What Is Vinyl Siding?

close up of home siding

When you are updating your siding, you have a lot of different options to choose from. Vinyl siding has long been a popular option for a reason. But what is vinyl siding and how does this benefit your home?

Vinyl siding is primarily made from PVC and is used to wrap around the home. This siding is used for both weatherproofing and to add aesthetic appeal to the home. Due to the materials used and the construction of the vinyl siding, this is a durable choice that is resistant to the weather and is less likely to fade in the sunlight. 

By reading on, you can learn about the most popular options to consider, as well as everything that you need to know about vinyl siding. This will help you decide whether or not vinyl siding is the best choice for your siding upgrade.

Is Vinyl Siding Better Than Wood?

Wood siding and vinyl siding are both options that homeowners consider when getting siding. This section will take a closer look at some of the differences between wood and vinyl siding.

Difference in Appearance

Wood siding has this elegant and incredible look to it, which is one reason why homeowners consider this option. There are different types of wood that you can choose from, which can vary in the sizes of planks and the different styles that you can choose from. If the paint fades, you can more easily repaint the wood siding.

However, vinyl siding does offer various customization options that you won’t necessarily get with wood siding. This is a durable option that can last for a long time, but if the vinyl fades you won’t have the option of repainting it.

Difference in Durability

Durability is another area where there is a major difference to consider. Wood siding is relatively durable, but it can be more vulnerable to weather conditions. This can mean that you will need to go through a process of stripping, sanding, and repainting the wood siding every couple of years. Wood is also more vulnerable to insect infestations, which can impact its durability.

This is where vinyl siding shines. This is an incredibly durable siding option, which doesn’t rot, warp, or anything else as a result of the weather. It can withstand most things and can last for sometimes over 40 years with proper maintenance and cleaning. 

Difference in Energy Efficiency

These days, people are concerned about energy efficiency so it’s important to select the right siding. Wood siding does decently well with insulation, which helps with energy efficiency. The problem is that it can expand and contract with different weather, which means it doesn’t keep that tight seal for proper efficiency.

As previously mentioned, vinyl siding doesn’t warp or get altered by weather patterns, so it won’t leave your insulation as vulnerable. Adding a foam layer between the siding in your house can further improve energy efficiency.

Differences in Cost/Maintenance

Lastly, you need to look at the differences in cost/maintenance. Wood materials can get increasingly expensive with the higher quality materials. You should also factor in that this is a high-maintenance material that can be costly to maintain as well. It also doesn’t last as long as vinyl, meaning you need to cost out repairs or new siding.

Vinyl siding is far cheaper than wood. Even if you get the highest quality vinyl possible, it is still cheaper than most wood options. It’s also easier to maintain, only really requiring cleaning. You can buy a pressure washer to take care of this yourself, or you can hire someone to clean your siding regularly.

What is Vinyl Siding?

Vinyl siding has been around since the 1950s, where it became an alternative to the traditionally used aluminum siding. However, the technology of the early types of vinyl siding has greatly improved and it has become a popular choice for siding.

Primarily created from PVC resin, these materials are made specifically so that they don’t fade due to the weather or sunlight. Today’s vinyl siding comes in a variety of different styles, colors, and designs that you can choose from. Many options mimic different siding types to give you the look of the other siding with the benefits of vinyl siding. 

How Long Does Vinyl Siding Last?

Typically, vinyl siding can last between 20 and 40 years, though it can sometimes last even longer than 40 years. There are a few reasons why vinyl siding can last this long. For one thing, it is resistant to the elements, which means that it doesn’t require as much maintenance. These are made to not have the color fade due to the sun. You just need to wash the siding once or twice a year.

It also isn’t susceptible to issues like insects, rotting, or warping. Insects can eat away at some siding types, which can cause moisture to get underneath, leading to issues like mold or rot. 

Vinyl is a durable option that will last you for years to come.

What are the Benefits of Vinyl Siding?

There are plenty of benefits that you can get from choosing vinyl siding. This section discusses the top benefits of having vinyl siding.

Do Not Require Painting

Many other materials that are used for siding often require repainting, whether it’s because the paint has faded or chipped. Vinyl siding has its color “baked-in”, which means that many of these issues don’t affect the siding. You won’t have to worry about repainting your vinyl siding, and all of the headaches and costs associated with that task.

Cost-Effective

This is also the most cost-effective siding option. Vinyl siding is one of the least expensive options for siding materials. This will not only be the cheapest siding option, but the costs associated with maintenance is also cheaper. Aside from cleaning the siding, you don’t need to do much to maintain the siding. The only costs really associated with the maintenance is purchasing the supplies to clean the siding or hiring a professional to take care of this task for you.

Low Maintenance

Homeowners have a lot that they have to deal with when it comes to the maintenance of their home. They don’t need any more on their plate. This is why a low-maintenance siding option like vinyl can be a great decision for your home. 

Durability

Vinyl siding is among the most durable of the siding options. This is especially true when you compare it to options like wood. Vinyl siding can last you for decades before it needs to be replaced, especially when you invest in quality siding and a reputable contractor to install the siding for you. If you want siding that you can count on for as long as you’re in your home, vinyl siding can be the best choice.

Versatility

These days, vinyl siding comes in so many options that you can select something that really works for your design ideas for your home. For instance, maybe you like the look of wood shaker siding, but want the durability of vinyl siding. You can get both with vinyl siding.

Energy Efficiency

Energy costs are always seemingly on the rise. Getting proper insulation from your siding can help with the energy efficiency of your home. Vinyl siding offers the best protection for your insulation and prevents issues like mold and rot, which can impact how efficient your home is.

Conclusion

As you can see, vinyl siding is a clear choice when you are selecting siding materials for your home. This is the low-cost option that offers durability, versatility, and little maintenance so that you can spend more time focusing on enjoying your home. When you talk to your contractor, they can help you decide on the right vinyl siding for your home.

Can You Paint Vinyl Siding and What Paint Should You Use?

close up of home siding

Replacing vinyl siding is a very costly aspect of house maintenance for a homeowner so of course, we want a better way of keeping the outside of our homes tidy and protected. One way homeowners, like yourself, can save some money is by painting vinyl siding instead of replacing it, but is it really cost-effective, or even possible to do?

Property owners can absolutely paint vinyl siding as a normally cheaper alternative to replacing the siding and as a regular form of maintenance to existing siding. When painting, homeowners should use acrylic and/or latex urethane-based paints, not water-based paints, because water-based won’t stick to vinyl or be durable against the elements.

If you would like to learn more about painting vinyl siding, and what it would take to make it work well, then please read the information below. 

Can You Paint Vinyl Siding and How Long Does it Last?

Experts from professional companies in the siding or paint industries such as Sherlin Williams or T-N-T Home Improvements will tell you that, yes, you can paint your vinyl siding. There are a few factors that will help you determine whether or not it would be a good decision for your house, but commonly, repainting vinyl siding is actually part of recommended regular maintenance for vinyl siding. 

Vinyl siding normally lasts for 30 years before any serious work has to be done to it to maintain it or replace it. Once you have repainted the siding, you can expect the paint to last anywhere from 5-10 years before it’s time to repaint again, based on the quality of your vinyl siding and the severity of the weather in your area.

What’s the Best Paint for Vinyl Siding?

When it’s time to paint your vinyl siding, you need to use “vinyl safe” paints. The best vinyl-safe paint to use is exterior acrylic latex paint, made with latex urethane and acrylic resins for its stretch and durability. Paints that are acrylic-based tend to stick to vinyl the best because it will expand or shrink according to the weather just like the plastic siding will, while latex urethane both stretches and is chip-resistant, acting as a shield for the paint.

If you can, try to find the color you want with a satin finish instead of matte or high gloss. This is because satin mimics the original finish that vinyl siding comes with the best. Of course, if you don’t want to replicate the original vinyl finish, the other finishes should adhere to the siding just as well. 

Lastly, try to design your home in a similar or lighter color, NOT a darker one. We’ll flesh out the reason for this in the cons of painting vinyl siding, but for now, I’ll just say you will likely only do more damage to your siding than if you left it alone.

Does Vinyl Siding Need to be Primed Before Painting?

The reasons for using paint primer, especially on plastic surfaces, are

  1. To cover a dark color if you intend to replace it with a lighter one. This saves you time and money, sparing you from having to apply coat after coat of the actual paint color you wanted. 
  2. To cover stubborn imperfections like mildew stains or permanent markers that tend to show through the paint.
  3. To smooth out porous surfaces for a smoother finish
  4. To help the paint you use to bind to the painted surface better. It would be devastating to put in all the time, energy, and money into painting your whole house, only to see the paint chipping away in a few weeks. 

Primer isn’t a requirement when painting vinyl siding, but if your siding is quite old and has divots, pits, and has become porous because the original finish is long gone, primer is just the thing to smooth out the surface. 

Also, because vinyl is plastic, priming is a wise thing to do to make sure the paint you use sticks to the vinyl. While priming isn’t entirely necessary, washing the siding thoroughly IS, so keep that in mind.

What are the Cons of Painting Vinyl Siding?

If you have a warranty on your siding, read it again carefully. Many warranties won’t allow you to repaint your vinyl and keep the warranty because it would violate their rules on maintaining the siding. Manufacturers will also commonly have certain stipulations about redesigning vinyl siding, such as what kind of paint you can use, and even what color you can paint it. Do you live in a suburban neighborhood? You’d better double-check the Homeowners Association (HOA) to see what colors and materials they allow you to use, as well. 

If your current siding is old and extremely worn out, it won’t do you any good to try to repaint it because there comes a point when the paint just won’t stick to the vinyl. I would say after 20 years vinyl should just be replaced.

If you live in an area that frequently has harsh weather conditions, such as many areas of the east coast, your siding will inevitably endure much more severe damage, to the point where repainting won’t improve the damage or extend the life of the siding. 

The next con is that you don’t have the choice of every color when you repaint. Vinyl is plastic and dark colors absorb much more heat than light colors, so if you choose a color that is very dark, you may overheat the plastic beyond its limit and cause the siding to warp noticeably in places. 

Finally, we must acknowledge the fact that painting is a much more temporary solution than a full replacement, especially if you have thin, lower-grade vinyl siding. You will absolutely extend the life of your vinyl if you use the right paint, but if repainting will only give you a few more years before you have to repaint it again or replace it, or if repainting is almost as costly for you as replacing the vinyl, it would be better to replace it the first time.

How to Fix the Problems With Vinyl Siding

Quite honestly, most of the cons associated with vinyl siding come from poor quality. That’s why it’s a good idea to ask for help from experts, like my team at T-N-T Home improvements, who can give you advice for your home improvement project. Or, even better, we can install quality siding for you. Why should you call my team?

Because we can solve ALL the common problems with vinyl. Without being too proud, our siding services are second to none as we have the best siding contractors, and our obsession with quality is dynamite. You can be assured that we will install a vinyl that resists extreme weather, exterior damage, and will stand the test of time.

This way, you don’t have to invest in a more expensive material and you don’t have to worry about costly maintenance or repairs. There’s no risk in calling us either because we offer free estimates. 

Conclusion

In short, painting vinyl siding is a very practical thing to do to maintain it and protect it against the sun and the elements, to an extent. If you don’t use quality siding the first time you are doomed to spend time, money, and effort on frequent maintenance and repairs. Don’t accidentally install a money pit, let us help! If you are located in the Northern Colorado/ Southern Wyoming area, you can give us a call today at 970-663-2868 or visit our siding services page and fill out the contact form to make an appointment.

How Much Does It Cost to Reside a House?

Residing your house is a major project that can increase your property value and curb appeal. And if you do it right, you might be looking at a home that can sustain its impressive exterior look for years and years to come.

But how costly is it to replace the siding on a house? The average cost to reside a house is around $2 – $50 per square foot. It can go higher or lower depending on the size of your home, the number of stories, and the siding materials you choose.

Nonetheless, it is a pretty huge investment. But despite the substantial financial demand, it also has great returns considering how much it upscales your home. With that, hiring reliable professionals to reside your house is your best option to make sure you get your money’s worth.

If you’re planning to reside your house, here’s everything you need to know regarding costs, materials, and installation.

What Is the Purpose of Residing a House?

There are essentially three major reasons why you should reside your house.

1.      To upgrade exterior protection.

Your house’s siding or wall cladding is not just for show. It has a critical role in protecting your home. A durable siding can keep your house away from the damages caused by weather changes or other extreme conditions like hurricanes or tornadoes. In addition, it keeps the entire structure sturdy along with the primary foundations.

2.      To improve your house aesthetics.

Everyone loves a beautiful house. And with beauty comes higher value.

You may choose to reside your home if you want to update its exterior design. It could be out of preference, or you may want to put your house up for sale.

3.      To repair deteriorating sliding.

If your house is 30 to 50 years old and the wall cladding is clearly hanging on for dear life, then residing your house is a much-needed home improvement project. It could improve the structure’s integrity and increase your house’s appeal.

Siding that starts to deteriorate creates holes that can let in moisture and even unwanted critters.

How Long Does Siding Lasts?

A house siding can last for an average of 50 to 60 years. However, the specific lifespan of siding depends on its materials.

For example, bricks and stone siding can last for up to 100 years. At the same time, vinyl and fiber cement can stay in good condition for 60 years.

Of course, this is mainly dependent on the quality of installation. If it is done haphazardly, you can expect minor to major defects in the future. But if it was put up impeccably, then you’ll have to wait decades before the next residing.

How Much Does It Cost to Reside a House?

You can reside your house with a budget ranging from $2,500 to $16,000. The average expenses would run at $10,000, give or take. Naturally, this would include all the construction materials for residing and labor.

However, the exact cost to reside your house depends on the size, type of siding, and design you wish to adopt. Check out the specific estimates for residing depending on the house size.

1000 Sq Ft House: A 1000 square feet house often needs a budget of $1,000 to $3,000 for residing.

1500 Sq Ft House: It will cost you at least $3,000 to reside in a 1500 square feet house.

1,800 Sq Ft House: You have to prepare more or less $4,599 for residing if you have a 1,800 square feet house.

2000 Sq Ft House: The cost of residing a 2000 square feet house is between $4,300 to $15,800.

2500 Sq Ft House: If your house is about 2500 square feet, prepare a budget between $5,750 to $32,500. The type of material primarily impacts the overall expenses along with labor.

How Much Does It Cost to Put Siding on a 2-Story House?

The average cost of residing a 2-story house is about  $7,000 to $16,000. That is if you are planning to have vinyl siding. The expenses will most likely increase if you go for wood or stone siding.

Aside from the materials, the installation cost is another critical element of the budget. Again, you might find it pricier if you opt for removing and replacing the existing siding.

In some cases, you can simply ask the contractor to put new siding on old ones. But this is conditional and requires a thorough assessment of the existing siding first.

How Does Vinyl Siding Increase Home Value?

Vinyl siding boosts your home value by 63% of the project’s cost.

You can associate this increase with the added and updated look and protection of your home. Not only will it enhance the exterior protective layer of your house, but it will also ensure its durability and longevity.

Moreover, adding new siding improves the house’s aesthetics, making it more appealing to potential homeowners if you are trying to sell your house.

What Should I Look for When Residing a House?

When planning to reside your house, factors such as type of siding materials, your budget, the overall theme, and the architectural design of the structure should be considered.

Since residing is a major home renovation, it requires considerable planning. Part of which includes choosing materials that suit the weather and climate in your area.

Likewise, you have to assess if said materials fit the general design of your home, unless, of course, if you’re planning to change your home’s style. For example, contemporary houses can use wood or vinyl sidings.

Nonetheless, you’ll have plenty of options for siding that might fit right for your exterior. Check out some of the most popular siding options below.

Types of Siding

1.       Vinyl

If it’s practicality you’re after, then a vinyl siding would be on top of your list. Materials for this type of siding are low maintenance and incredibly affordable, with average prices that go between $3 to $8 per square foot. 

Moreover, vinyl siding has a longer lifespan of 30 – 40 years. So, it should last you a while before needing to be replaced.

Despite their synthetic nature, you can find many vinyl sidings mimicking wood, stones, and other styles. You can also find vinyl sidings in different colors and designs. They can also be shaped like fish scales or arranged in panels, shingles, and more.

2.       Wood

Wood is a perfect choice if you’re going for traditional siding. It comes in different styles and has an inert versatility that gives you plenty of options for design. The average price for wood siding is between $5 to $14 per square foot.

Likewise, its natural looks and charm stand the test of time. Plus, it’s pretty easy to install.

However, one huge downside of wood is that it needs high maintenance as it is prone to water and weather damages.

So, it is absolutely important to choose the right wood. Or better yet, consult an expert so you can avoid colossal mistakes.

3.       Brick

Are you looking for sidings that could last for a century? Then, you can never go wrong with brick sidings. You can have your house exterior installed with full brick sidings that typically cost about $14 to $30 per square foot. But if you go for brick veneers, the costs could be lower.

Brick sidings are also low maintenance. However, the installation may be a bit pricier, considering how intricate the process is.

4.       Stone

If you have a luxurious taste that leans more on a classic design, then you might find stone sidings to be appealing.

You can choose different types of stones like granite and limestone. That is, if you’re going for a natural, earthy look for your façade.

But aside from aesthetics, stone sidings are also effective in protecting your home from any damage caused by the weather.

However, just like bricks, stone can also be expensive, costing around $30 – $50 per square foot. Stone veneers are less pricy in the $4 to $10 per square foot range.

5.       Metal

Metal sidings are often associated with retro houses. But these durable exteriors can match any other design depending on how you plan to style it.

Nonetheless, metals sidings are durable and reliable in protecting your exterior from damages like insects and physical damage.

Just make sure that you choose the right kind of metal and have it installed by professionals. Otherwise, you might encounter rust in the future. If you’re going for the long-term, stainless steel often leads the pack.

You can expect to spend an average of about $4 to $8 per square foot if you choose a metal siding.

6.       Concrete

If you’re living in an area prone to hurricanes, flooding, and wildfires, then having a concrete exterior can be a great way to defend your home. 

Concrete is a mixture of cement, water, and gravel that turns into a paste. The paste hardens over time, fortifying the wall. 

One of the many strengths of concrete siding is its longevity. You can expect it to last for generations. 

The estimated cost for concrete siding is between $3 to $6 per square foot. Installation could be pricier compared to other types of siding.

7.       Fiber Cement

Choosing a siding that you like can be tricky, especially if budget and style conflict. Or if you want a natural look but don’t want the maintenance of wood. 

Fortunately, you can still get the natural looks of wood siding without the yearly upkeep, thanks to fiber cement.

Fiber cement is an artificial exterior cladding made of cement, sand, and some wood fibers. 

The form and bits of its texture copy that of wood. Fiber Cement can come with different styling options and costs an average of $6 – $13 per square foot.

What Type of Siding Lasts the Longest?

Bricks and stone sidings are known to last the longest among different siding materials. They can even last for a hundred years provided that they’re maintained well. This is pretty obvious with comes Victorian houses that withstood the test of time. 

However, the issue with these natural sidings is that they can be significantly expensive.

If you’re on a budget but are looking for siding materials that can last for decades, then your best option can be vinyl or fiber cement siding.

A vinyl siding is cheaper, but if you’re going for the durability of concrete, you’ll have your best chances with the fiber cement.

What Color Siding Fades the Least

White is known to fade the least when it comes to color siding. However, more often than not, lighter colors don’t fade fast.

On the other hand, darker colors tend to go dull over a long period. This can result from sunlight exposure or weather changes that diminish the paint or the embedded color of the siding.

Therefore, when choosing a siding material, it is best to consider factors such as the type of weather you have in your area. If fading is inevitable, you can always go for siding materials that can be repainted instead of replaced entirely.

What Color Siding Has the Best Resale Value?

You can get the best resale value if your siding has a neutral, lighter color. It could be in the shade of gray, blue, beige, light brown, or taupe. White is also a great option if you want to increase your home’s value.

These colors are a hit in the market because they give an inviting, relaxing vibe. You can also mix and match depending on the exterior design you like.

On the other hand, strong outdated colors only interest a few people. So, it’s best to stir clear from swatches that include mustard yellow, pink, orange, and purple.

Nonetheless, there’s a slight caveat with this rule. If you can design the colors tastefully, it might give you high resale value. But this would take a lot of work and creativity on your side.

How Is Siding Installed?

The difficulty level of installing siding on your house’s exterior will depend on the type of materials you have.

For example, if you go for vinyl siding, you will notice that each panel has built-in slots where you can hammer the nail that attaches the vinyl on the wall.

However, there’s more to installing wall cladding than nailing them onto the wall. First, it needs proper leveling and cutting of angles. Not to mention the very job-specific equipment needed to get you and the siding up into the air beside your house safely.

Hence, if you’re inexperienced in this task, the best way to ensure that your residing project remains fail-proof is to hire a contractor like us right here at TNT Home Improvements to do it.

Can You Put Siding Over Old Siding?

Yes, in some circumstances you can opt to cover your old siding with new ones and use it as a substrate. But you can only do this if the existing siding is in good condition, free of wear or any critical damages.

However, you must have an expert looking into the quality and condition of the existing siding before you install new siding over it. When you assess it yourself, you might miss some damaged or deteriorating parts, leading to horrible incidents concerning your siding.

Simply put, even though it is acceptable to put new sidings over existing ones, without professional assessment, it can lead to further damages that may cost you more than the average residing expenses.

Is It Better to Remove Old Siding?

It is always better to remove old siding than have it covered with new ones.

Although the former is cheaper, retaining your old siding and having the new one sit on top of it has some drawbacks.

For example, if the old siding could have undetected water damage and placing new siding on top could potentially collapse the entire structure in the future. Likewise, wood rot can happen without knowing it, as the old siding is hidden completely. Similarly, it can be prone to pests and insect damage.

Some siding manufacturers will actually void the warranty of their product if you install it over the old siding and not just directly to a good quality OSB.

Moreover, it is cleaner and smoother to remove the old siding first. Keeping it around can lead to sloppy installation, compromising its look altogether.

Summary

Residing your house may be a big investment, but because you are upgrading the outermost layer of protection and aesthetics, the payoff always justifies the upgrade. This is because your property value increases, plus you get to live in a house that looks and feels good.

With the considerable budget it requires, it is best to hire professionals to install your new siding. This way, you’ll have the confidence that the residing project is done with care, precision, and quality in mind.

If You Are Located in the Northern Colorado/ Southern Wyoming Area, Then Give Us a Call Today at 970-663-2868 or Visit Our Siding Services Page and Fill Out the Contact Form to Make an Appointment to Discuss Your Next Home Improvement Project.

How To Pick the Siding Color for Your House

pic of a house

If you’re thinking of enhancing your house’s exterior aesthetics, you’re probably wondering how to choose the best siding color.

Trying to build a specific impression about your house will require picking the suitable shade that matches your theme or preference.

But aside from your personal taste, there are other factors you can consider when selecting the siding color for your house. For starters, you can determine your overall color palette depending on the house’s architectural style, the light intensity in your area, and whether or not you want to highlight or tone down certain features.

Nonetheless, successfully picking the right siding color for your exteriors goes beyond satisfaction. You will be happier and prouder of your home. That’s why it’s a task that no one should take for granted.

Learn more about siding colors that suit your house in the following few lines.

Factors To Consider: How Should You Pick the Siding Color for Your House?

Picking the siding color for your house is a significant design decision. Unfortunately, doing it without the right guide can lead to disastrous results.

But then again, you don’t exactly need to be a certified expert to know what you want.

All you got to do is carefully examine the factors influencing exterior aesthetics and base your decision around it. So, here it goes.

Architectural Type

The style of your home strongly influences the color of its sidings. Home designers know exactly what colors compliment their masterpiece.

For example, if your house has Victorian-style architecture, you can play with deep colors or somber ones. Likewise, pastel would also be a good choice.

These color schemes fit well with the style as Victorian houses often look grand. However, it will go over the top if you choose bright, outrageous colors like mood mauve, tracksuit, and little miss sunshine.

On the other hand, with contemporary houses, the overall design is often described as simple but sleek with primarily clean lines.

Architects and exterior designers recommend neutral colors, especially if you’re aiming for a minimalist look.

Highlighted or Hidden Features

Newer house designs mainly adopt simple designs with subtle features. However, owners who wish to put more emphasis on their windows can add colors on the trim that contrast the siding (main).

However, if you are trying to tone down certain features, it is best to use neutral colors that give a sense of commonality, such as tan, beige, taupe, and camel.

Light Intensity

Your location can also help you identify the best siding color or color palette for your house. 

It is crucial to consider the weather, seasons, and light intensity during the morning, afternoon, and evening to decide which color appeals to your style without bothering your neighbors too much.

During summer, when it’s mostly bright, colors appear to be vibrant. But on any other seasons, this impression will most likely change.

If you’re going after colors that look warm, go over some swatches and see how they look during different times of the day.

Personal Taste

When all has been said and done, your choice of the siding color all boils down to your personal taste and preference.

You would probably consider your favorite color or any other color that represents your personality for your siding. The good news is you can do exactly that. You simply have to make sure that it is well complimented with appropriate secondary, stone, and trim colors.

Is It Better To Have Light or Dark Siding?

Whether you should have light or dark siding depends on the size of your house and how you like to be perceived in the neighborhood.

According to house designers, darker siding colors will suit small houses, while light colors are best for large houses. However, if it goes the other way around, it could result in unpleasant or faded looks.

For example, if you have a huge craftsman-style house and you paint heavy dark colors like evening blue on your main siding, your house will appear imposing in your area.

On the other hand, if you have a small cottage with light Mastic vinyl color for the siding, your house may appear bland.

Nonetheless, it still depends on how you like your house to pop or fade in your place.

How Do I Choose Exterior Color Combination?

When it comes to exterior color combinations, the rule of thumb is to choose three complementing colors. Next, you have to decide on your main shade for the house siding and find accent colors that match well.

Home designers recommend lighter shades compared to the main color when it comes to the primary accent covering the pillars, trims, and railings. 

For the secondary accent applied on doors and shutters, darker colors will be more appropriate.

What Siding Color Makes a House Look Bigger?

Light and neutral colors for the siding will make your house look bigger. It’s one trick of the eye that makes your house more welcoming.

You can choose colors like arctic white, ivory, sage green, witch hazel, and light gray. Likewise, you can also opt for other earthy tones. 

What Is the Most Popular Color for Siding?

Most house remodeling projects consider gray as the most popular color siding, especially for modern homes. The gray siding is often paired with blue trim or the other way around. Others opt for neutral grays that seem to complement various ranges of warm and cool colors perfectly.

What Siding Color Goes With Colored Bricks?

Bricks are often part of many house designs. But, if you’re having trouble picking a color for your siding because it can be conflicting with your brick color, here is a simple guide that could help you out.

Red Brick:  Go with brown, tan, gray, and sage green for the siding color.

Orange Brick: The siding color could be riverway, sage green, and cream.

Brown Brick: A blue-gray or tundra gray siding color will do.

Tan Brick: The smokey gray color siding suits tan bricks best.

Choosing the right siding color if you have brick walls can help you maintain the accent of the bricks without it overpowering the design.

What Siding Color Goes With a Colored Roof?

As more designs are meant to explore colors, having houses with colored roofs is pretty common. Whether it poses a challenge or provides a wonderful opportunity to be creative depends on the color of the roof and the siding color you’ll pair with it.

Green Roof: Go for earthy and neutral tones such as cream, white, and tan.

Brown Roof: You can choose from blue-gray, sand dunes, and cavern steel.

Gray Roof: It goes best with off-white, blue, and gray-green.

Black Roof: You can never go wrong with desert stone and snowscape white.

If you choose the wrong house siding color that should go with your roof and vice versa, it could create a confusing look for your house exterior.

What Color Goes With Black Windows?

You would often see house designs with black windows. When it comes to repainting your exterior, having this kind of window color isn’t an issue at all.

Black windows can have white trims. This contrast will only accentuate your window and make it pop especially if it’s the front window.

You can also choose any siding color you like to pair with a black window. If you want to tone it down a little, just choose darker trim colors.

Conclusion

Choosing the right siding color is all about how you visualize your exterior.

In imagining what aesthetics suit your style, consider how tasteful it will appear, matching the architectural design, house features, and more.

You may already have the idea of what you want but still doubting if it could really work. Not to worry, you can always get the help you need in turning your remodeling vision into reality. 

Don’t hesitate to get the renovation services that could make your life easier.If you are located in the Northern Colorado/ Southern Wyoming area, then give us a call today at 970-663-2868 or fill out the contact form to make an appointment to discuss siding options or your next home improvement project.

What Is The Best Siding For A Home?

Making the decision to put sidings on the walls of your home is not one that should be taken simply for décor purposes, although most modern siding materials can enhance the outward appearance and even the value of your home. Siding materials also offer protection to you and your home. There are various types of siding materials available, which sometimes makes the choice of material a difficult one.

Polymer sidings are the best siding materials for your home. Polymer sidings provide a greater choice in design and colors and offer superior durability and visual appeal. The low maintenance factor and their neutral chemical composition make them a better choice for your home and the environment!

Buying a family home is a long-term investment that is quite a substantial financial commitment. It makes sense to look after your investment as much as possible to ensure it remains in top condition. The changes and improvements you make to your home can be simply to preserve your investment, while others can help to improve the resale value of your home.

What Is The Purpose For Siding On A Home?

Sidings have multiple purposes for the homeowner and what it offers your home. The degree of these benefits will often be determined by the type of material that you choose for your siding, but we will get to that topic shortly.

Sidings provide the following enhancements to your home.

  • A fresh look for your home. Installing siding on your home can immediately give the exterior of your house a facelift that will make your home look fresh and new.
  • Protection from bad weather. Siding material is not only intended to improve the look of your home but also to offer protection to the walls of your home from the elements. Sun, rain, snow, wind, and cold weather can quickly cause the walls of your home to look old and worse for wear. Siding material not only protects your home but can offer the residents additional protection from heat and cold due to the additional insulation benefits that the siding material offers.
  • Wide range of designs. The broad range in the styles and design of siding material gives you the freedom to choose the particular look and texture that you want for your home siding.
  • Add value to your house. Adding a durable, good quality siding to your home can increase the value and, therefore, the resale value of your home. Of course, the amount of the value increase will be dependent on the siding material that is used.

What Is The Best Siding Material Choice For Your Home?

Traditionally, sidings were made of wood shingles or panels, or sometimes even stone. These natural materials have their beauty, but their lifespan and beauty fade very quickly and require frequent maintenance and upkeep to keep them looking good. The difficulty with stone, which is sometimes called cladding, is that it is expensive, difficult to work with, and heavy. 

Modern siding materials offer more durability, less maintenance, cheaper cost, and a wider range of choices with regards to design and texture.

When it comes to modern siding materials, your only really have two main choices that make sense, and out of the two, there is one that stands out as the obvious choice!

Vinyl and Polymer cladding are the most commonly available siding materials that most homeowners will choose between for their home.

From our perspective here at TNT Home Improvements, there is only one sensible choice for siding material, and that is polymer siding material. 

We have an article that details the specifics of why polymer is a better siding material than vinyl if you would like to read an in-depth comparison, but here is the summary of polymer siding benefits.

  • Durability. Polymer sidings offer greater durability.
  • Customizable. There is a greater choice in style and visual effect in polymer sidings.
  • Low Maintenance. Because of its durability, the level of maintenance required is low.
  • Greater visual or curb appeal. The wider range of design choice allows you to give your home a unique appeal.
  • Seamless joints. Polymer sidings have less visible seams than vinyl sidings, and the seams are more easily hidden.
  • Environmental awareness. Polymer is a more neutral substance, unlike vinyl, which has large amounts of chlorine in its makeup, which poses an environmental risk, especially in the event of a fire.

What Color Siding Provides The Best Resale Value?

As a rule of thumb, lighter, neutral color sidings offer substantially more resale value to your home than very dark or bright flashy colors.

This, however, is a general statement that is usually true to form, but there are other factors that could impact your color choice. You should consider these before choosing a siding color. These are some of those other factors of your home and your neighborhood that you should investigate before deciding on a siding color.

  • Neighborhood trends. If your neighborhood has other houses that are more brightly colored, and you go with plain, neutral colors, your home will not stand out. People looking to buy in a bright, colorful neighborhood will be looking for brighter colors on the home, which could jeopardize your sale options and resale value.
  • Location of your home. If your home is a coastal home, the general trend is either for brighter colors or pastel blues and greens. If you live in an inland area that has more trees around, the appropriate color choices would be more earthy, natural colors and styles.
  • Architectural style of your home. If your home is Victorian style or colonial style, the buyers for these homes usually have a particular color palette in mind when they go shopping for a new home. If your siding color scheme does not match the architecture, a potential buyer may not give your home a second look.
  • Homeowners Association regulations. Some neighborhoods have an H.O.A. that sets regulations to maintain a certain level of quality, style, and design of homes in order to help keep up the overall value of the homes in the area and to keep a certain look and feel across the neighborhood. Going outside these regulations could result in costly fines or the cost of changing the siding. If you have a homeowner’s association in your neighborhood, it would be worth your while to consult the regulations to find out if your color choice is acceptable before you go ahead with the project. 

If there is no real particular style or color trend in your neighborhood, then you are free to add the siding color of your choice to your home. Just be aware, before you go too wild, that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If you choose bold colors that appeal to you, the next potential buyer may not like the color combinations. 

For the purpose of retaining or improving resale value, it would be prudent to go with more traditional colors for your sidings.

What Color Siding Fades The Least?

Color is not only an important décor decision when choosing the siding color for your home, but also how good your home will look in years to come.

All cladding types will fade over time, but you can limit the visual effect that this will have on your home by making a wise color choice from the outset.

Dark colors are more susceptible to fading, and the fading becomes more apparent sooner than with lighter colored sidings. This is another reason that more delicate colors and gray colors are more popular color choices for sidings than black or other dark or bold colors.

Conclusion

Giving your home a facelift will not only make your home look good and save you on maintenance costs, but it has the potential to improve the desirability of your home and thus the resale value.

If you are still finding the question of siding choice, style, and color to be a bit of a minefield, then that is what we at TNT Home Improvements are here for. We can assist you with professional advice on the right color and style choice of siding for your home.

We have been helping homeowners make these choices since 2005, and our expertise can be a valuable asset in making the right decision to get the best siding for your home!

What is Polymer Siding?

Do you see shake and shingle claddings with cedar patterns on different houses? These are usually polymer siding. Made from polypropylene resin, polymer siding enhances the beauty of your home’s exterior by giving it a unique rustic look. 

They are made using an injection molding process that gives the final siding a three-dimensional pattern in various styles and sizes. The experts inject the molten compound inside the mold and then heat it at a high temperature. Once the molten compound takes shape inside the mold, the experts will cool the mold before taking the siding out.

Polymer molding came into the market in 1990 and became instantly popular because of its designs and low cost. They offer a wide range of color and design options; much more than what other siding materials can provide. Some of the most common types of polymer siding designs include half-round shingles, rough-split shakes, sawmill shingle, and traditional shingles. 

Polymer Siding vs. Vinyl Siding

Many people confuse polymer siding with vinyl siding because they look similar. The main difference between polymer and vinyl siding is the material. 

The primary difference is that Vinyl consists of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin while Polymer siding contains polypropylene resin. Vinyl is a type of plastic polymer. Polypropylene resin has two essential elements: hydrogen and carbon, making the plastic more neutral. 

On the other hand, PVC resin consists of 30% chlorine. This means vinyl siding is not good for the environment because chlorine produces toxins when incinerated. 

Most vinyl siding is vertical or horizontal. Now, you can make similar-looking polymer siding also, but where Polymer really shines is in making custom molded shapes that emulate other building types like shingle cladding or shake cladding styles.

Another difference between polymer and vinyl siding is their making process. Polymer follows an injection molding process that can turn to three-dimensional designs with different textures, styles, colors, and sizes. Vinyl only makes vertical or horizontal siding.

One of the reasons why people choose polymer siding over vinyl siding is because of their durability. The polypropylene resin used to make the siding lasts for years without requiring monthly maintenance. They are easy to clean and don’t require frequent sealing, repainting, or re-caulking. 

Benefits of polymer siding

Polymer siding not only enhances the beauty of your house but also offers several other benefits:

    • Durable – Polypropylene resin hardens once it cools down. Once a professional finishes installing polymer siding, you can expect it to last for years or even decades. Polypropylene resin is one of the hardest materials in the industry, making polymer siding the toughest and most durable. They don’t crack, chip, peel, warp, or fade away with time. Most importantly, they are suitable for extreme weather conditions and can resist impacts like hailstorms.

    • Customizable – You can ask the expert to customize the polymer siding according to the design of your doors and windows. Or maybe some other design that you have in mind. These siding are customizable because you can mold them into any shape you want. Experts can even mimic the appearance of wood or stone to give a natural look to the siding without compromising the durability or quality. 

    • Low maintenance – The color of polymer siding gets baked at the time of making the siding. This ensures that the color stays for years without requiring repainting or frequent cleaning. It also ensures that the siding looks freshly painted without any regular upkeep. The monsoon rain usually washes away accumulated dust and debris from the siding, thus making sure that you don’t have to invest time in cleaning them manually.

    • Curb Appeal – Polymer siding more closely emulates actual wood because it’s basically a 3d cast created from a mold and then painted to put on those finishing wood-like touches on. Because of the look it can give your house, whether used everywhere or just as an accent piece, it can really up your curb appeal.

    • Seamless – Vinyl siding is very easy to spot by it’s lack of texture and especially by it’s seams. Unlike vinyl siding that is overlapped at different staggered joints, Polymer siding panels are usually designed to but up against each other usually continuing a pattern and/or texture making it very hard to find the seam.

Polymer siding ideas

The exterior of your house is equally important as your interiors and the foundation. You should select siding designs that complement your home’s aesthetics. Since you can customize polymer siding, you can discuss the designs with a professional after showing him pictures of your house. This would not only help to decide the style but also the colors. Contrasting colors may not suit the look of your house when it comes to polymer siding. Therefore, you need to select something that improves the look of your home’s exterior.

But what are some of the designs that you can implement with polymer siding? Here are a few ideas that you can keep in mind.

1. Cool and classical

Sometimes, less is more for your dream home. You don’t need to be colorful with polymer siding. Just stick to two colors, preferably white and dark grey, to make them stand out and make your house look beautiful from a distance. Too many colors may reduce the focus of your home’s exterior color and that’s not what you would want if you have guests coming or maybe buyers who want to buy your house. Keep the colors simple to make your house look classy.

2. Charming and traditional

Horizontal polymer siding won’t look good on narrow, vertical windows. And if you are selecting narrow, vertical siding, then make sure you follow the same patterns for your doors also. A traditional look means following similar patterns to make your house look charming. For this type of style, it’s best to select the same color for your polymer siding as your home’s exterior. 

3. White on white

There is something unique about white exteriors with white siding. Once the professional finishes installing the siding, you will start appreciating the beauty of this combination. Houses with arched windows and doorways are suitable for dome-shaped siding. This is another combination that makes your house look traditional. 

4. Textural elements

Does your house have a stone or brick-designed exterior? If yes, you can go for textural elements in your polymer siding. This will give the siding a similar look to your home’s exterior. It balances the aesthetics, provided you choose similar colors. 

With so many designs available, it won’t be hard to find a polymer siding that fits your house. Just make sure it adds to the aesthetics and doesn’t make your house look odd from a distance. Buyers may not approve of the color or design of the siding if you make the wrong choice. And therefore, always take help from professionals while choosing siding.

If you need high-quality polymer siding, get in touch with us. We can show you some unique designs and colors that would make your home look incredible. Click here to learn more about our siding installation services.

Give TNT a call today at 970-663-2868 or click here to contact us.

Painting Vinyl Siding

TNT Home Improvements is a leading construction company providing a wide range of exterior construction services to Loveland and the surrounding regions. Our extensive experience and passion for a job well-done has made us a prominent figure in the local construction scene and we are proud of the first-rate exterior services we provide our valued clients.

We handle a wide range of projects including the construction of beautiful patios, patio covers, decks and the installation of windows and siding. All of our projects are carried out with the highest level of diligence to ensure you gain the most value from your investment. Call us today to get an estimate for any projects you have in mind for your Loveland home.

What a Homeowner Should Know About Vinyl Siding and Painting Vinyl Siding From the Experts.

Any savvy homeowner is going to be on the lookout for the most cost-effective ways to protect their property value. The structure of the home must be protected from the elements by formidable roofing as well as a sealed and watertight exterior. One of the most popular and impressive options for protecting a home’s exteriors is the use of vinyl siding.

While there are many different siding options, vinyl is certainly a cut above the rest. This impressive construction material comes with a wide set of benefits that improve the value of your property and investments in a number of ways.

Vinyl siding is waterproof, which means it will keep the inner structures of your home free from moisture. It is also a highly durable material that will last for years to come and there are even ways to extend its usefulness.

Vinyl siding is also an especially low maintenance option that will only heed an occasional wash down with water and a brush to keep your exteriors looking sharp and beautiful. Finally, vinyl siding is an especially attractive siding option. Available in so many textures and designs it can allow you to attain the highest levels of curb appeal, which is important to good living and if you are ever considering a resale.

Vinyl Painting

At TNT Home Improvements, we bring special skill and experience to installing and maintaining vinyl siding in an effort to enhance the value of your investments. While vinyl siding is a very long-lasting material with extensive benefits to the property and property owner, it does require a professional touch. The only way to ensure your vinyl siding will serve you well and that additional attention extends its service life is to have your exterior needs addressed by an experienced local professional. This is where TNT Home Improvements steps in to ensure you get every bit of value from your home investments.

One way to breathe new life into vinyl siding just beginning to look its age is with a proper paint job. Applied properly and at the right time by the right professionals, there are a number of benefits you can expect from painting vinyl siding.

Following is our professional perspective on this potentially budget-saving operation.

What you should know about Painting Vinyl Siding.

Not all homeowners are aware of the possibility and potential advantages of painting vinyl siding. You can take your current look and completely transform your vinyl siding with the right coat of paint and the aesthetic possibilities are limitless. It is actually much easier to paint your vinyl siding than it would be to paint a wood or brick wall.

Nevertheless, there are many minor considerations that must be factored into your plans for painting vinyl siding. Without experience in this task, there are many ways to botch the results. When applied effectively, a painted vinyl siding will look better, last longer and save your cash, but the reverse is also true.

This is why we recommend you contact TNT Home Improvements exterior constructions for expert advice on how to properly improve your vinyl siding.

Choosing the Right Colors

You will have to consider how the heat of the sun will play a role in the proper bonding of the paint and the vinyl siding. If your vinyl siding is a lighter shade and you apply a very dark paint, you will notice that the vinyl siding will start to absorb more heat and this can cause warping and other disfigurements.

On the other hand, when applying a lighter paint on a light-colored siding, a poor choice of hue and the desired effects may not be as dynamic.

The proper house paint comes in an extensive range of vinyl safe color choices that will make your home look completely new and increase the longevity of your siding.

Advantages of Using Vinyl Paint for Siding

Improved Curb Appeal – the advantage you and everyone else will experience the most profoundly will be the aesthetic improvement. If you have recently had landscaping, a patio or deck installed, you may find that a color adjustment can complete the look. Or, maybe your siding is beginning to look a bit old and worn? A paint job can freshen those looks and make everything seem new.

Preserve Your Budget – Rather than replace your vinyl siding when it has become faded and unattractive, a painting job will only cost a fraction of the costs of replacement and many paint jobs come with guarantees. Be sure to ask your exterior experts about guaranteed paint jobs.

Hide Partial Replacements – Sometimes your vinyl siding may become damaged by hail or other accidents. In such a case replacing the damaged panels will mean a few portions of your home’s exterior will appear off-color. This can be very detracting to curb appeal. Here is another time when painting vinyl siding will ensure your home looks great for longer.

Things to Consider:

There will be a few things to consider before you can be sure a paint job is the right move for your vinyl siding.

1. A Good Cleaning

Often despite your best cleaning efforts your vinyl siding still appears old and dingy. You may be thinking of having it painted, but sometimes there is an even more cost-effective solution. Vinyl can become embedded with fine particulate matter, airborne grease and dust that becomes baked into the surface by the heat of the sun. To remove all this, a good pressure washing is in order. Vinyl siding can endure in good conditions for as long as 50 years. Be sure to have it regularly pressure washed to restore its looks and protect its longevity.

2. Warranties

Some vinyl siding comes with a warranty that will be void if the siding is painted. You will need to check this detail before beginning.

3. Painted or Replaced

Remember that there is always the chance that your vinyl siding is too far gone to paint. In this case, the only option will be to consider having your siding replaced. Call our expert exterior professionals for a full inspection of your home’s siding. If your siding needs to be replaced, we will be there with the most affordable plans and cost-effective solutions for the task at hand.

Final Notes on Painting Vinyl Siding Loveland

At TNT Home Improvements we know how to ensure your vinyl siding painting project works out best and achieves your goals for economy and beauty. Call us at 970-663-2868 to get an estimate on your project. If you have any other questions or concerns about your exteriors count on our knowledgeable representatives for insightful information or click here to learn about our siding services.

Can Your Home Benefit from Siding Installation in Fort Collins, CO?

Siding Replacement Benefits

Over the years, harsh weather and aging can make your home’s exterior looked tired and worn. Fresh siding will give it the revival it needs. Siding installation in Fort Collins, CO brings homes back to life. This transformation offers the following benefits and more.

Increase your curb appeal

Make your house the nicest on the block. Updating your home’s siding creates an entirely new appearance. No one wants to be the neighborhood eyesore. With fresh siding, you can be the envy of the neighborhood instead. If you are planning to sell your home any time soon, this increase in curb appeal can make a huge impact on potential buyers and increase your home’s resale value. As potential buyers pull up to your home, their first impression will be more positive. Whether for sale or for show, new siding improves curb appeal by leaps and bounds.

Save your wallet

Who wants to spend a lot of money to continue painting and repairing the exterior of their home every year or two? Maintenance expenses for vinyl siding are almost nonexistent. You don’t have to repaint it or re-stain it. Initial installation is also less expensive than the alternatives. The siding will also provide better insulation. You will save money on heating and cooling bills throughout the year.

Save your time

Not only are you saving money with low-maintenance siding, you are saving the time you would otherwise devote to this maintenance. Think of the fun things you could do instead of spending weekends keeping up the exterior of your home. By allowing TNT Home Improvements to install your siding, you’ll save even more time from the beginning. The pros will have your home’s exterior looking sharp in no time.

Save the environment

Who doesn’t want to be more green? Vinyl siding rates well among green builders due to its high resiliency and low maintenance levels. Also, because it helps you use less energy, it is a more environmentally friendly option than its less energy-saving counterparts. Plus, you don’t have to use paint, stain, or other chemicals to maintain the siding. Cleaning requires soap and water only, which is much more eco-friendly.

Boost your lifestyle

With professional siding installation in Fort Collins, CO, you can transform your lifestyle. Think about it: with new siding your family home will be like-new. You can choose the best style and color that fits your home and your personal panache. You will be proud to showcase your home. The low-maintenance exterior will free up time you would otherwise spend on up-keep, allowing you to explore new hobbies or spend more time with family. Not to mention, the money you save on utility bills provides resources to boost other areas of your life. You’ll feel great about the decision to give your home, and your lifestyle a boost.

Start enjoying this impact

Don’t wait any longer to start enjoying these benefits of siding installation in Fort Collins, CO. Give your home, and your life, the simple but effective enhancement of new siding. Call the professionals at TNT Home Improvements today to start your new life tomorrow.