Home siding Frequently Asked Questions

What types of siding are available?

Vinyl siding, insulated vinyl siding, and vinyl coated steel siding, fiber cement siding, regular wood siding, engineered wood siding, hardboard siding and other specialty siding.

Vinyl Siding

It's a fact – one of every ten homes with vinyl siding on the exterior feature Norandex/Reynolds brand. So why is Norandex/Reynolds vinyl siding so popular among homeowners nationwide? It's virtually maintenance free. The color does not peel, blister or flake, so there is never a need to paint. Ever. It also offers great curb appeal with more trim options, more styles and more colors than ever before. Plus it still offers the lowest total installed cost, as well as the lowest life cycle cost over the life of the home, making it a great value. Add to that its ability to withstand high winds (certified up to 90 mph or higher) as well as heat in excess of 100°F and sub-zero cold, plus an ability to resist termite infestation and moisture buildup, and you've got a vinyl siding product that's attractive to many homeowners.

Insulated Vinyl Siding

Our Polar Wall Plus! is the newest innovation in vinyl siding! A line of vinyl siding products fused to a foam backing material, to create an all-in-one siding and insulation system. It's energy efficient, typical energy savings can be as much as 20-30%*, and highly impact resistant with solid support behind the entire siding surface. By adding an additional foam insulation layer, the R-values of exterior walls are increased by R-2.9 to 3.5 depending on the profile, helping to save on heating and cooling costs. The foam is made from environmentally friendly polystyrene, which has thermal expansion properties nearly identical to vinyl siding, and moderate vapor permeability to allow the siding to breathe. Unlike conventional siding, the foam offers protection against dents and other impact damage, allowing the siding to remain aesthetically pleasing, functional, and lasting. The system provides the thermal insulation benefits of foam sheathing in a format that enhances the appearance and performance of vinyl siding, including sound control properties. *Amount of energy savings not guaranteed.

What is Fiber Cement siding?

Fiber Cement siding is a composite material made of cement, sand, and natural wood fibers and is manufactured to look just like wood. However, it is much more durable than wood and resists damage from water and termites. It is usually less expensive than brick, but more expensive than vinyl, wood, or wood products such as Masonite or hardboard siding. It must be painted, but it holds paint very well, much like brick or concrete do. James Hardie perfected fiber cement siding and is the world’s largest manufacturer.

What is vinyl coated steel siding?

Steel siding by Norandex, an Owens Corning company, combines the strength of steel with the low-maintenance advantages of vinyl and the beauty of natural wood, and homeowners can have siding that not only provides solid home protection, but also lasts a lifetime. To keep it looking new, just rinse occasionally with a garden hose. Plus, be mindful of the time and money you'll be saving in upkeep. Our steel siding won't rust, crack, chip, peel, blister or flake. It won't warp like ordinary siding. It can withstand Mother Nature's harshest weather, including hail. And it's fire and termite resistant. And regardless of the home's architecture, steel siding comes in a variety of styles, colors and accessories to suit every taste out there.

What about aluminum siding?

Aluminum siding was first marketed about 50 years ago but has several disadvantages and is seldom installed any more. It lasts forever, but must be painted and is easily damaged.

Engineered Wood Siding and traditional wood siding.

Used mostly for new construction, engineered wood consists of laminating a textured finish onto OSB, oriented strand board. It is economical and a better choice than hardboard but must be maintained and painted similar to ordinary wood.

What is hardboard siding?

It is a low-quality wood-composite product, such as Masonite. Builders use it because it is the cheapest siding option. Real wood, such as pine, oak, and redwood, is usually much more expensive. It is manufactured from wood byproducts and glue.

Why is my siding deteriorating?

Many homeowners experience major problems with wood or wood-composite siding only a short time after installation. These types of siding do best when protected from the weather and painted often.

What is Stripping?

Stripping is the process of tearing off the old siding. Vinyl siding usually goes right over your old siding provided it will hold the siding fasteners. Rotten areas are replaced. For fiber cement siding the old siding usually must be stripped.