Siding Specialists
Siding Specialists
Siding Specialists
Siding Specialists
Vinyl siding is a great way to improve the look of your home or cut down your energy bills. However, it needs to be correctly installed before it can add value to your property. Now, are you worried about where to find quality siding installation? Look no further than Chicago Primer! Premier Chicago Siding Specialists …
Your home’s exterior isn’t just for show to catch the eyes of passersby. More than just beauty, it also needs to be able to protect you and your family from whatever Mother Nature flings your way, whether it be the extreme heat of the sun, heavy rains, strong winds, or freezing snow. This is the …
Siding is a crucial part of your home. Not only does it boost your home’s curb appeal, but it also provides further insulation and protection from all the elements. This is why it’s important to ensure that your vinyl siding is properly installed by the right professionals and not by unqualified scammers who’ll give you nothing but headaches. Here are some tips for hiring a vinyl siding contractor to guarantee the best results.
Before everything else, you have to determine your specific needs. Are you only repairing your siding? Or are you replacing some sections? Maybe you want to install a completely new one? Many contractors tend to focus on either repair or installation, so it’d be great to know what you’re looking for.
In addition, although plenty of home siding contractors can handle all types of siding pretty well, nothing beats a company specializing in installing and repairing vinyl siding. Why? Because they’ll have an edge in using certain methods and tools and will have better knowledge and experience. Knowing this helps save you time finding the siding contractor that best suits your needs and preferences.
Do you know anyone who has had their siding recently installed? If yes, ask them about their vinyl siding contractor and experiences with them. Did they do their job appropriately? Were they efficient? Did they finish the installation on time and within the budget? Was the customer service okay? Referrals from people you know are always a good sign.
No matter how much in a hurry you are, it’s not wise to hire vinyl siding contractors without researching them. This will only increase the risk of you hiring amateur workers. As such, do your research. Look at the company’s online reviews from past customers, and see whether the feedback is positive or not. You can also check their online ratings on the BBB, HomeAdvisor, and Yelp.
This one is a no-brainer. Just like any business, license and insurance go hand in hand to verify the legitimacy of a company. So, contractors should be able to provide a copy of both by your request. Licensing proves that the company is highly adept and knowledgeable in installing vinyl siding on your home. It also helps secure permits, making the process much smoother.
On the other hand, insurance protects you from damages and issues relating to the siding installation. When you’re insured, contractors are held liable in case problems arise. Although unlikely, it’s still better to be safe than sorry.
When looking for a siding contractor, it’s better to obtain at least three estimates from different companies. Ask them to come to your home to discuss your demands and specifications so that they can give a more accurate bid. There’s no need to worry about costs as they’re mostly offered for free.
Moreover, estimates should have a certain price threshold. So if a company charges incredibly cheap or extremely expensive, be careful. They’re either lowballing or overpricing their services. You don’t want anything to do with these kinds of companies.
Most reputable siding contractors have a page dedicated to reviews and photos of their past projects. However, some don’t. In this case, try asking for their portfolio. This will give you a glimpse of what you can expect to get when hiring them.
Asking questions is a simple but effective method to know more about your potential siding contractor and their work. Here are some essential queries to ask before choosing a vinyl siding contractor:
These are only some of the many questions you can ask your siding contractor. If you have particular concerns in mind, make sure to know the answers.
A written estimate is a must. This contract should cover everything related to the project, including the terms and exceptions of work, job details, materials, and pricing. Another necessity is the guarantee of professional workmanship. If a company can’t provide this, that’s a red flag you should avoid.
One thing to avoid when hiring vinyl siding contractors is paying 100% of the cost upfront. You should only pay the partial amount at the beginning and gradually give more after project milestones until the work is over. So if a company asks for a full payment before the job is finished, it would be best to consider other contractors.
Proper siding installation means the world in making your home stronger and more beautiful. If not done properly, both its durability and looks will be compromised, and you’ll likely have to spend again sooner than expected. You wouldn’t want that. That’s why hiring only the best vinyl siding contractor is essential. But since you’re here, it’s safe to say that you already know what to do.
Vinyl siding is affordable, durable, and beautiful. This is why it remains a top choice for many homeowners today. However, there is a common problem that often comes with this siding – frequent maintenance. When not done right and routinely, it may significantly affect its function, looks, and longevity. If you want to avoid that, …
A stunning exterior is what every homeowner dreams of. But sometimes, the cost of beautifying your house can be intimidating. However, there’s no need to feel that way. With the right type of siding, you can upgrade your home’s appearance without going broke.
If you’re interested, eyes here. This is the guide you need to find the best cheapest siding option for your home.
This has to be number one on the list. Whenever discussing siding affordability, there’s no doubt that vinyl will be mentioned. That is why it’s among the most popular siding in the US until today. In addition, it doesn’t need painting, and with the proper upkeep, it’ll last you decades. To top it off, vinyl siding requires minimum effort for repair and maintenance.
On the downside, vinyl is not the best under extreme conditions and may break easier than others. This can lead to water leakage and water damage, and when left unattended, insulating your home will be difficult. Its color is also prone to fading under strong sunlight. Plus, vinyl siding is not the most eco-friendly choice.
If you want a siding that can last up to 50 years, consider buying aluminum. To make the most of its durability, make sure it’s appropriately installed and maintained. Aluminum is just like any other metal siding, except it doesn’t rust. It can be installed vertically or horizontally with lots of options for color, giving way to numerous customizations. It will never acquire damage from the elements, mold and mildew, insects, and rotting. Even better, it’s recyclable.
However, aluminum is hard to install, so you’ll need professional help. It can also get loud during hail and rain, a major turnoff for many homeowners. Moreover, it’s prone to denting and scratches, and painting it is labor-intensive. Lastly, aluminum siding isn’t looking great on the real estate market as plenty say it has gone out of style.
Is it noisy in your area? Stucco might be the answer. This is another budget-friendly siding with the resilience you’ll want and the looks you’ll love. Not only that, stucco is energy-efficient. So if you’re going green, this siding is worth considering. Are you worried about its porosity? Simply upgrade it to Exterior Insulation Finishing Systems (EIFS) to cover this weakness.
Stucco only has two significant drawbacks. The first is that it requires expert services to install. The other is that it demands regular maintenance, looking out for any crack and peeling to make sure it’s in tip-top shape, unlike the two above. Thankfully, the process is easy.
The natural aesthetics of wood is unparalleled. Sadly, all good things come with a cost. But do not be discouraged. You can still have that kind of charm at a lower price and simpler upkeep when you buy engineered wood. What’s more, you can DIY the installation, saving extra money. It can withstand the elements and temperature fluctuations. Needless to say, engineered wood is quite the sturdy type.
Nevertheless, this siding isn’t perfect. It generally lasts less than actual solid wood, colors may fade over time, and it can crack or break, letting moisture in where it doesn’t belong. Engineered wood, obviously, is not good against fire.
Do you want to achieve that high-end look without costing a fortune? If yes, nothing beats fiber cement. But that’s not reason enough to go for it. Well, here are a few more that you will surely love. Fiber cement siding has various styles and textures, imitating the feels of any other option you know. It’s also resistant to most types of damage, including the elements, fire, rotting, insects, and mold and mildew. That’s not the end yet. Fiber cement is extremely durable and can remain standing for more than 50 years, even with little maintenance. All those add up to why it’s gaining popularity by the day, although new to the industry.
But just like all siding, fiber cement also has flaws. It’s the most expensive on this list, thanks to the material itself plus professional installation costs. However, keep in mind that this is virtually maintenance-free. So all the time and money you save taking care of it will offset all that upfront payments.
Boost your curb appeal and make that dream home come true while cutting back on costs when you use any of the siding on this list. But before you do, consider the factors that may affect the efficacy of your siding choice.
