass siding covered with acrylic paint lasts for years while maintaining a freshly painted wood grain finished appearance. The rich color acrylic is twice as hard and tough as regular paint. The weather resistant siding endures extreme temperatures making it ideal for any type of weather. It lasts as long in extremely cold temperatures as it does near salty ocean water. The product remains virtually maintenance free because of its resistant qualities.

Some people overlook fiberglass siding because initially it seems more expensive than other coverings. While other types of siding need caulking or other supplies to install, fiberglass does not making it more cost-effective than you might think at first glance. Add to that the long lasting durability and virtually no maintenance of fiberglass and it may actually be less expensive than other types of siding in the long term. Residing a home with fiberglass siding is long lasting, eco-friendly and increases the value of your home.

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Types of Brick Veneer

Brick veneers cover a wide range of colors and shapes. Any traditional brick or stone can be duplicated as a veneer. Brick veneers are typically made using molded clay mixed with iron oxide. The iron oxide gives the “bricks” the traditional red color that many homeowners seek. Recycled bricks from demolition sites are also used to make veneers, and you can even find lightweight veneers that are made using polyurethane. It is up to you to decide which type of brick veneer best suits your needs.

Application of Brick Veneer

The process of applying brick veneer to the exterior of a home is remarkably easy. The veneer itself is a little more than one-inch thick. It can either be applied directly to a metal lathe using mortar and placed, or the lathe itself can be applied to a plywood substructure. Regardless of the application method, vapor-barrier paper should be placed between the wall and the veneer. Brick is a permeable substance, and without a vapor barrier, moisture can collect between the veneer and the wall and cause permanent damage.

Because brick veneer siding installation involves the use of mortar, it is essential that a qualified mason performs the installation. In order for the brick veneer to do its job of duplicating the look and feel of traditional brick, quality masonry and grout work is a necessity.

Maintaining Brick Veneer

While brick veneer is durable, it is significantly thinner than brick block. Because of this, it is necessary to seal brick veneer in areas that routinely see sub-freezing temperatures. If the veneer is not properly sealed, it could experience damage from frost and flaking. In all other maintenance areas, brick veneer is remarkably similar to traditional brick block. It can be scrubbed and washed just like traditional brick.

Benefits of Brick Veneer

The primary benefit of installing brick veneer is the comparatively low cost of installation when compared to traditional brick blocks. Brick veneer requires approximately one quarter of the materials needed to make brick block. This is the primary reason that it is a much cheaper alternative to brick. In addition to it using a smaller amount of materials, it is also easier to install. Since it is not required to bear any weight, masons can install veneer much more quickly, and you save money on labor costs.

Brick veneer is seeing increased use in single-family homes and commercial buildings. It provides the look and feel of brick at a mere fraction of the cost. If the brick in your home is not going to be used for a load-bearing wall, there is no need to spend the extra money for whole brick blocks. It is easier and more cost effective to go with a simple brick veneer.

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On a piece of paper, make a sketch of your house from all four sides. This does not need to be exact, just a rough drawing will do. Locate the basic shapes that make up the exterior of your home: squares, rectangles and triangles. Do not forget to include any overhangs, the sides of dormers or other areas that will need to be sided. This makes the calculation of the total square footage much easier to complete.

Measure each square and rectangle, both height and width. Note your sketch with all measurements. To find the area of each section, multiply the height by the width. For the triangular sections you will need to first measure the base of the triangle and then measure from the half way point of the base to the top point of the triangle. Note these measurements on your sketch and then calculate the area of each triangle. The area of a triangle is found by multiplying the base times the height and dividing by two. Add the area of each section to find the total square footage for the exterior of your house.

You can then figure the area of doors and windows that do not need siding. Measure the height and width of each door and window on the exterior of the house. Multiply these together as before and then add each total together. Subtract this amount from the total square footage for the house to obtain the closest estimate needed to re-side your home. To allow for overlapping edges and waste, it is recommended that you multiply the total square footage of your house by 1.15. This is the final number you need to complete the estimate for the amount of siding needed to re-side your house.

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One of the biggest problems individuals face with vinyl is improper installation. In fact, ninety-nine percent of all mishaps are due to incorrect installation. This can easily be avoided by understanding the skill itself and following the correct procedures. Vinyl siding is relatively easy to install. While you do not need to be a professional, there are some tips and tricks that you will need to know in order achieve a professional installation.

To begin, you must prepare the surface of the home. Before the siding is applied, the surface of the home itself must be completely solid and free from cracks. Take the time to caulk any cracks that are located around windows and doors and patch any energy leaks. This will help keep your home energy efficient once the siding is added. Foil faced foam sheathing may be added prior to siding installation for extra energy efficiency.

Certain tools are required for installation. These tools are very basic and will get the job done. More than likely, you may already have a few of them on hand. This may be especially true if you work on a number of remodeling jobs throughout the year. These include:

• Hammer
• Tape measure
• Leveler
• Circular saw with a fine blade
• Chalk line
• Utility knife
• Caulk and gun
• Drill
• Ladder
• Tin snips
• Framing square
• Snaplock punch
• Nail slot punch
• Zip unlock tool

Install the trim pieces first. These are the arches, dryer vent accessories, etc. Most trim pieces have a channel that hides the cut end of the vinyl. J channels are installed around windows and door frames. Be sure to always follow directions before cutting. There are certain ways of doing this. Manufactures offer detailed instruction manuals to help you with the process. One thing is for certain-rain should never come in contact with the back of the siding and trim.

Once the trim pieces have been installed, an aluminum starter strip should be installed. This helps keep siding from moving around. Be sure the strip is level or else the siding will be unlevel and appear crooked.
Now it is time to install the corner posts. When installing, keep the posts 1/4 inch away from the soffit. When driving the nails into the slots, always keep the nail 1/32 inch away from the actual vinyl. This will give the vinyl room to expand with temperature changes.

Before applying the vinyl, always view the entire panel for notches. These notches allow you to overlap siding pieces. Be sure to nail the vinyl correctly. This will prevent flapping from heavy winds or bowing due to hot temperatures.

Always read the installation guide prior to vinyl installation. This will prevent mishaps and future complications. These tips for installing vinyl siding will help you create a beautiful finish for years to come.

You need to consider the architectural style of your home and of the neighborhood it is situated in, along with the climate and environment of your local area. Other things you will need to think about include the cost, life span and maintenance requirements.

The table below shows some of the advantages and disadvantages of the most common forms of siding used today.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is the most common siding material used today. It is manufactured from a PVC plastic. Vinyl will not rot or flake and is generally less expensive than other siding options. There are also many options as far as color and styles for new vinyl siding. It can however crack and fade over time.

Aluminum Siding

Aluminum siding has gone out of fashion somewhat but it is still used on many properties today. It’s easily maintained, long lasting and fireproof. It is also considered a more environmentally friendly option than vinyl.

Wood Siding

Wood siding or shakes blend beautifully with a natural surrounding. The most common wood utilized is cedar which may be stained in a number of earthen colors.

Fiber Cement Siding

Fiber cement siding can take on the appearance of wood, stucco or masonry. It is generally a low maintenance option but it is not without issues.

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Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is one of the most inexpensive siding options available, which makes it an obvious option for anyone on a tight budget. For people installing their own siding, vinyl can be purchased for as little as a dollar a yard. Vinyl has a reputation for being low maintenance since it is generally installed and then forgotten until it has worn out enough to need replacement. Vinyl is frequently chosen with a color present, so it won’t require regular painting.

Unfortunately, vinyl siding does have its downsides.Vinyl doesn’t act as an insulator, and it may trap moisture that could damage your home’s interior structure over time in some situations. Once vinyl is damaged or old enough to become significantly faded it is difficult to repair without replacing. One well known issue with vinyl siding is the environmental hazard it presents- vinyl will release toxic fumes if the home burns and tends to slowly leech toxins when it is discarded, so it isn’t a green option.

Wood Siding

Wood siding is one of the most aesthetically pleasing choices on the market, and it has been used to successfully side homes for centuries. Wood does insulate, so it may lower your heating and air conditioning bill. When wood siding does have an issue it is usually simple to repair or replace the section causing trouble without residing your entire home. Wood siding is generally considered a green option since it is a completely biodegradable renewable resource.

Like vinyl siding, wood does have some disadvantages. Wood siding will need to be painted every five to ten years in order to keep it visually appealing and protected from moisture. Unlike vinyl siding, wood siding carries the same risk of termite infestation as any other wooden area of your home. Wood siding also costs more than vinyl, though the cost may vary greatly depending on the type of wood used.

For both vinyl and wood siding, personal preference and money usually end up playing the biggest role. If you are looking for a budget friendly siding option that will give you as little hassle as possible until you need to replace it, vinyl is probably a good choice. If you want an environmentally friendly option that will last as long as you own your house and you don’t mind paying a little bit more in upfront costs and painting your house occasionally, wood siding is the way to go.

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Advantages of log siding

The look of log siding is its biggest advantage to many people, there are several other advantages however. Firstly, log siding is a very good insulator, this insulation will help you save a large amount on your utility bills. Since the siding is supposed to look totally natural, you will never have to waste time or money painting your siding as you would with aluminum. Log siding uses half logs so cost wise it is significantly cheaper than building with full logs. It is also easier to install than full logs and more environmentally friendly since each tree is covering twice the surface area.

Disadvantages of log siding

As with everything there are disadvantages involved with log siding. While it is cheaper than building with full logs, it is more expensive than most other traditional forms of home siding, at least in the short term. Since it is natural it’s going to need regular maintenance and treatment to prevent insect infestation. There is also the chance of mold building up on the wood and causing extensive damage over time. It is important that the logs are checked regularly for such issues and replaced mmediately if problems are found.

Vinyl Log Siding

A relatively new product on the market today is vinyl log siding. This is a completely manmade product that retains the look of natural wood. It is a little cheaper than real log siding and most of the problems with true log siding like insects and mold are not issues for vinyl logs. However it can look a bit artificial, especially up close and you lose the natural textures and charm that can only come from real wood. Having said that it can be a very viable alternative.

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The first procedure in identifying and removing asbestos siding lies in understanding where it is typically found. Construction materials that had asbestos in them in the past included exterior cement siding, roofing materials, pipes wrapped in an asbestos tape, interior acoustic plaster, insulation products, and vinyl tiles. Because of its property that is heat resistant, asbestos is most often located in places where high temperature and fire resistance were necessary. This includes furnaces and fireplaces.

Identifying asbestos containing products can be tricky. This is because they commonly look the same as those products that do not have them. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency claims that asbestos can not be accurately found by just sight alone unless the material is properly labeled. Other means of confirming the presence of asbestos are necessary.

There is only a single means of accurately determining if a product contains asbestos or not. This is through examining the material under a microscope. This can be a difficult procedure, since a great number of building materials are comprised of fibrous substances that are not harmful yet still look like asbestos fibers when examined beneath a microscope. Specific microscopes, along with staining procedures, permit professionals who are specially trained to be able to confirm the presence of asbestos.

Removing asbestos materials is a dangerous procedure that should not be done lightly. Once asbestos has been confirmed, the person should first check in with local laws and authorities to determine who is allowed to remove asbestos siding. Homeowners are not typically able to remove their own asbestos siding. The techniques for doing so, along with the equipment required for doing it, are not easy to come by. Besides this, it is unpleasant work. Since the siding has to be sprayed with water and other chemicals to keep the asbestos from breaking open and releasing cancer causing agents, and protective suits, goggles, and respirators have to be worn and used, removing it is not for the timid.

When the homeowner is ready to begin removing the asbestos, it is best if he can have two people on the job. The first actually focuses on removing asbestos pieces without breaking them, while the second individual is responsible for making sure that the materials stay wet and that debris are collected and bagged once removed.

The siding pieces have to be carefully removed by either cutting the nail heads or pulling out the nails. Siding pieces may be cautiously lifted using a prying tool in order to expose the nail heads themselves. Pieces that start to crumble or crack have to be wet down immediately. As every piece of siding is removed, it should be wet. Removed siding has to be placed carefully on the ground. It should not ever be dropped or thrown. All asbestos material debris should be packaged up and sealed, and they should be kept wet until that point is reached. Burlap bags or cardboard boxes are the best items in which to seal up asbestos related materials once they have been placed in six millimeter thick bags and closed up.

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1. DYI (Do It Yourself) vinyl siding repair

Items Necessary for the Project:

• Cleaning solution
• Soap
• Brushes with long and soft bristles, or soft cleaning cloths
• Pressure Washer, which is optional
• Plastic sheeting, as needed

Prep Work

To begin this moderately easy task, you will need to start out by making certain that the surface to be cleaned really is vinyl, and not painted wood, aluminum siding, or fiber cement. These porous types of surface materials appear similar to vinyl siding but need a completely different method of cleaning. Vinyl siding surfaces can smear if the right materials are not used. To prevent this from happening, a soft cloth, or better still, soft bristled brush with a long handle, should be utilized on the textured surface of the vinyl siding.

Mix up a cleaning solution from three parts of water to one part of chlorine bleach within a big bucket. Where there are tougher stains to get out, liquid soap or a heavy duty cleaner may be substituted for the chlorine bleach. It is always a good idea to first spot check out the chosen cleaner on an area that is not readily seen to make sure that the cleaner will not harm the siding in the cleaning process.

Cleaning the Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding should always be cleaned in a bottom up to top direction. This is to prevent the running of stains or streaking on the siding itself. The whole side that is being worked on should be rinsed afterward from the top down to the bottom. Where brick is surrounding the vinyl siding base, it is a good idea to cover the brick with sheets so that the cleaning materials do not ruin the brick.

Helpful Hints and Suggestions

Stains that are stubborn and refuse to come out should be removed by utilizing a pressure cleaner or washer. This is similarly effective in areas that are difficult to reach. When a person is working with a pressure cleaner, he or she should spray it directly at the vinyl siding. Spraying up at the vinyl siding can cause water to become trapped underneath. This leads to mildew, mold, and wood rot within a building’s frame. Mold and mildew can be removed from vinyl siding surfaces utilizing commercial cleaning products that should be spot cleaned first. Vinyl siding must not be cleaned by any products containing liquid grease remover, organic solvents, nail polish remover, or furniture cleaner, as this can easily damage the vinyl siding in question. Finally, it is always a sensible idea to wear protection for the eyes and gloves when vinyl siding is being cleaned.

The first great advantage to using fiber-cement siding is that it can resemble wood siding remarkably well. It can imitate wood siding so well due to the ability to imprint intricate designs onto the siding before the cement, sand, and cellulose that makes up fiber-cement is baked. The designs imprinted onto the siding can imitate wood grain designs so well that one may even be tricked into believing it is wood siding even while examining it up close.

Fiber-cement siding can not only imitate wood siding very well, but it is also vastly superior to wood siding in a number of significant ways. First of all, fiber-cement siding is far more resistant to fire than wood siding is. This can perhaps give you and your family an extra peace of mind especially if you live in a dry climate that is conducive to forest fires.

Another huge benefit of using fiber-cement siding instead of wood siding is that fiber-cement siding is by far more durable. This is because fiber-cement siding is not highly prone to termite infestations that can devastate wood siding. It will also not warp and buckle due to exposure to the elements like wood can. The possibility of having to re-side parts of your home again due to the siding becoming damaged is certainly lessened with fiber-cement siding.

Lastly, but certainly not least, fiber-cement siding is significantly cheaper than very expensive wood siding.

Fiber-cement siding also holds certain advantages over vinyl siding as well. Like with wood siding, fiber-cement siding is much more resistant to catching fire than vinyl siding is. Also like wood siding, fiber-cement siding can have more durability than vinyl siding. For one, fiber cement siding is not as prone to becoming covered with dings when it is impacted by flying objects unlike vinyl siding. If your children are big fans of baseball or the climate in your town is prone to producing hail storms, you may want to go with fiber-cement siding instead.

Of course, fiber-cement siding is not without its negative points as well. While it is cheaper than wood siding, vinyl siding is likely to be up to fifty percent cheaper than fiber-cement siding.

Another big negative is the fact that fiber-cement siding will need to be painted. Painting siding competently can be a very tricky job. In addition to the painting, overall installation will also be slower and more complex. Incorrect installation of the siding can cause a number of problems such as creating the risk of water seepage. You will probably want to pay to have it installed by professionals instead of attempting the job on your own. That will of course raise the overall price tag significantly.

Despite these negative aspects of fiber-cement siding, you still may want to choose it for installation on your home especially if you are looking for a strong alternative to real wood siding.

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