Vinyl siding: characteristics and installation

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 a different price range. The cost depends on the quality characteristics and the manufacturer. Siding has been known for more than 60 years, during this period the material was improved and became more reliable. It persistently undergoes external influences, serves for a more impressive time and is available, which makes it possible to use the material even on 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 buying, is 80 percent polyvinyl chloride. It was this component that gave the material its name. Some manufacturers use up to 70 percent of secondary raw materials to reduce costs. This negatively 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 the cost. In some cases, secondary raw materials are used only in an amount of 5 percent, in which case such 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 upper layer in an amount of 10 percent. This additive provides the structure with stability. Among other things, it guarantees the immutability of light. Titanium dioxide is designed to interfere with the sun. The remaining additives are contained in a less impressive amount and are intended to increase the mechanical strength of the material. There are also pigments in the finish, which give the necessary shade and color.

Features of the choice of vinyl siding

If you are thinking about how to choose vinyl siding, then you must, among other things, be guided by color. Experienced builders recommend choosing a finish of soft pastel tones. 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 its color longer. Also be guided by the manufacturer. Choose the siding of those firms that exist on the market longer than others. If you want to facilitate the use of the material, then you need to choose a smooth texture. When deciding which vinyl siding is best, it is also necessary to be guided by the composition of the material that must be presented in the quality certificate.

The size of the vinyl finish

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 millimeters.

General characteristics of the siding

Vinyl siding, whose characteristics are of interest to most consumers before purchasing, is today one of the most popular materials for finishing facades of residential use. Such popularity is due to its quality characteristics, as well as its versatility. Vinyl material is widely used for finishing household buildings, garages, baths and cottages. Not an exception are the administrative buildings, as well as commercial pavilions and gas stations. 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 it is very easy to work with them. After installation, you can count on a long service life. Visiting the store, you can be sure that the siding is presented in a wide range of colors, which allows you to select panels that can be successfully entered into the exterior of the site. Among other things, siding can be made in various imitations of natural materials, which saves on the use of expensive finishes.

Features of the siding installation

After you have chosen vinyl siding, you can start installing it. Carrying out such work is not too difficult. If you wish, you can perform the installation manipulations yourself. When installing the lining of the described material, it should be noted that vinyl is able to change its linear dimensions when exposed to high temperatures. Therefore, between the panels of the siding it is necessary to leave a small gap, which will be able to prevent the material from breaking when temperature fluctuates. Between the panels it is necessary to make a distance, the thickness of which is 6 millimeters. If the work you do in winter, then this gap should be increased. However, you must take into account that the temperature of the outside 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's column has dropped below -10 degrees. If it is necessary to carry out installation work during the freezing period, the material must first be brought into a warm room for acclimatization.

Finishing with vinyl siding involves the use of medium-length screws that have large round hats. Such fasteners can be replaced by tolevye nails. The master needs to remember that screwing in self-tapping screws or nailing is done in the siding directly in the middle. Do not install fasteners around the edges. As one of the important stages of erection, the installation of a crate is selected. Installation of vinyl siding directly on the walls is not conducted. This can cause deformation and destruction of the walls. Before installing the frame system, you must choose which material to use for this. It can be wood or metal. The first option will not last as long as the last one. However, these qualities of lumber can be neutralized by the method of treating its surface with antiseptic compounds. It is important to take into account the direction of installation of the siding panels, which should be perpendicular to the frame rails.

Preparation of tools for installation

In order to install vinyl siding under a tree, you need to prepare electric jigsaw, roulette, plumb bob, construction level, as well as a screwdriver.

Technology of work

After you have decided which type of billet will be used - a wooden beam or a metal profile, you can proceed with the installation of the frame. Fastening of panels is necessary to make with the help of self-tapping screws for wood and metal. Siding panels are soft, so their cutting will be simple enough. Use for this can be a construction knife or a saw for metal with small denticles.

Frame installation

All types of vinyl siding, as a rule, are installed horizontally. However, the location may be different. Initially, when installing the frame, it is necessary to mount corner posts that will act as supports and act as beacons. Between the posts, a strong string must be tightened, after which the remaining racks are assembled. This approach allows you to place the support elements in the same plane. Between the posts there should be a distance of 45 centimeters. Thanks to this step, it is possible to ensure the strength of the facing surface.

Installation of vinyl finishing

If you decide to use vinyl siding for walls , the dimensions of the panel will help you calculate the necessary amount of material for the work. Dimensions are shown above. After the installation of the frame was completed, you can proceed to the installation of the siding. It is recommended to begin by fixing small elements of the cladding, among which there are window slopes, ledges, corners, etc. Then you can start working with large elements. The joint between the trim strips must be sealed with a docking profile. In the event that pipes pass through the wall of the building, fittings can be used for facing. In some cases holes are made in the siding panels. On the circumference of the pipe, in this case it is necessary to add about ten millimeters.

What you need to take into account

If you do the work yourself, then, most likely, the most difficult stage will be working with the installation of the lower siding band. It must be placed strictly horizontally, for the analysis the building level is applied. The rest of the elements will need to be fixed to the starting strip. To do this, in the strip, which will be located higher, you need 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 must choose the first type of finish. 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. In particular, it is important not to install the fasteners to the stop, otherwise at the first temperature change the finish will be covered with cracks and may completely collapse. This will certainly lead to the need for dismantling and reinstalling the material. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is recommended to contact specialists, installation of such a finishes 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.