Realty.com » Resources and Services

Login • Register

Resources and Services

Quick Tips

Tip: Vinyl Siding

Q: Lately I have been receiving all kinds of calls and ads in the mail about vinyl siding for my home. I have never thought of vinyl siding before, but we are facing a distressingly high heating bill now, and the task of repainting the house this spring, so it seems like an option to consider. What can you tell me about it?

A: Re-painting the house every couple of years is rarely listed among the joys of owning a home. That’s one reason why more and more homeowners like you are considering vinyl siding for the first time to protect and beautify their homes and save them time and money.

Q: I’m sure I’ve resisted looking into vinyl siding because I remember growing up next door to a neighbor who had cheap looking, obviously non-wood siding in the ugliest color which dented when we accidentally hit it with a baseball. Have things improved since then?

A: Absolutely! I am sure you have seen many attractive homes in varying colors and styles of vinyl siding which looked like freshly painted wood.

Vinyl siding never needs painting because its color goes all the way through the material and won’t peel, flake or show scratches like painted surfaces. So it can save you either hundreds of dollars on professional painting, or a lot of aggravation and sore muscles if you do your own painting.

It will not dent like the aluminum siding your old neighbor had, even if hit with a stray baseball. Nor will it warp, rot or chip like wood. Other advantages of vinyl include the following:

1. Resists rain, sun, wind, air pollution and high humidity.

2. Does not attract termites like wood siding.

3. Holds up well over time and can retain its qualities for 40 years or more.

4. Can save on your heating and cooling bills; when used with a suitable backing material, vinyl siding is an excellent insulator that protects your home from extreme temperatures.

5. Vinyl is attractive! Manufacturers offer a broad range of colors in various shades.

Because it comes in different clapboard widths, horizontal and vertical styles and even different textures, from smooth to wood grain. This flexibility allows you to achieve the look that’s just right for your home.

More Popular Entries

Additions & Remodels

Taking the Mystery Out of Kitchen Design
Surviving the Remodeling Process
Checklist: Recommended Questions to Ask a Contractor

Agents (Real Estate), Appraisers & Home Inspectors

House Buying Mistakes
Mortgage Hints
Personal Home Inspections

Appliances

Installing Appliances
Selecting Major Appliances
Repair Dishwasher and Water Damage

Builders (New Homes), Architects & Designers

Taking the Mystery Out of Kitchen Design
Workout Room
Appraisals

Carpentry & Cabinets

Tip: Dealing with Dryrot
Cabinet Options
Tip: Repair Laminate Countertops

Cleaning Services

Carpet Care Tips
Ways to Clean Your Carpet
Choosing a Carpet Cleaning Service

Concrete, Brick & Stone

Taking Care of Your Chimney and Fireplace
Wunderbar Rebar!
Repair Cinderblock Foundation

Consumer Guides

Wall and Ceiling Cleaning
How to Hire a Plumber
Upgrade for the Future

Design Ideas

Skylights
Add a Hot Tub to Your Deck
Stylish Entry

Electrical, Telephone & Data

Saving On Electrical Repairs
Convenient Electrical Fixtures
“Install Switches, Outlets and Fixtures”

Expert Advice

Cost of Siding
Workout Room
Pouring Concrete Driveway or Walkway

Flooring

Carpet Care In Depth
Steam Cleaning Grout
Choosing the Best Carpet for Your Home

Handyman Services

Avoiding Home Repair Rip-offs
Some Assembly Required
The Benefits of Weatherstripping

Heating & Cooling

Tip: Programmable Thermostats Can Save Money
Environmentally Friendly Solar Heat
Checklist: Cleaning the Air in Your Home

Home Construction

More Return on Your Home Improvement Investment
Checklist: Recommended Questions to Ask a Contractor
Do-It-Yourself Compared to Hiring a Pro

Landscape, Decks & Fences

Building a Good Fence
Charming Picket Fences
Herb Gardens

Moving & Storage

Some Assembly Required
Preparing a House for Sale
Stowing it Away: Where to Put It

Other Services

Tip: Radon Testing
How to Bring a Sauna Into Your Home
Mold in House

Painting & Staining

Lead Paint Common Sense
The Basics of Interior Painting
Checklist: Interior Paint Prep

Plumbing

Tip: Saving Money on Plumbing
Find a Water Treatment Service
Installation of Various Sump Pumps

Quick Tips

Tip: Repair Your Own Roof
Tip: Radon Testing
Checklist: Increase Curb Appeal

Roofing, Siding & Gutters

Time for a New Roof?
Modern Roofing Options
General Roofing Information

SP Feature Article

The Internet Will Change the Buying of Services

Walls & Ceilings

Types of Wall Coverings
Paint a Popcorn Ceiling
Techniques for Wall Covering Removal

Windows & Doors

Thermal Replacement Windows
Choosing Between Blinds or Shades
Know the Kind of Custom Window You Want

copyright 2008 Realty.com