Types of vinyl siding for outdoor decoration

Façade cladding to extend the service life of external walls is relevant at all times. For this, different materials and technologies are used, which are improved every year. Such a thing as siding was invented in North America a century and a half ago. As cladding panels, an edged board was used, nailed to the walls at an angle in such a way that all precipitation flowed down the finish directly into the ground, bypassing the basic structure.

This discovery gained unheard of popularity and different materials were tested for this technology.

So, half a century later, metal, cement and vinyl siding for outdoor decoration appeared on the market. In addition to its main function, the material also externally transforms the structure, making it aesthetically attractive.

What are the types of vinyl siding, why is it so remarkable for most consumers and how to install it?

Vinyl siding - what is it?

Panels for exterior decoration of buildings are a horizontal plate of millimeter thickness with fastening in the form of locks located along the long edges. For ease of installation, there is perforation on the upper edge. The shape of the panels does not differ from the first wood siding invented in the 19th century .

The elements are installed sequentially, starting from the bottom. The panel is attached to the wall or lathing and the next slab is connected to it with locks and mounted to the base in its upper part.

Manufacturing

The mass production of vinyl siding began about 70 years ago, with the invention of new materials during the chemical revolution. PVC siding is 80% polyvinyl chloride , which is obtained by coextrusion (combining molecules) of oil and chlorine. The new material has improved properties.

For the production of panels, polyvinyl chloride in combination with pigment substances, with chalk, modifying and stabilizing additives, they are passed through special equipment that gives the planks the desired texture, and then, using a sizing machine, the products acquire their final shape.

In the edge of the strip, a special machine punches holes for fasteners and cuts it on the panel of the required size: 250-400x20-30x0.09x0.12 cm.

The basis (bottom layer) of the panel is vinyl - a mixture of calcium carbonate with polyvinyl chloride.

The base of PVC panels is responsible for the strength and heat-shielding properties of the material, and also retains the shape of the products. In the production of boards, it is permissible to use recycled material in a small percentage. If more recyclables are added, this significantly degrades the quality of the boards.

The outer layer of vinyl siding protects the base surface from UV rays, temperature changes and aggressive environmental influences. Special additives keep the color of the material for a long time in extreme conditions, prevent the boards from delaminating, deforming and peeling.

Vinyl Siding Prices

Vinyl Siding

Video - Vinyl Siding Manufacturing

Characteristics and properties of the material

Wide slabs with a relief texture imitating wood and other surfaces, consisting of:

• 70-80% polyvinyl chloride;
• 15% calcium carbonate;
• 10% titanium dioxide;
• 1% butadiene;
• lubricants and pigments.

The thickness of vinyl plates depends on their type and ranges from 0.9 to 1.2 mm.

Temperature resistance limit material - 88 ℃.

The main properties of vinyl siding:

1. The material does not ignite when heated, is resistant to fire, and begins to melt under the influence of high temperatures.
2. The boards have good compression. They contract and expand under the influence of temperature, which ensures the stability of the facade.
3. If you choose the right coating, it will be able to withstand any negative influences of the environment.
4. Vinyl siding is not afraid of alkaline substances.

5. Under the sun's rays, temperature extremes and precipitation, siding does not fade, does not rust, does not rot or deform.

The material can freely withstand hail and gusty winds.

Why is siding interesting?

The name "siding" is of English origin. This finishing material borrowed its name from the English word side (side). The main functions of the material are to protect the external walls of the building from negative environmental influences and to ensure the aesthetic appeal of the building.

Vinyl siding panels are similar on the lining not only externally, but also by the method of installation. After installation, the slabs are a single structure.

The material does not have one hundred percent tightness, otherwise the base surface under it would become unusable from the formed condensation. Ventilation holes on the slabs are provided to ventilate the inside of the wall cake and remove moisture.

Vinyl siding is very easy to maintain and has rather long service life (up to 50 years and more) .

The material is easy to clean and is not afraid of chemicals.

Types and characteristics

One of the varieties of vinyl siding is acrylic material of the same name. It is much stronger, has higher performance characteristics and a limit of temperature resistance, is not afraid of shocks and other mechanical influences.

Siding can be wall siding , basement and soffit.

Wall siding

Panels are used for facing the outer walls of the building.

According to the form factor, they have such varieties:

• block house (with imitation of a log house);
• "ship board" or false beams (the variety fully imitates the timber facade);
• lining (in appearance does not differ from the usual panels for interior decoration);
• herringbone (single, double or triple panels).

According to the method of installation, wall siding can be horizontal and vertical.

Vinyl siding is connected in different ways: tongue-and-groove method, in a quarter, butt, overlap and plank. According to the configuration, the panels are of one-, two- and three-break.

When installing wall panels, they are also used additional elements - external and internal corners, profiles and starting plates.

Basement panels

This type of material is intended for finishing the basement part of the foundation. It differs from wall siding in thickness and dimensions. The shape of the panels is rectangular, the height is equal to the basement standard, and the thickness is 2 times greater than the wall.

The elements are capable of withstanding heavy loads. The material is impact-resistant, resistant to mechanical stress, does not absorb moisture and does not freeze.

It is not afraid of the effects of chemical agents, it does not deform when the soil heaves.

Materials for making basement siding:

• vinyl ,
• fiber cement ,
• acrylic ,
• galvanized steel ...

The most common slab sizes are 135x155x3 cm .

Basement siding can be made with imitation of brick, stone or wood.

Sophytes

This variety is used for filing eaves and other horizontal surfaces. The panels can be solid or perforated for additional ventilation of the facade. Mostly found in white or brown, their main function is to hide areas of roof overhangs and cornices from prying eyes. They can also decorate the ceiling of the porch or gazebo.

The perforation of the soffits can be in the middle, along the entire surface or be absent altogether.

Prices for various types of soffits

Soffits for the roof

Video - Overview of facade materials: vinyl siding and base / plinth panel

Design and colors

Vinyl facade cladding panels are generally available in pastel, neutral and calm colors.

They are:

• pink,
• beige,
• white,
• light green,
• light brown
• light gray.

Color siding of delicate shades is made by mixing the coloring pigment into the white melted composition.

There are also bright colors of panels - blue, red, orange, cherry , etc.

The technology of their production is slightly different from the above-described colors, and the range of choice is slightly less due to the not so wide popularity of the plating.

Siding panels in bright shades have a shiny glossy surface

There is vinyl siding with an exact imitation of the texture of wood, brickwork or stone.

The most common slab design in our regions is block house and log siding.

Which siding is better: features of choice

It is difficult to give an objective assessment of this material and determine which type is better: it all depends on the needs, scope and personal preferences. Someone like the rich blue wall panels, while someone needs a brick plinth finish.

Tips for choosing vinyl siding:

1. Choose the type of product depending on the needs and climatic features of the region.
2. When the choice is made on a particular type, be sure to check the availability of accessories and additional elements of the same color.
3. Pay attention to the quality of the panels and the ability to withstand uniform loads. The thickness of the slab must be the same along its entire length and width.
4. Check the ductility of the boards before purchasing.

   Bend the small edge at the edge of the panel. If it breaks down, it is better to refuse to purchase.

5. Do not ignore the storage conditions of the siding. The state of the material in the warehouse will tell you a lot.
6. If it is not possible to purchase everything you need at once, you should not buy siding in parts.

Remember : like any piece of finishing material, vinyl siding from different batches may vary slightly in color. This is a significant drawback, since such a difference is clearly visible directly on the facade.

Truly high-quality things have appropriate packaging. The manufacturer takes care of the safety of the products so that the material is not damaged during transportation and storage.

Package contents

In order to simplify the installation of siding panels in difficult places and also to complete the image of the facade after installing the material, additional parts and other equipment are used.

They are used to frame the openings of doors and windows, as well as decorative ledges or niches. Special elements are used in the design of the pediment and lower roof hangers, joints and all kinds of transitions between types of finishes. Also, these elements help to install the siding so that the fastening elements are completely hidden from prying eyes.

And if you want to know how to install metal siding under a log, see the step-by-step instructions on our website.

Table 1.

Varieties of additional elements:

All models indicated in the table perform a specific function.

Namely:

1. The starting bar is installed at the very bottom of the sheathing wall, from which work begins. It is to it that the rest of the elements are attached.
2. The arched panel is needed to frame portals of the corresponding shape, as well as round windows and niches. The material is bent according to the incisions conceived by the manufacturer.

3. J-bar is used when framing light sources and other niches and bulges, also in the joints of the pediment with the roofing system.
4. Corner profiles hide the joints of the corners of the building, both internal and external.
5. H-shaped connecting strips are fixed at the joints of horizontal PVC plates if they are shorter than the outer wall.
6. Soffits decorate the lower part of the roof sheds, the ceiling of the porch or gazebo.These component parts also belong to an independent type of siding.

7. The finishing strip is attached under the roof slope (where there is no pediment). It hides the top edge of the last installed panel.
8. Window strips are needed to decorate the outer slopes of windows.
9. Ebb tides (window or basement) are installed above the ground part of the base or under windows and protect the walls or basement from excessive moisture.
10. Platbands complement openings near windows and doors.

11. Moldings hide the joining of the inner corners of the building.
12. J-chamfer or wind board is needed to decorate the edges of the roof.

Installation of siding without additional elements is impossible .

Video - Additional elements of vinyl siding

Pros and cons

Vinyl siding has its positive and negative sides.

Advantages :

1. Lightness of panels .

   PVC siding is made from very lightweight materials.

2. Easy to install . Due to the low weight of the plates, one person is quite capable of installing them.
3. Moisture resistance . The material is absolutely not hygroscopic, which allows you to keep the insulation underneath intact for a long time.

4. Wide selection . In addition to a variety of colors and textures with imitation of different materials, vinyl siding provides a choice of material for finishing any part of the building.
5. Ease of care . The material is not afraid of chemicals, it is easy to wash it, if necessary, just from a hose with a small pressure of water.
6. Democracy .

   The low cost of the panels makes the material available to a wide range of consumers.

7. Fire resistance . The material does not ignite, but it begins to melt at 500 ℃ .
8. Dielectricity . Vinyl siding is non-conductive, making it electrically safe.

9. Durability and reliability . Due to the structure of the material, its minimum service life is 30 years. And the guarantee declared by the manufacturers is 50 years .
10. Climatic unpretentiousness . Vinyl siding can be installed in regions with any weather conditions.

11. Toughness . The material is resistant to weather conditions, aggressive environment, frost and heat.

Disadvantages:

1. Openings . When installing siding on walls, you need to make accurate calculations in compliance with the dimensions of window and door openings.
2. Slope .

   When sheathing the pediment, you need to accurately measure and observe the angle of inclination of the roof.

3. Rapid contamination . Due to the light shades and texture features, the material will look untidy after a few rains. In addition, PVC panels are static, so dust, soot and other similar contaminants easily adhere to them.

Calculation material and installation procedure

Any installation work involves the preparation of all the necessary materials and tools.

When everything is at hand, work is much faster. But how to make the calculation correctly so as not to buy excess material or to avoid a shortage of it?

The basic rule in calculations is to always count with a margin, albeit a small one. Excess material will be spent on cutting the material, possible damage to the plates or the presence of defective elements. In order to calculate the required amount of material, we measure the area of ​​the outer walls, as well as the entire length of the places where decor and accessories are needed. As a rule, many piece finishing materials are sold not by quantity, but by square, so that the main calculations end there.

Also, at the preparatory stage, you need to prepare the walls for installation. Their surface is cleaned, cracks are closed, the plane is covered with an antiseptic or primed.

Step-by-step instructions for installing vinyl siding on the facade:

Step 1. Install the frame from an aluminum profile or a wooden bar.

The elements are fastened by "quick assembly". At this stage, it is important to attach the material to the base surface as firmly and evenly as possible. Control the work with a plumb line, a taut thread and a hydraulic level.

Step 2. We fix the vapor barrier at using a construction stapler, gluing the joints with aluminum tape.

Step 3. We mount the insulation with umbrella dowels. At this stage, it is important to monitor the absence of cold bridges between the elements.

Step 4. We attach the diffuse membrane in the same way as well as a vapor barrier.

Step 5. Install the starting bar at the bottom of the frame.

Step 6. We consistently fasten the siding, leaving gaps in case of temperature differences and for ventilation.

Step 7.

When decorating window and door openings, joints, transitions and corners, we use the appropriate components.

Step 8. We put the finishing bar last.

How to maintain or how to extend the service life

When brand new siding is already showing off on your facade, transforming your home and decorating the site, you want the siding to retain its original appearance as long as possible. What can help with this?

After several years of operation, some elements may burn out in the sun.

You cannot insure yourself from the poor quality of the material and the deception of unscrupulous manufacturers, so the easiest way out is to replace the faded panels with new elements.

Vinyl siding is one of the most optimal finishing materials in all respects: it is affordable, has a wide range of colors and textures, unpretentious in operation, strong, durable and resistant to weather conditions. Its widespread use is due to its ease of installation: even a novice master can handle the installation alone.

When When choosing plates , pay attention to the quality and availability of components, and do not forget to follow the basic rules during installation. In order to keep the facade beautiful for a long time, do not expose it to loads not specified by the manufacturer and regularly clean the surface without using organic solvents.

Successful selection and successful installation!

Video - Correct Vinyl Siding Installation