Vinyl siding can take much time to install, because of all the pieces it involves. Vinyl is very different than other types of siding. For a complete how-to list, visit http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/how-to-plans/1276126
You should be able to do this. If you think about it, many houses today are faced with brick or stone on the front rather than siding. The siding would all need to be removed, and the proper surface preparation so that the brick adheres.
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I was a carpenter in crested butte for about 3 years and that includes the winter of 2007/2008 when we broke the snowfall record for the area. Vinyl siding works fine as long as there are not going to be heavy snow loads against it. Think about snow sliding off of your roof and drifting snow. I would recommend using vinyl siding for second floor siding or where it will be protected from heavy snow loads.
Concrete siding needs very little maintenance and has great durability in damp conditions. The insulating factor is good with the concrete siding as concrete keeps areas cooler in summer and warmer in colder weather months.
Vinyl and wood are both useful materials for house siding. And while they share the common purpose of protecting the inside of a home from the effects of weather and wind, they have separate advantages and disadvantages. Consumers should weigh the pros and cons of the two types of siding before making a large investment.WoodWood siding is very durable, easy to install and environmentally friendly because it is biodegradable. It is also relatively affordable and it can be painted to change its look. However, wood siding requires regular treatments and painting and the wood can be a target for termites. When left untreated, the wood can rot and deteriorate as well as grow mildew. VinylVinyl siding is relatively easy to maintain and requires low maintenance. It is very cost-effective and available in many colors. Some disadvantages to vinyl are that it provides no insulation and may damage and dent easily in storms. Vinyl siding is tough to repair and releases toxins into the atmosphere if burned. ComparisonIn general, wood siding requires more maintenance than vinyl siding. Wood siding needs treatments every five to 10 years, unlike vinyl. Wood provides some level of insulation to a home, while vinyl provides a negligible amount. Vinyl is naturally much less likely to rot or promote mildew growth, but if treated properly, wood can resist rot and mildew growth just as well as vinyl.
Vinyl siding can make it much easier to keep your home looking nice for several years. The vinyl is quick and easy to install and can last for decades before it begins to wear out. Most homeowners choose to change their vinyl siding because they want a new look for their home rather than because it has worn out. More Durable than Wood By nature, vinyl is more durable than wood. It is made of a synthetic material that does not absorb water. Wood siding can be damaged by rain and sun exposure in as little as a couple of years. Wood can also become saturated with water and swell so that it adds stress to the nails that attach it to the wall. Over a few years, the swelling and contracting of the wood can cause the siding to become warped or begin to fall off of the house. Vinyl siding does not stretch or contract, so that is never a problem. Easier to Clean Cleaning vinyl siding is incredibly easy. All you need is a high powered stream of steady water to wash away any dust or dirt that has collected on the siding. Since siding does not need to be painted, you do not have to worry about flaking or chipping of old paint. Really stubborn stains can be washed away with some soap and a scrub brush. The durability of vinyl makes it easier to clean because it can withstand even the harshest scrubbing without becoming discolored or scarred. Comes in Different Colors One of the most interesting things about vinyl siding is that you can choose from several different shades. The vinyl is infused with the color you choose, which means that the color is actually part of the material. Unlike painted wood, you will never need to apply new coats of color if the old color fades. Vinyl siding allows you the freedom to be as creative as you like with the appearance of your home. If you combine vinyl shutters with your siding you can create an entire palette of interesting colors and designs. The vinyl will be resistant to fading, so your creativity can be enjoyed for several years without worry.
Shake siding is quite a bit more expensive than regular double 4 or double 5. You'll find, however, when you go to put siding on your house, it's the soffets and trim that's going to cost you. And, that won't change. Also, installation isn't that much different, so labor shouldn't be much more.
Vinyl siding can make it much easier to keep your home looking nice for several years. The vinyl is quick and easy to install and can last for decades before it begins to wear out. Most homeowners choose to change their vinyl siding because they want a new look for their home rather than because it has worn out. More Durable than Wood By nature, vinyl is more durable than wood. It is made of a synthetic material that does not absorb water. Wood siding can be damaged by rain and sun exposure in as little as a couple of years. Wood can also become saturated with water and swell so that it adds stress to the nails that attach it to the wall. Over a few years, the swelling and contracting of the wood can cause the siding to become warped or begin to fall off of the house. Vinyl siding does not stretch or contract, so that is never a problem. Easier to Clean Cleaning vinyl siding is incredibly easy. All you need is a high powered stream of steady water to wash away any dust or dirt that has collected on the siding. Since siding does not need to be painted, you do not have to worry about flaking or chipping of old paint. Really stubborn stains can be washed away with some soap and a scrub brush. The durability of vinyl makes it easier to clean because it can withstand even the harshest scrubbing without becoming discolored or scarred. Comes in Different Colors One of the most interesting things about vinyl siding is that you can choose from several different shades. The vinyl is infused with the color you choose, which means that the color is actually part of the material. Unlike painted wood, you will never need to apply new coats of color if the old color fades. Vinyl siding allows you the freedom to be as creative as you like with the appearance of your home. If you combine vinyl shutters with your siding you can create an entire palette of interesting colors and designs. The vinyl will be resistant to fading, so your creativity can be enjoyed for several years without worry.
The cost of vinyl siding depends upon the grade of vinyl used and the place in which you reside. The cost of vinyl depends upon thickness (.035 to .055 inches), the length and width of the vinyl panels, the number of panels required, the colors and patterns, and the installation charges. Vinyl siding is going to be with you for a very long time, and with a vast range of vinyl siding options available, take your time and do your homework thoroughly in choosing what kind of siding best suits your budget and personal style.As a ballpark figure, however, quality vinyl siding cost, along with installation, can run anywhere from $2 to $10 per linear foot. The perfect situation is to buy the best quality you can afford and then install it - in a workmanlike manner - yourself to save costs. Poorly installed siding can easily pull off in extreme weather, so it's important that it's installed correctly if you want it to live up to expectations. If you've got the skills to do it yourself, you can shave a large amount off your vinyl siding cost by doing it on your own. If you're unsure of your ability to do a professional grade job, then you're better off hiring a siding contractor so you won't experience larger problems down the road.Figuring the Vinyl Siding Cost for your HomeTo figure out the cost, multiply the cost per linear foot by the exterior square footage of your home. To get a rough estimate of your exterior square footage, add the length of your home to the width, multiply that by two, and then again by 10. For a 50 foot long home that is 10 feet tall and 20 feet wide that comes to 1,400 exterior square feet you've got to cover ((50+50+20+20)x10=1,400). Do a little more math and you'll find that your vinyl siding prices should run anywhere from $2,800 to $9,800, not including extras and unexpected expenses. As with any major home improvement job, the unexpected is the norm, not the exception. Vinyl siding prices are no different.
Unfortunately there is no magic formula as you need to consider thickness of siding, location (close to ground, several stories up, etc.), access routes, local landfill costs, etc. You should contact an asbestos removal contractor is your area for a proposal.
Painting a house must be done every few years. The side of the house will look good for a year or two, but the weather will eventually take its toll on the paint job. Painting may offer the cheapest option for protecting the outside of a home, but it is not the best one. Aluminum and vinyl siding last much longer than paint jobs and may not have to be replaced during the lifetime of the current owner. Construction contractors offer their services to put up vinyl siding. The prices are not unreasonable considering that they must pay for the materials, pay their employees and make a profit, but the average person can save over 500 dollars if he knows how to do it himself. As with anything, a do-it-yourself enthusiast must know how to start the process before he begins. Any vinyl siding project begins with removing the former protective coating. This may mean chipping the paint off or removing the aluminum of vinyl siding installed by a previous owner. Buy J-trim. Measure the lengths of the windows and doors. Use a pair of tin shears to cut the trims to the appropriate length. Measure the lengths between windows and doors. Use the height of the vinyl siding panels to get the amount of panels you will need at length. Rough sketches may help with the installation process. Repeat this process all around your house. Cut the materials to the appropriate length. Certain types of vinyl siding come with a cover underneath. Place this before putting the vinyl siding on. Place the vinyl siding over the cover or the old home. Nail it on. When this is done, a homeowner can place the corner pieces which bring the whole look together. Make sure the siding fits under the J-trim pieces around the doors and windows and that it does not look rough. A homeowner who is pressed for time or does not have confidence in his skills as a handyman may wish to hire a contractor, but a person who enjoys these home improvement projects, such as installing vinyl siding, can save money by taking out the middle man.