Tracey* had waited long enough. Her existing siding was peppered with obvious signs of minor damage and potential weak spots due to age, weather, and pests. It was time for a siding replacement, but she felt not just any siding would do. On her walks through the neighborhood Tracey admired properties with vinyl siding for houses because of its durability, countless combinations of vibrant colors, and energy efficiency. She even heard that vinyl siding was easy to install compared to other materials. While all of that is true, we are here to warn Tracey and homeowners like you—it is easy for an upcoming vinyl siding replacement installation to become a giant headache if you and your Dallas siding contractor do not do your due diligence.
Much like anything else, replacing your old siding with vinyl siding requires a thorough assessment, careful planning, the right materials and equipment, a sharp attention to detail, and a clear understanding of the process from start to finish. While vinyl siding replacement can be as simple as tearing off the old material and installing the new and better stuff, rushing can lead to mistakes, disappointing results, and even long-term damage to your home.
Our team of vinyl siding specialists at Siding and More Construction Company wants your next project to go smoothly—whether you choose us as your trusted installer or not. With that in mind, here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid.
You are Making The Right Choice With Vinyl Siding Replacement
Vinyl siding is a form of engineered plastic exterior wrapping for a home. It is manufactured primarily from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin, making it one of the more popular exterior wrapping products for new construction and replacing old siding. Sure, other materials like wood, stucco, fiber cement, and even brick have their benefits, but vinyl siding’s ability to strike the perfect balance between style, durability, and performance is unmatched.
Basically, you want your siding investment to look good and stay that way for a very long time. Vinyl siding achieves that. Just think of all the benefits:
- Superior energy efficiency
- A quieter home inside and out
- Enhanced durability against various weather conditions
- Remarkably low maintenance
- Versatility in design
- Seamless functionality
- Improved curb appeal
- Resale value upgrade
- Eco-friendly
- A cost-effective alternative
With proper installation and maintenance, you will not have to worry about replacing vinyl siding for as much as 40 years. Yes, it will look that good 40 years from now—if you avoid these vinyl siding replacement mistakes.
Vinyl Siding Replacement Mistake # 1: Skipping a thorough inspection
If you are going through the time and expense of switching to vinyl siding, it is critical that your installer inspect your home’s exterior before putting up the first plank. Tearing off old siding often reveals obvious and hidden issues that must be addressed. This can include water damage, rotting wood, insect infestations, and other unforeseen structural issues. If your installer ignores these issues or doesn’t stop long enough to notice them, you are simply covering up a larger problem that will cost you dearly down the line.
Vinyl Siding Replacement Mistake # 2: Thinking that any vinyl siding will do
You really can’t go wrong with vinyl siding in most cases. That said, you want to be happy with your selection. More importantly, you want your home to be protected for years to come. This requires a thorough look at all your options, including manufacturers, and looking closely at the distinct benefits of each product line. For instance, do you want insulated vinyl siding? Do you want a specific color, or should you go with something that works best for the climate you live in? Premium vinyl siding is 40 times thicker than paint and engineered to withstand weather conditions without warping, cracking, rotting, swelling, or scratching. Picking siding randomly could leave you with material that doesn’t work for your home.
Vinyl Siding Replacement Mistake # 3: Poor preparation and measurement
Inaccurate measurements can lead to material shortages, waste, installation delays, and an overall installation that falls short of your expectations. A reputable Dallas siding contractor should double-check pre-determined measurements before installation day and while on-site. This is an extra safety measure to ensure your vinyl siding fits perfectly before attempting to install it.
Vinyl Siding Replacement Mistake # 4: Improper installation techniques
There are a variety of installation issues that can come into play, even for something as easy as vinyl siding installation. For instance, nailing the siding too tightly or close together will not allow room for expansion and contraction. This opens the door to buckling and warping, which no one wants. Conversely, nailing panels too loosely or too far apart creates unnecessary gaps and can cause panels to rattle. Some Dallas siding contractors might also cut corners with flashing and ventilation systems, thus increasing the risk of trapping moisture inside your walls—leading to mold and future structural damage.
Vinyl Siding Replacement Mistake # 5: Overlooking finishing touches
Quality control is something all honest and skilled Dallas siding contractors pride themselves on. Once the vinyl siding is installed, it’s critical to focus on details such as corner posts and trim to create a polished look, better protection, and a more functional result.
Vinyl Siding Replacement Mistake # 6: Taking the DIY route
We are not here to say you can’t take on a home renovation project yourself. Many homeowners have the skills and knowledge to do it right the first time, regardless of the project. And that includes vinyl siding. That said, consider hiring a reputable Dallas siding contractor if you do not have siding installation experience. The odds of a better result increase exponentially if you trust someone to do it for you.
Premium vinyl siding is 40 times thicker than paint and engineered to withstand weather conditions without warping, cracking, rotting, swelling, or scratching.
A Better Alternative: Choose Siding and More As Your Dallas Siding Contractor
Whether planning a new build or considering upgrading your current siding, vinyl siding offers a winning combination of style, performance, value, and overall sustainability that other siding materials can’t quite match. And there is no better metroplex Dallas siding contractor than Siding and More Construction Company. We shared the six common replacement pitfalls above because we’ve heard horror stories about other contractors making those mistakes.
This is not to say we are the only reputable Dallas siding contractor in the Metroplex. That said, we can confidently say that we take our time to collaborate with you to choose the right materials for your home and then use best-in-class materials and top-flight industry knowledge to ensure your installation goes off without a hitch. Whether you are improving the quality of life for your home, removing the need for repainting or exterior maintenance, or helping to reduce energy costs and solidifying your home as an investment, Siding and More Construction Company can make your home look like new, permanently!
Our professional installers follow a detailed process to ensure a secure, smooth, and long-lasting fit.
- Remove old siding — Our crew will carefully remove all existing siding and prep the service for new installation.
- Inspect and prepare the home — A significant part of the siding removal process is to check the home for damage, rot, or mold. In most cases, there may not be any damage. But you can never be too careful, and there are unwanted surprises from time to time. If any of these issues exist, we make the repairs.
- Apply flashing and sealant — While your vinyl siding is the best money can buy, it still needs additional protective flashing and high-quality sealant to prevent moisture and other issues that can create problems down the road.
- Install the new vinyl siding — Our installers ensure a tight seal and proper installation. Once the siding is installed and aligned, it is securely fastened with screws. Any remaining gaps are filled to improve energy efficiency.
- Finishing touches — Once the siding is in and secured, our crew retraces their steps to ensure a polished look.
- Final inspection and clean up — We want your vinyl siding installation to be 100% perfect. If anything is not up to our standards, we fix it immediately. Once finished, we clean up any debris, remove the old siding from your home, and place all furniture and other fixtures back where they belong.
Siding and More Is The Best When It Comes To Vinyl Siding Replacement
You have made a wise choice in choosing vinyl siding replacement for your home. But like anything else, even the best materials on the planet need to be professionally installed to get the most out of them. This includes a thorough assessment, careful planning, sharp attention to detail, and a clear understanding of the process from start to finish. All too often, contractors and even homeowners cut corners and end up making a series of replacement mistakes that can hurt their investment long term.
At Siding and More Construction Company, we offer various vinyl siding options tailored to withstand the Texas climate. More importantly, we do things the right way. That includes ensuring our customers have chosen the right materials for their style, taste, and home needs, and then following up with precise installation techniques so that the job is done right the first time.
Investing in high-quality vinyl siding for your Dallas home provides a durable, low-maintenance, and aesthetically pleasing exterior. For the best results, opt for UV-resistant options like those from Ply Gem, ensuring your home stays protected and beautiful for decades. With nearly 40 years of experience in the Dallas area, Siding and More Construction Company is one of the best Dallas siding contractors around.
Our experts are ready to help you choose the perfect siding for your home, ensuring its durability and curb appeal. To get started, call us at 972-636-3513 or contact us for a free estimate with the form below.
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Siding and More Construction Company serves the North Texas area including these cities in the Greater Dallas metroplex and more: Addison, Allen, Arlington, Canton, Carrollton, Cedar Hill, Dallas, Desoto, Duncanville, Farmers Branch, Forney, Garland, Greenville, Lancaster, McKinney, Mesquite, Plano, Richardson, Rockwall, Rowlett, Irving, Terrell, Royse City and nearby areas.
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