Craneboard vinyl siding
With spring just around the corner in Apple Valley MN, you may be thinking about having new siding installed on your home. If you’re considering a number of materials, we’d like to give you some basic information in vinyl. Vinyl siding was first introduced into the market in the 1950’s and was used as an alternative to the popular aluminum siding. When siding is made from vinyl, it is more lightweight than either wood or aluminum and less prone to damages such as dents. Also, some lines of vinyl siding can be painted, and the paint should last much longer than if applied to wood or metal.
The Make-Up of Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is made up from two layers. The bottom layer is made from synthetic resin and polyvinyl chloride and is one of the most commonly-produced vinyls throughout the world. The top layer is made up of titanium dioxide, and this is the substance that gives the material its color while also protecting the siding from UV rays.
Vinyl Siding – Water and Sunlight
Unless your manufacturer’s warranty states otherwise, a pressure washer should be used on the siding once a year to remove built-up and caked-on dirt and mud. The water won’t harm the siding, unless it is above 125° F. If it is this high, it will trigger a chemical reaction which causes the titanium dioxide to break up and fall off. This will also fade the color. Rain water will not do this to the home; it can take several years for the color to fade down due to rain water. By adding an overhang to the roof, it can ensure that the rainwater that hits the roof will roll off without hitting the siding (which will make it last longer).
When sunlight hits aluminum painted siding, it heats up to incredibly high temperatures; this can make the paint chip and peel off. Vinyl does not conduct heat powerfully, so it’s more resistant to heat damage; however, UV-A rays from the sun are the longest rays and can penetrate deep into the titanium dioxide, causing it to fade with time when the UV index outside is more than 10.
The Effects of MN Winter on Vinyl Siding
Snow has no effect on vinyl siding, but the ice that comes with it can. It can cause the vinyl to crack due to the water getting in between the cracks and seams of the siding. If water remains there, it can then freeze and cause problems throughout the siding. When it freezes, the water expands and your siding can pop off or crack in those areas.
Dealing with Vinyl Siding Scratches and Scuffs
Many different tools and materials can scratch or scuff the outside of the vinyl. By scrubbing the area for at least 10 minutes gently using a steel or nylon brush you can remove them, but scrubbing too hard can cause further damage. If your siding has extensive and noticeable scuffing and scratches, you may want to consult an Apple Valley siding installation contractor to inspect the damage and make recommendations for repairs or replacement.
How Long Should My Vinyl Siding Last?
Studies that were conducted showed that with proper care, vinyl siding products on homes throughout the United States have been able to remain in good condition for at least 50 years on average. Many vinyl siding manufacturers provide a warranty on their siding products. These warranties range from 20 to 55 years.
We Install Crane Insulated Vinyl Siding in Apple Valley MN
If it’s time for new siding on your Minneapolis area home, speak with us here at Window Outfitters to find out what we can do for your home. We’ve got the vinyl siding you’d like to have – we are proud to be installers of Crane insulated vinyl siding and a qualified Minneapolis MN siding contractor. Call us at 952-746-6661. We provide exterior home improvement solutions for the greater Minneapolis area, including the communities of Apple Valley, Burnsville, and Savage.
Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.
