Friday, August 5, 2011

Examples of what vinyl siding costs installed

Want to know what vinyl siding costs on various houses? I'll give you some unbiased examples here.

Ranch home: $7000

2 Story Colonial: $12,000

Large Colonial: $17,000

Trailer:  $3500

Glacier Blue Vinyl Siding Color | Examples, Information, Prices

Glacier Blue Vinyl Siding
A case study, information, reviews, examples and pricing

One of the most beautiful and stunning color samples of vinyl siding is a particular hue known as "Glacier Blue". This spectacular shaded-color vinyl siding is exclusively manufactured by the Mastic Siding Company, which is owned by the larger corporation "Ply-Gem". 

If your searching for information about glacier blue, you'll find plenty of it here, in fact more so than any other source on the internet. I know this because I've done the research myself. You will however find loads of information around my blog and if you look at the links I have on the sidebars, you'll see that there is a lot of information that will answer ALL of your questions regarding prices and such. 

Unfortunately the beautiful color glacier blue is ONLY available in Mastic Siding's highest grade premium siding, which means that it can sometimes be more costly than other sidings but it's probably worth it. If you really want to have a unique and gorgeous siding color that is different than what everyone else is siding their home with, you'll find that glacier blue vinyl is an absolute star among vinyl siding options available elsewhere. 

The color itself:

The actual color process impregnated into the vinyl is a shaded color method that allows the bluish-gray coloring to be an actual part of the siding itself! That's what makes it so unique and gorgeous. It won't even matter if you scratch the siding, because the color goes all the way through (and it's a VERY thick panel of vinyl). 

You really can't duplicate the beautiful look of glacier blue vinyl siding in person, but you'll find it pretty close here. Check out the other resources I have around my blog that will give you lots more information, INCLUDING PRICING. 


Thursday, August 4, 2011

Sage Colored Vinyl Siding... All about it!

Beautiful sage colored vinyl siding is by far one of the most popular colored siding colors available today on the vinyl market.


I've personally noticed more and more people interested in siding their home with a sage color within the past 5 years or so and it doesn't seem to be dwindling. People just aren't going for those crazy, bold colors like they did for a while (anyone remember that awful teal color that was popular for a few years?).

Sage colored vinyl siding can really look fantastic on nearly any home and it blends well with most surroundings. Whether you're in a two story colonial, a ranch home, or a mansion, you'll find that sage is a wonderful color that goes extremely well with premium quality vinyl siding brands.

Certainteed, Mastic, Alcoa, Plygem, Variform, Napco, and Alside all manufacture a really great line of vinyl siding materials that include sage colors. The only difficulty can be, is finding the colors that actually are the sage color you're looking for. Here's some tips!

Finding the right sage color in vinyl siding


Unfortunately, vinyl siding colors aren't always simply labeled as "sage". They often are labeled with creative names that are in fact the sage color you might be looking for, but won't exactly be saying "SAGE" on it. For example, the siding brand 'Mastic' carries a line called "Quest Signature" and has a few siding colors that are indeed various shades of sage coloring.


  1. Scottish Thistle
  2. Sage
  3. Cypress
  4. Willow
Are all siding colors that actually are different shades of "sage" vinyl siding but you won't know it until you actually see samples. I've provided plenty of resources around my blog that you can link to and see samples from the manufacturers, find cheap siding prices, get free estimates on vinyl siding, etc...

Look around and have fun! Good luck picking out a GREAT sage color for your vinyl siding project! Always remember, it's free to get estimates from local contractors and you can find really good ones via internet estimate sites.

Saturday, July 30, 2011

how to choose a good vinyl siding contractor or installer

Have you been worried about finding a good installer or contractor to install new vinyl siding on your home?

I can totally understand your situation and I'm here to help!

The last thing you want is some sleazy, untrustworthy contractor installing your siding on your home which will affect the way your home looks!

YOU MUST USE A REPUTABLE GOOD CONTRACTOR, PERIOD.


  1. pick contractors that have a solid reputation and do some advertising so that you know they are legitimate and established. The guys who you've never heard of yet "have been doing it 20 years" are probably hacks and should not be trusted unless you have personal knowledge of their craftsmanship as well as seeing past work they've done
  2. Referrals are a must, DO NOT hire someone who is a stranger and who hasn't given you referrals to look at. Don't let any slick talking salesman sell you siding without checking the company out. This is a must.
  3. Utilize the many free estimate websites online which really can help you pick out a good contractor. 
I would suggest checking out the free window estimate sites, or free siding estimate sites that are readily available online. I do have a few websites posted around as links on my site that you'll probably find can help you link up with a local contractor that is established and skilled in carpentry, vinyl siding, vinyl windows, composite decking, and even pools and such. 

Contractors are a dime a doze, so make sure you are getting the best one for the price you can afford, and don't skimp on quality. Never pay for an estimate on vinyl siding or vinyl windows either, always make sure the contractor or installer is measuring your vinyl siding for free as well as giving you the information you need.



vinyl siding information and estimates

 All of the great displays in the stores, on TV and in samples sound so appealing. Install some  vinyl siding, ] and you'll never have to maintain your home again. this durable form of PVC material won't ever chip, blister, peel, rot or flake. Vinyl is available in a ton of different hues, colors, and can simulate traditional home details that were once made from organic material. It's no wonder that vinyl siding  has become the most popular exterior sheating material in the United States and is quickly gaining ground all around the globe.

1. Health Issues
Vinyl is made from a polymer resin that is believed by some to cause cancer. Although vinyl may be safe while it is on your home, some people strongly believe along with some scientific testing that it's actually very dangerous. Fires that can happen throughout homes in our nation have a high risk of also having vinyl siding outside, and when fire touches vinyl siding, it can burn and cause a terrible odor and release of potentially toxic gas into the air. Not that anything else burning is much safer though keep in mind.

There are some really great resources throughout my blog that you'll see where you can click and find out more regarding the dangers of vinyl siding and plastic PVC products commonly found in the construction industry.

For an opposing view, read the arguments written by the Vinyl Institute.

2. Durability
Advertisements often imply that vinyl siding is permanent. It is true that vinyl will last a very long time. (That's why it is so difficult to dispose of safely.) In extreme weather, however, vinyl is less durable than wood and masonry. Violent wind can get underneath the thin sheets of vinyl siding and lift a panel from the wall. Windblown debris and strong hail can puncture vinyl. New developments are making vinyl is stronger and less brittle, but the plastic sheets will still crack or break if struck by a lawnmower or snowblower. Damage cannot be patched; you will need to replace a panel.

Liquid vinyl coatings, which are sprayed on like paint, may prove to be more durable than vinyl panels. However, liquid vinyl coatings are difficult to apply correctly. Numerous problems have been reported. (See Miracle Liquid Siding Products, on Ask the Builder.)

3. Maintenance
Wood must be painted or stained; vinyl requires no paint. However, it's not exactly true to say that vinyl is maintenance-free. To maintain its fresh appearance, vinyl siding should be washed once a year. Any wooden window sashes and trim will still require routine painting, and ladders leaning against the house can scuff or crack the vinyl siding.

Unlike wood and masonry, vinyl siding presents its own breed of maintenance worries. Moisture trapped beneath the vinyl siding will accelerate rot, promote mold and mildew, and invite insect infestations. Left uncorrected, dampness in the walls will cause wallpaper and paint inside the house to blister and peel. To avoid hidden decay, you will want frequently recaulk joints between the vinyl siding and adjacent trim. Roof leaks, faulty gutters, or other sources of moisture should be repaired without delay. Vinyl siding may not be a wise option for an older home with a chronically damp cellar.

4. Energy Conservation
Be wary of a vinyl salesperson who promises lower energy bills. Even with thick Styrofoam backing, a vinyl panel cannot provide significant insulation. Regardless of the type of siding you choose, you may want to install additional insulation inside the walls.

5. Color
Vinyl is available in more colors than ever before, and ne is baked through instead of applied to the surface, so vinyl won't show scratches. Nevertheless, depending on the quality of vinyl you buy, expect some fading after five years or so. Time and weather will also alter the gloss of your vinyl siding. If a panel is damaged, the new replacement panel will not be an exact match.
 vinyl siding does not fade as quickly as older vinyl. Also, the pigmentation
You might actually have noticed that your home has faded slightly when you take down shutters or maybe if you look at a side or portion of your home that is more affected by sunlight or the lack of. Sometimes mildew has formed on your siding as a result of lack of sunlight as well. This can severely affect the quality of the vinyl siding color should you have it installed.

6. Historic Preservation
With a careful installation of a better-quality vinyl, the siding will truly fool the eye. Yet no matter how closely vinyl resembles wood, any artificial siding will diminish the historic authenticity of an older home. In many cases, the original trim and ornamental details are covered or removed. In some installations, the original clapboard is completely removed or seriously damaged. Vinyl siding will always alter the overall texture and proportions of the house, changing the depth of moldings and replacing natural wood grain with factory-made embossed patterns.

7. Home valuation

Vinyl siding DOES in fact have a huge benefit for the fact that it nearly immediately increases your homes resale value. In fact, there really isn't anything you can do on average to your home that will provide you with a positive return as quick and vinyl siding can.

That's why it's important to find a good vinyl siding contractor in your local area that only uses professional grade good quality vinyl siding.

Will vinyl siding fade?

I'm often asked about whether or not vinyl siding will fade on the customers home after it's installed. Well here's the answer... YES IT WILL.

Maybe that isn't the answer you're looking for but unfortunately it's the truth. All vinyl siding colors will fade in time. We currently do not have technology available (at least affordably) that can stop vinyl color pigment in the siding to not fade. We certainly have the technology in place to prevent it though, and that's why you should almost always be selecting high grade, professional quality vinyl siding that will PREVENT fading.

There's a lot of information that I've posted as links throughout my blog that can help you find professional grade siding in your area, as well as contractors that are reputable and able to install them. You definitely don't want to just go picking up whatever vinyl siding is sitting at lowes or home depot on the shelf. In face, most vynal siding sold today is of the lower quality and has a large potential to actually fade on your home.

The reason that fading is actually so common on different homes with vinyl siding installed, is because the homeowner simply didn't know enough about the material.

Monday, June 13, 2011

Scottish Thistle Siding Color

Scottish Thistle is one of the most popular vinyl siding color choices today.


Scottish Thistle Color on Vinyl Siding

Are you considering installing vinyl siding on your home in the color of "Scottish Thistle"?

Vinyl siding today can come in so many colors that it can seem bewildering! If you've been checking different siding materials around and shopping various products, you've probably found that out. It's almost as if too many colors makes it too difficult to choose. Fortunately, Scottish Thistle siding made by the vinyl siding brand "Mastic" is a beautiful sage green type color that appeals to many homeowners. 

There are some other colors similar to scottish thistle as well, for instance you may find some of these vinyl colors appealing:
  1. Tuscan Olive
  2. Cypress
  3. Sage 
  4. Deep Granite
Major vinyl siding brands will have various sage green colors that come very close to scottish thistle. I'd suggest checking out specifically certainteed monogram, and crane siding. Around my blog you'll find various links that will help you find the manufacturers that produce high quality vinyl siding color and will offer colors similiar to scottish thistle. 

When you're shopping for vinyl siding, I''d like to offer you some good advice that should really help you tremedously:

  • Don't take the first offers, always shop around and get at least 3 estimates.
  • Make sure to see a color swatch of the vinyl siding sample colors, not just examples in a brochure.
  • Color changes dramatically when printed, so be sure to look at a REAL piece of the vinyl siding to insure that it matches the color you have in mind. Scottish Thistle for example can look very gray when in real life it's greenish., 
Always look at a REAL sample of scottish thistle vinyl siding, and make sure it's in daylight. 

It's important to see a real example because of the differences in print. It's just as important to see the vinyl color swatch of the color you'd like in normal daylight, not under flourescent or other interior lighting. The interior light temperatures will throw the color off and make it look completely different than it will in real life with the natural sunlight. 

Good luck with your new vinyl siding, and send us a picture of your home when it's done! Scottish Thistle vinyl siding is a great color. 

(Again, check around my blog for references of pictures of scottish thistle vinyl siding).





Monday, April 18, 2011

What is a good brand of vinyl siding?

DON'T GET CAUGHT BUYING CHEAP VINYL SIDING THAT ISN'T A GOOD BRAND!
Good brands of vinyl siding to consider are Mastic, Variform, Norandex, Alcoa, Certainteed, and Alside. You definitely don't want to purchase any kind of vinyl siding panel that will warp or break or crack, fade. Even the top brands of vinyl siding also manufacture lower grade materials, so be sure you're buying the better line of vinyl siding panels. 



photos courtesy of Structure Design Firm

You definitely don't want your vinyl siding that you just paid a fortune for to crack or warp do you!? Make sure before you purchase any brand of vinyl siding that you are confident that it won't crack or warp. Some factors to look at when you're considering or getting estimates for vinyl siding are:


  1. Thickness of the vinyl siding panel
  2. whether it's spelled or referred to as vinyl, vinal, vynal or vinil
  3. The general feeling you get from the siding contractor
  4. response time from the contractor (is he quick and timely or slow and late?)
A good contractor will typically install good grade vinyl siding. The bad contractors will often just install the cheap stuff and won't inform you of the quality of siding along with references and specifications. 

MAKE SURE YOU SEE A PIECE OF VINYL SIDING PANEL YOURSELF BEFORE IT GOES ON YOUR HOME!
  • Is it strong
  • Is it durable 
  • Is it color guaranteed?
  • Will it fade?
GET A GOOD BRAND OF VINYL SIDING.


Don't fall for the contractor free estimate scam where they say you've "won something". Legitimate contractors will show up to your home on time and will never charge you anything, and will not pressure you into buying anything right away.

A good vinyl siding contractor will give you more than just a free estimate as well, he should give you solid information about his siding products that will let you make an informed decision without feeling confused or unsure about the quality of your vinyl siding panel. 
  • Hold the siding yourself
  • Feel if the quality seems high or low
  • Is it color all the way through or just a coating?
  • Does it feel like it could warp on the house easily?
You should definitely read up about siding before purchasing it for your home. Don't just trust the contractors word, of course he's going to tell you his is the best vinyl siding panel on the market!

Sunday, January 30, 2011

What is the best brand of vinyl siding?

Ready to find out what the best brand of vinyl siding is? Well that's a tough question, but I can help you with the answer!

The best brand of vinyl siding will partly depend on what you're looking for. It's more so about what's best for you.

To find the best brand of vinyl siding:

Consider whether you are:
  1. Moving soon or plan to stay in your home for a long time (8+ years)
  2. Living in an extreme climate (very hot sun, very cold winters, or full for seasons)
  3. Looking for maximum insulation properties.

If you are planning on moving soon, you probably are more inclined to put decent siding on that isn't too expensive, but will recoup it's cost quick.  A lot of your costs that you can save in this scenario is dependent on labor cost. Try to find someone who is slow on work or isn't a huge company to do your siding. That way you won't be spending extra on warranties or after-sale service, because that really isn't going to matter much if you're planning to sell. Wolverine siding, georgia pacific, and ashland davis siding are all great brands that offer a basic "builder grade" siding that won't cost a fortune but are decent quality.