Vinyl siding, the characteristics of which will be discussed in this article, is becoming more common in recent times. This finishing material can be found on sale in different price ranges. The cost depends on the quality characteristics and the manufacturer. Siding has been known for over 60 years, during this period the material has improved and become more reliable. It steadily undergoes external influences, serves for a more impressive time and is affordable, which allows the use of the material even in buildings whose external walls have an impressive area. This all attracts the modern consumer.
Features of vinyl siding
Vinyl siding, the characteristics of which you need to know before purchasing, is 80 percent polyvinyl chloride. It was this component that gave the material a name. Some manufacturers use up to 70 percent of recycled materials to reduce costs. This adversely affects the technical characteristics of the material. However, such a finish finds its consumer.
If you do not want to save on quality, then, first of all, you need to pay attention to cost. In some cases, secondary raw materials are used only in the amount of 5 percent, in this case, similar ingredients are available only in the lower layer of the sheet. It contains 15 percent calcium carbonate, which fills the structure of the canvas.
Titanium dioxide is contained in the top layer in an amount of 10 percent. This additive provides stability to the structure. Among other things, it guarantees the constancy of light. Titanium dioxide is designed to inhibit exposure to the sun. The remaining additives are contained in a less impressive amount and are designed to increase the mechanical strength of the material. There are also pigments in the decoration that give the necessary shade and color.
Features of choosing vinyl siding
If you are thinking about how to choose vinyl siding, you must, among other things, be guided by color. Experienced builders recommend choosing a decoration of soft pastel colors. This is due to the fact that the facade in this case will fade more slowly and will attract less sunlight. Compared to darker shades, this material will not change color for longer. It should also be guided by the manufacturer. Choose a siding of those firms which exist in the market longer than the others. If you want to facilitate the operation of the material, then you need to choose a smooth texture. When deciding which vinyl siding is better, it is also necessary to be guided by the composition of the material, which should be presented in the quality certificate.
Vinyl Finish Size
Vinyl siding, the characteristics of which will allow you to make a choice, can have different sizes. On sale you can find panels that have a length of 3.05; 3.66 and 3.85 m. As for the width, it can be equal to 205, 232, 255 and 305 mm. The thickness of the web can vary from 1 to 1.02 mm.
General characteristics of siding
Vinyl siding, the characteristics of which most consumers are interested in before acquiring, is today one of the most popular materials for decorating residential facades . Such popularity is due to its quality characteristics, as well as versatility. Vinyl material is widely used for finishing farm buildings, garages, baths and cottages. Administrative buildings, as well as shopping pavilions and gas stations, are no exception. Panels made of polyvinyl chloride have an aesthetic appearance, do not burn and do not rot. They perfectly protect the facade from negative atmospheric phenomena, and working with them is very simple. After installation, you can count on a long service life. Having visited the store, you can make sure that the siding is presented in a wide range of colors, which allows you to choose panels that can be successfully fit into the exterior of the site. Among other things, siding can be performed in various imitation of natural materials, which saves on the use of expensive finishes.
Features of installing siding
After choosing a vinyl siding failed, you can proceed to install it. Carrying out such work is not too difficult. If you wish, you can perform installation manipulations yourself. When installing cladding from the described material, it must be taken into account that vinyl is capable of changing its linear dimensions when exposed to high temperature. Therefore, between the siding panels, it is necessary to leave a slight gap, which will be able to prevent the destruction of the material during temperature fluctuations.
Between the panels it is necessary to make a distance whose thickness is 6 millimeters. If you will perform work in the winter, then this period must be increased. However, it must be taken into account that the temperature of the external air should not be less than -12 degrees, otherwise the gap should be increased to 12 millimeters. Cutting should not be done if the thermometer has dropped below -10 degrees. If there is a need to carry out installation work during the period of frost, then the material must first be brought into a warm room for acclimatization.
Finishing with vinyl siding involves the use of medium-length self-tapping screws, which have large round hats. Such fasteners can be replaced with roofing nails. The master needs to remember that screwing in screws or installing nails is done in the siding directly in the middle. Installing fasteners around the edges is not recommended. As one of the important stages of installation, the installation of the crate is distinguished. Installation of vinyl siding directly on the walls is not carried out. This can cause deformation and destruction of the walls. Before installing the frame system, you must choose what material will be used for this. It can be wood or metal. The first option will not last as long as the last. However, it is possible to level these qualitative characteristics of lumber by treating its surface with antiseptic compounds. It is important to take into account the installation direction of the siding panels, which should be perpendicular to the frame rails.
Preparing tools for installation
In order to install vinyl
siding under a tree, it is necessary to prepare an electric jigsaw, tape measure, plumb line, construction level, as well as a screwdriver.
Technology of work
After you decide what type of crate will be used - a wooden beam or a metal profile, you can proceed to install the frame. The panels must be fastened with self-tapping screws for wood and metal. Siding panels are soft, so cutting them will be quite simple. It will be possible to use for this a construction knife or a metal saw with small cloves.
Frame installation
All types of vinyl siding are usually installed horizontally. However, the location may be different. Initially, when installing the frame, it is necessary to mount corner posts, which will act as supports and act as beacons. Between the racks, a strong twine should be stretched, along which the remaining racks are mounted after. This approach allows you to place the supporting elements in one plane. Between racks the distance within 45 centimeters has to be maintained. Thanks to this step, it is possible to ensure the strength of the facing surface.
Installation of vinyl trim
If you decide to use vinyl siding for the walls , the dimensions of the panel will help you calculate the required amount of material for the work. Dimensions are presented above. After the installation of the frame has been completed, you can proceed to the installation of siding. For starters, it is recommended to fix small cladding elements, among which window slopes, protrusions, corners, etc. can be distinguished. After that, you can start working with large elements. The joint between the finishing strips must be decorated with a docking profile. In the event that pipes pass through the wall of the building, shaped elements can be used for cladding. In some cases, holes are made in the siding panels. In this case, around ten millimeters must be added around the circumference of the pipe.
What to consider
If you do the work yourself, then most likely the most difficult step will be to work with installing the lower siding strip. It must be placed strictly horizontally, the construction level is used for analysis. The rest of the elements will need to be fixed to the starting line. To do this, in the strip, which will be located above, it is necessary to lock the bottom panel. Now it will only be necessary to fix the material using self-tapping screws. Comparative characteristics of metal and vinyl siding will allow you to understand what material is best to choose for work. If you are afraid of thermal expansion, then you need to choose the first variety of finishes. It will be more resistant to external aggressive influences.
Conclusion
When decorating a house with siding, every nuance is important. This is the choice of material, and the correct installation of the frame system, as well as the material itself. It is especially important not to install the fasteners all the way, otherwise the first time the temperature changes, the finish will become covered with cracks and may completely collapse. This will certainly lead to the need for dismantling and reinstallation of the material. If you are not confident in your abilities, then it is recommended to contact specialists; installing such a finish today is inexpensive. However, in this case, you will definitely be sure that it will last you a long time, and the investments will be justified.