Frequently Asked Questions:
Siding (click on the item to expand):

1) How does vinyl siding compare with other siding materials?

  • In a way, it's almost no contest. When compared to wood, brick, stone, stucco, and metal sidings on the basis of initial cost, maintenance costs, appearance, durability and value, vinyl siding is clearly superior.
  • We offer a broad range of vinyl siding products, so you can choose one that's easily affordable. Whichever you choose, you can expect the highest quality and lasting beauty. Vinyl siding never needs painting or staining. It doesn't chip, peel, dent or rot, so you can forget costly repairs. Just rinse occasionally with a garden hose.
  • Because vinyl is the preferred siding for more and more homeowners, it retains most of its installed cost. It is manufactured with your choice of smooth or grained surfaces; rich, low-gloss colors; and a variety of classic siding profiles.

2) Is there a difference in vinyl siding product?

  • Today, vinyl siding is manufactured by coextrusion. Two layers of PVC are laid down in a continuous extrusion process; the top layer is weatherable capstock, which includes titanium dioxide, which is a pigment and provides resistance to breakdown from UV light. The lower layer, known as substrate, is typically about 15% ground limestone (which is largely calcium carbonate).
  • Vinyl siding can be observed in a wide range of product quality realized in a substantial differences in thickness and durability. . Today, the thinnest vinyl siding commonly used is of .40 mils, and is known as "builder's grade". Thicker vinyl products, usually realized in higher cost, are more rigid which can add to the aesthetic appeal and look of the installed, inherently flexible product and also add to durability and life expectancy. Thicker grades of vinyl siding also have much more resistance to the most common complaint about vinyl siding - it's tendency to crack in very cold weather when it is struck or bumped by a hard object.
  • Chemical formulas can also vary by manufacturer which can impact life expectancy. As a rough general rule, the higher the grade (and price) of the siding, the more resistant it is to fading .

3) Are there any other materials that are better than vinyl siding?

  • Not when it comes to siding. Vinyl siding's outstanding features and benefits have made it the most popular siding material in America today. And because vinyl is the preferred siding for more and more homeowners, it retains most of its installed cost . It's the material of choice on new luxury homes...and the first choice for remodeling projects large and small.
  • Leading manufacturers offer a broad range of vinyl siding products, so you can choose one that's easily affordable.
  • And vinyl siding offers flexible design options that make it ideal for contemporary homes...and for stately century-old Victorians. You can choose from smooth or grained surfaces; rich, low-gloss colors; and a wide variety of classic siding profiles - plus low-maintenance trim products and accessory options that add to both the beauty and value of your home.
  • Exceptional beauty. Durability. Economical price. Easy maintenance. Long-term value. If these are your criteria, there's no better choice than vinyl siding.

4) How does the cost of vinyl siding compare to the added resale value it provides?

  • In terms of adding resale value to your home, vinyl siding is one of the best investments you can make. In its annual survey of project cost versus added value, Remodeling magazine said that "the highest payback comes from projects that give an older home the same features that have become standard in new homes."
  • Exterior improvements such as the installation of vinyl siding also make a home more attractive on the market. According to a real estate agent interviewed by Remodeling, "Things like new siding and new windows will not add dollar for dollar value... (But) they will cause the house to sell quicker for more money."
  • Another point to keep in mind: if, like many homeowners, you add insulation to an older home at the same time you're having vinyl siding installed, you add even greater value and market appeal to your home.

5) What exterior design options do you have with vinyl siding?

  • Vinyl siding is one of the most versatile exterior design products you can work with. We offer many different vinyl siding lines. A broad selection lets you choose among a wide variety of design options, including horizontal and vertical siding; traditional clapboard and authentically detailed "shaped" sidings; wide and narrow panel exposures; smooth, subtle and deep wood grain textures; plus a wide assortment of traditional and contemporary colors.

6) Can vinyl siding be mixed with other kinds of exteriors?

  • Sure. Vinyl siding is extremely versatile and can be used with just about any exterior building material - brick, cinder block, even natural logs and field stones.
  • If you have special installation concerns - such as running vinyl siding along a natural stone chimney, for example - talk to your contractor. He's probably handled a similar installation in the past.


Windows (click on the item to expand):

1) What are various windows made of and what will work best for me?

  • Basically there are three types of materials used. Aluminum windows, with their easily scratched painted surfaces, conduct both heat and cold, so they're very poor insulators. Wood windows, which require constant painting and caulking, can absorb moisture, making them difficult to open and close. They can even rot. Solid vinyl windows, however, never need painting and won't show scratches, because the color goes throughout the material. This is why vinyl windows are quickly becoming the most popular choice for both new construction and replacement applications.
  • In addition, you should certainly consider custom-sized windows for the very simple reason that they'll fit better. Stock-sized windows require extensive carpentry work both inside and outside your house. That can be very costly and inconvenient. Custom-sized windows, on the other hand, are manufactured to fit your existing window opening. You get the style and options you want while maintaining your glass area.

2) Is there any difference in how windows are made?

  • There are two basic types of construction: Mechanically fastened windows are screwed together at the corners. And welded windows, becoming more and more popular, that use a chemical or heat process for joining. Mechanically fastened windows feature a unique overlap corner design for extra strength, while welded versions utilize state-of-the-art heat welding equipment. Beware of windows with mitered corners screwed together or chemically welded corners, as they probably won't perform as well for you.

3) Can I replace my old windows with different styles or types?

  • Certainly, you may want to consult an independent dealer/contractor to find the type of window that best complements your home's natural design. No matter what style or combination of styles you choose, windows can be custom-manufactured for you.

4) What about strength, protection and noise reduction?

  • You should look for a window that offers both superior strength and energy efficiency. Manufacturers now use a computer-controlled process to ensure a perfectly square window sash and mainframe with superior strength.
  • And for exceptional energy efficiency, a full interlock at the meeting rail helps protect your home against the elements, or unwanted intrusions, while providing a noticeable reduction in the amount of noise that enters most homes.
  • In addition, the insulating glass unit traps dry air, creating an exceptional comfort barrier.

5) How does insulating glass improve the quality of windows and doors?

  • Insulating glass improves the quality of windows and doors by:
    • Improving the performance of the U- and R-values of your new windows and doors.
    • Reducing condensation.
    • Helping keep the heat in and cold out during winter.
    • Helping keep the heat out and the cold in during summer.

6) What causes condensation on windows?

  • Condensation, or "sweating," is a natural occurrence on all windows and is caused by excess humidity, or invisible water vapor, present in the air. When this water vapor comes in contact with a surface which is at a cooler temperature, the vapor turns to visible droplets of moisture.
  • Manufacturers have many features built in to keep the temperature of the glass as warm as possible and thus reduce condensation. By insulating glass the units provide energy efficiency to reduce the potential for condensation. However, there is no such thing as a condensation-free window in high humidity conditions. Controlling the amount of moisture in your home is the most effective action you can take to avoid condensation.
  • Here are a few tips on reducing the moist air in your home:
    • Use fans in bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms to circulate the air.
    • Air out your home frequently by opening doors and windows.
    • Reduce the number of indoor house plants, as plants increase humidity levels.
    • Use a dehumidifier to remove excess humidity from the air.


Guttering (click on the item to expand):

1) Will guttering help prevent foundations problems?

  • The expansion and contraction of the soil surrounding your home is the number one reason for slab failure. After a period of rainy weather, the soil around the perimeter expands as is becomes saturated with moisture. A dry, hot summer following the rain can cause the soil to contract and pull away from the foundation. As this cycle repeats, the support foundation can become compromised leading to cracked masonry, as well as sticking doors and windows. A properly designed gutter system keeps the moisture level in the soil consistent, by directing runoff safely away from the house.

2) Will guttering deter damage to my landscaping?

  • Plants, flowers, mulch and soil located under the drip line of an unguttered roof can suffer the runoff of a thunderstorm. Additionally, this runoff can result in an over watering condition that could permit harmful fungus to develop as well as attract ants, roaches, and termites.

3) Will guttering protect the siding, masonry, and other exterior surfaces of my home?

  • Rainwater cascading off an unguttered roof will hit the ground with enough force to cause a splash- back. Within this splash-back are dirt, grass, and minerals that end up on the exterior of your home. Over a short period of time, a stain appears that can be difficult to remove or hide.