Vertical vs. Horizontal Siding Installation – Which One is Right For You?
Siding is an important component of any house. The type of siding you get can make or break the home’s exterior. Particular siding can offer different looks as well as vary in costs. Vertical and horizontal siding are some options you can choose when replacing your old siding or choosing siding for a new home build. They are both great ways to improve the look of your home, and they can be beneficial for energy efficiency and prolonging the condition of your home. Although siding is an excellent home component, there are some differences that homeowners may have to choose from. These main differences include style, material, cost, installation, and time. New homeowners or those looking to redo their siding have to ultimately face the decision of horizontal or vertical housing regarding style and efficiency. Siding Options The material you choose may play a role in whether or not you want to install vertical or horizontal siding. The varying siding techniques can alter the look, as well as offer different solutions to problems homeowners face. Several siding materials are primarily used, which include: While each is unique, some things should be considered regarding each type of siding material, including the overall aesthetic of your home and the entire cost of installation. A siding contractor like Will County Siding and Windows can help you choose the right material for your home. Differences Between Vertical and Horizontal Siding Contractors that work on siding can generally install both vertical and horizontal siding. However, the main difference is how the siding types appear. Horizontal siding installation is when a type of siding is installed horizontally, whereas vertical siding is installed vertically. Therefore, depending on the appearance you want, you may opt for vertical or horizontal siding. Pros and Cons of Vertical Siding While the main difference is external appearance, many commercial properties utilize vertical siding. However, some homeowners prefer vertical siding as well. It is a unique look that many homeowners choose for a less traditional appearance. Advantages One main benefit of vertical siding is the unique design it brings to a home. It is also easier to clean or keep clean, which can significantly benefit homeowners. In addition, it typically does not require much maintenance to continue looking great. Disadvantages Vertical siding can be particularly tricky to install and usually involves additional steps. This factor can prolong the installation project and increase your overall costs. Should you Choose Vertical Siding? Vertical siding is a great choice for those who do not mind spending a bit more and want a more modern look. Not only does it give the home a more innovative style, but it requires little maintenance. If you are still trying to decide, consult with Will County Siding and Windows to find the best products for you and your home. Pros and Cons of Horizontal Siding For many homeowners, horizontal siding is the way to go. It gives the home a more traditional style choice for those who want a simple design. Those looking for a conventional approach to siding tend to opt for horizontal siding options. Advantages One of the main benefits of horizontal sizing is that it is incredibly affordable. On top of that, it is also quick to install. Many homeowners also prefer the more traditional appearance of the horizontal siding. Disadvantages Although it can be affordable, as horizontal siding wears out, it can be vulnerable to water leaks and damage that can occur. Buildups of mold and mildew can cause damage if not dealt with. It can be challenging to clean but may require more frequent maintenance and cleaning. Be sure to work with a trusted contractor, such as Will County Siding and Windows, who can ensure your siding is installed correctly. Should you Choose Horizontal Siding? Horizontal siding is the best option for those looking for a traditional look for the exterior of their home. It can give your home an attractive design that is conservative and cost-effective. Also, if you want to save money on installation and want the project to be done quickly, this is the best choice. Call the Experts in Siding Installation in Joliet, IL Will County Siding and Windows has been in the business of serving Joliet, IL, for over 40 years. Our showroom is open to customers looking to compare products and make the best selection for their homes. If you want durable products, professional installation, and satisfaction guaranteed, give us a call today.
6 Reasons Why Your Vinyl Siding is Warping
For many homeowners, vinyl siding is a popular option for protecting the exterior of the house. The reason behind your vinyl siding warping can come from a myriad of reasons, and figuring out which one is paramount in getting it fixed correctly. Not only is it incredibly affordable, but it is also versatile and very easy to maintain. However, even though it is relatively weather resistant, it can be warped over time. It is important to understand what can cause siding to warp to know how to prevent it. This will save you money and time in the long run! Improper Siding Installation Improper installation is one of the reasons vinyl siding may begin to warp. When siding installers set the vinyl, they may nail it down too tightly. When this happens, bulging can occur. Siding tends to fluctuate with changing temperatures making it prone to becoming damaged. While some siding professionals may believe that nailing it down tightly will make it last longer, it can ultimately have the opposite effect. Vinyl siding is designed to be installed so it can move and adjust to the weather and external conditions. To check to see if your siding is nailed down too tightly, try moving it slightly. If installed appropriately, it should be able to shift around half an inch from side to side. The nail placement can also affect the vinyl and warping. Typically, the nails should be placed in the middle of the oval-shaped openings. This will be at the top of the panels. This portion is designed for nails, ensuring they are not too close to each other. In the end, this allows for the vinyl to shift slightly. In addition, it is also important to keep shutters separate from the vinyl. Shutters are not meaning they are not nailed directly to siding. Temperature Changes Heat is another culprit of warping vinyl. Since vinyl is plastic, it can melt if the external temperature is too high. Furthermore, vinyl that is naturally darker or painted in darker colors is more prone to warping because they tend to absorb more heat. If you live somewhere relatively warm where temperatures are a concern, consider a lighter color vinyl that will reflect heat instead of absorbing it. Placing a gas grill near your home is also not advisable due to its high temperatures when in use. Siding Alignment Poor alignment is another leading cause of vinyl warping. If the ends of the panels are too close to the trim of the windows or the corners of the house, the vinyl cannot move. It may warp if the vinyl cannot naturally shift (expand or contract) with the temperature. Pests While this is not a common source of vinyl warping, it can occur. Some pests could cause distortion when they burrow underneath the house siding. One of the most common types of pests that do this is termites. They may even consume part of the siding if not taken care of. This damage can affect the house’s structure, causing the panels to warp. The gaps can widen if your siding begins to warp, allowing more pests to get in. Reflections One cause of warping that often surprises people is the reflection from Low-E glass nearby. Whether it is a part of your home or someone else’s, this material can cause warping. This type of glass is an energy-efficient material that diffuses UV rays to prevent them from entering the home. However, that can make UV rays reflect off the house and onto the vinyl, causing it to warp. Luckily, this is easily preventable. An external screen attached to the window helps prevent that reflection back onto the home. Vegetation like a plant or tree can also help block this light. Low-Quality Siding While vinyl is very affordable, homeowners should know what they are getting. When buying parts for a home, many people want to save as much money as possible. However, consider choosing reasonably thick and durable vinyl siding. Cheaper panels are typically much thinner and potentially wavy, which can cause issues once installed. Thicker ones will be more durable and last longer. What Causes Siding to Bubble? Bubbling siding is another common issue that homeowners may face. Some of the primary causes include: Trapped Moisture When moisture becomes trapped behind the siding, it creates bubbles as the water tries to escape. This issue is often due to poor installation, lack of proper ventilation, or damaged underlayment. Excessive Heat Exposure Similar to warping, extreme heat can also cause siding to bubble. If the siding is exposed to direct sunlight or reflected heat from Low-E windows, the heat can cause the vinyl to soften and form bubbles. Painting Over Vinyl Siding Some homeowners attempt to change the color of their siding by painting it. However, using a dark-colored paint or applying paint not specifically designed for vinyl can lead to excessive heat absorption, causing the siding to bubble or warp. Chemical Reactions from Cleaning Products Using harsh chemicals or improper cleaning solutions on vinyl siding can cause a chemical reaction, leading to bubbling. Homeowners should always use manufacturer-recommended cleaning solutions to prevent this issue. Replace Your Warped Siding Today! If you notice any of these signs that your siding is warping, it is probably time for siding replacement. Contact the experts at Will County Siding and Windows for a free estimate. Once you have selected suitable siding for your home, our professionals will carefully install it and ensure it is done properly to prolong your siding’s lifespan (and your home’s). Und
5 Reasons Why Siding is Important For Your Home
Above all else, siding protects your home. Without Joliet, IL siding, the house could be exposed to damage by severe weather such as wind, rain, snow, and more. In addition, proper siding installation can add an aesthetic to the home’s exterior. Maintaining the overall quality and appearance of your home is very important. If damaged, it is important to replace the siding of your house quickly to ensure maximum protection. Read on to discover more about the importance of siding! Why Siding is Important For Your Home Homeowners tend to overlook the importance of siding and its upkeep; however, it can be vital for weather protection and enhancing curb appeal. New siding can add a variety of features to the home, including the following. Protection from Weather As previously stated, siding is crucial to protecting the home from inclement weather. If siding becomes too worn down, dented, or chipped, air and water can infiltrate the home. In addition, weather issues can severely damage the home’s foundation, which may lead to more expensive problems down the line. Pest Infestation Protection If the siding of your home becomes damaged, bugs and other pests can likely infiltrate the home. While this may not seem severe at first, it can also cause more costly damage if the pests begin breaking down the foundation or interior aspects of the house. In addition to protection, siding serves as protection from these pests, small birds, and other unwelcome critters that may find a home in your house. Energy Efficiency One of the most critical features of siding that is often overlooked is energy savings. Siding can be an effective means of insulation for your house. While some siding products are better than others, siding that is worn down can cause a significant decrease in energy efficiency. Air leaks put more stress on heating and air conditioning systems, eventually raising a costly bill. With new siding installation for your home, you can save hundreds on energy costs each year. Home Appearance Besides the physical protection that enhanced siding adds to the home, it also adds an aesthetic appeal. If there have been decades of wear outside of your house, the siding is most likely breaking down. Not only can this be an eyesore for your neighbors, but it can also be one for you. With new and enhanced siding, your home can enhance the community’s curb appeal. Home Value Your home’s value depends a lot on both the interior and exterior aesthetics as well as function. Even if you are not planning on selling right away, maintaining your home for when you do sell is important. Joliet, IL siding plays a vital role in the overall value of the home. Damaged siding can significantly decrease the home’s overall price. Having a worn-down property makes it tricky to sell your home for as much as it could be worth. Maintaining it can be costly upfront but pays off in the long run when it is time to sell. Types of Siding At this point, you have seen the benefits of upkeep and replacing your home siding. Whether for aesthetics or functionality, keeping up with your siding is important. There are advantages and disadvantages to each type. However, there are a couple of main and most common types: Things to Consider When Choosing Siding When you officially decide to replace your siding, there are a couple of things to consider: Contact Will County Siding and Windows Whether you’re in the market for new siding because your siding is damaged or if you are giving your home a facelift in anticipation of listing it on the market, trust the experts at Will County Siding and Windows for new siding installation. We offer a variety of vinyl siding to suit your needs and aesthetics. Give us a call today!
4 Signs It Is Time for a Window Replacement in Joliet, IL
Windows are a crucial part of any home. They give a house a unique aesthetic and can be used for functional purposes such as letting in the fresh air in the summer or sunshine to keep a room warm in the winter. Regardless of their use, they are important, meaning it is good to know when you need to schedule a window replacement. Depending on your windows and how old they are, it may be time to replace them. By replacing them, you can increase your home’s energy use, reduce the bills you have been paying for heating and air conditioning, or give your house a makeover. Consider the following four signs that your windows may need to be replaced to how you can benefit from new ones! How To Tell When To Replace Your Windows If you are considering installing new windows, it is important to know if yours are ready to replace. Below are four of the most prominent signs that it is time to replace them. Condensation in Glass Panes A buildup of condensation between the glass panes is one of the first tell-tale signs that it’s time to replace your windows. Most homes have double-pane windows; this means there are two layers of glass with a small space between them. This design prevents air leaks and keeps in the hot or cool air. In the long run, this saves you money on your energy bill. However, if you notice a consistent buildup of condensation sitting right between the panes, it means you have an issue with sealing, and it’s time to replace your windows. This buildup can impact energy efficiency, and potential leaks could cost you even more money. More Costly Energy Bills Energy bills can be costly, but they don’t have to be. If you notice an increase in your energy bills, it could be due to issues with your windows. Over time, the components of the window break down from weather and wear. This breakdown can lead to potential air leaks or condensation buildup. While this may seem like a small deal, it could cost you more money in the long run if you do not replace your windows. Faulty windows can allow exterior air to leak inside and interior air to circulate outside. Over time, air leaks can cause your air conditioning and heat to be less efficient and increase energy bills. Defective or Broken Frames Besides the glass, another portion of the window that may deteriorate over time is the frame. Besides a poor appearance, the window’s function may also suffer if the frame is defective or worn down. If a portion of the window frame inside or outside appears to be bent, it most likely needs to be repaired. Another component to look for with window frames is rot. While it is more likely to occur in older homes, it can happen anywhere. Keep an eye on the wooden portions around your windows to be sure they are holding up as they should. If the window becomes increasingly difficult to open or close all the way, this could be a sign there is an issue with the frame and it needs to be replaced. Home Appearance We all want our houses to look nice both internally and externally. The final piece of evidence that it may be time to replace your windows is if your home appears to be worn, either internally or externally. Windows are a great aesthetic feature to add to your home. They can give the house a new look entirely. Not only that, but new windows can even increase your home’s value. Cost of Replacing your Windows If you have seen any of these signs in your windows, it is time to get replacements. While it can be costly to replace your windows upfront, it can save you money in the long run on energy bills. Typically, the cost per window can start at around $200 and be upwards of $650 or more. Hire The Professionals at Will County Siding and Windows If you have issues with your windows, it is likely time to replace them. Call the Will County Siding and Windows professionals for a free estimate. We are knowledgeable in our craft and are available to answer any questions you may have about windows and installation. We strive to simplify our processes so that you can get your home back to tip-top shape in less time. Contact us today!