6 Things You Didn’t Know About Vinyl Siding

North East Home Improvement Decks home remodeling darien, home remodeling Greenwich, North East Home Improvement, siding company greenwich, siding company new canaan, siding replacement siding installation, Vinyl Siding 0

Vinyl siding can be a great and cost effective addition to any home, however there are some down sides. If your home needs a bit of a face lift, and you’re thinking of going vinyl, here’s what you need to know:

Maintenance: Every siding choice will require some maintenance. While vinyl siding requires minimal short-term upkeep, a gentle washing with soap and warm water every year will likely do the trick, the caulk used to install it can wear out over time. This can lead to gaps between your siding and windows and mean additional maintenance.

Fading/ Cracks: As vinyl ages, it can fade, become weaker and crack. Since you can not paint or patch it, you will have to replace the entire panel. Luckily though, this damage doesn’t usually begin to happen until after about 10 – 15 years.

Moisture: If not properly installed, vinyl can trap moisture in between it and the wood paneling it covers. The best way to prevent this it to have your home’s wood inspected for existing dampness or mildew and have it fixed before adding new siding.

Weather damage: Vinyl expands and contracts in hot and cold weather, which over time can cause the screws and staples that hold it in place to loosen.,. That combined with harsh winds or rainfall can lead to damaged or missing siding.

Energy bills: Vinyl isn’t the best option as far as insulation goes, so it is not the best choice for those living in extreme heat or cold, however it shouldn’t pose much of a problem for people in milder climates.

Vinyl isn’t final: Then again, no siding really is. While the idea that vinyl siding will last forever is not true, it certainly lasts a long time and is fine for the typical homeowner. If you are looking for something to last decades though, wood or masonry siding might be your best option.

With the quality and durability of vinyl improving every year, it’s a great way to give your home an inexpensive touch up, but it may not be for everyone. If you’re looking to repair or replace siding, choose none other than North East Home Improvement for a variety of vinyl, cedar and fiber cement options.

July 7 2016

Is It Time For A New Deck?

North East Home Improvement Decks deck company Stamford, deck installation Darien, deck installation New Canaan, deck installation Stamford, North East Home Improvement 0

Looking to revamp your old deck but don’t have the money or time to replace it? Staining is a great way to brighten up your outside area and make that old wood look a few years younger.

The best way to choose a stain is to treat it like picking out paint for a room — consider what aesthetic you want, what will match the surrounding area or furniture and if you are trying to cover any damages or stains.

Color

Break away from traditional dark or light wood stains and instead, opt for something with a pop of color.

Red: This strong color will easily cover any old markings and stains and will surely make the area stand out. But this much color may be best used on small areas, as to not overpower the entire backyard.
Blue: Transform your backyard into a relaxing oasis with hues of light blue.
Green: Embrace your backyard’s natural foliage with a light green patio or deck. For homes surrounded by trees and greenery, we recommend choosing a green with grey in it.

Opacity

Clear: A clear stain is just that, clear — so this stain is best used for newer or expensive wood you want to protect, rather than cover.

Tinted: Looking for some color but not ready to really take the plunge? Tinted stains contain just a bit of color, great for creating a new clean look without completely changing the look of your deck.

Semitransparent: With a deeper pigmentation, this stain will show some of the wood’s grain pattern, but cover most small imperfections.

Solid: If you’ve replaced parts of the deck or have deep stains in the wood, this is an ideal choice as it will cover wood completely in a thick reddish hue.

Staining your deck not only improves it’s look, but also protects it from scratching and UV rays. For more information about wood preservation, give the experts at North East Home Improvement a call today! (203) 321-6695.