Painting Your Metal Siding

Posted by: Denver siding

Painting metal and aluminum siding can become a nightmare if not done right. Over the years I have worked on and repaired many homes with metal siding. Metal siding is real common in mobile homes. Most older mobile homes use aluminum paneling for their exterior siding.

Most painted metal siding seems to last at least 20 years. The reason for this is the paint is baked on in a factory giving it a high quality and nice looking surface. This baked on method is used for painting aluminum and most metals siding that gives the product a long life.

I lived in a mobile home park for a few years and my next door neighbor's mobile home had never been painted and was over 45 years old. He would go out and washed the mobile home once a year with some TSP soap while using a brush on the end of an extension pole to clean the home.

His mobile home might not have looked brand new but it was definitely in great shape. Over the years he had developed a few scratches and some dirt that was hard to wash off but that was about the extent of the damage to the painted metal siding.

Well we painted our mobile home and used an expensive metal primer along with some expensive paint from Dunn Edwards & Co... This paint worked great. We lived there for around four years and never had any problems once the home was painted. Having been in the construction business I knew we had to use a good metal paint primer in order for the paint to stick to the baked on paint process for the metal siding to look good.

Here's my advice to you when painting metal siding.

1. Make sure the metal siding is clean. Use TSP soap along with a scrub brush and scrub that baby clean. The cleaner the metal surface the better the new paint primer will stick or adhere to the old paint.

2. Follow the instructions carefully on the paint primer can when applying the primer. Do not paint below or above the recommended paint temperatures.

3. Make sure you explain to the paint salesman at whatever store you're in that you are going to be painting metal siding. Get the right paint primer.

Pick the right vinyl siding

When it comes to any home building decisions, most homeowners take aesthetics, durability, and cost into account. Deciding on siding is no different. Vinyl siding comes from many manufacturers with different qualities. After quality of the siding product, the professionalism of the Denver siding company is the next most important, because you want the materials to be installed right, and have the peace of mind in knowing that the company will fix any problems they may cause.

Even within the same vinyl siding company, there is significant variation among products. The most important aspect is panel thickness. Vinyl is a very weather resistant material. It is also flexible, and installing siding that is too thin may result in being able to see the wall underneath poking through. I have also witnessed many instances of Denver vinyl siding being punctured relatively easily. The material survives weather well, but physical wear and tear can destroy vinyl quickly, especially if it is of the thinner variety. Only a tenth of an inch more can make a great difference with vinyl, so ask your Denver vinyl siding company for a cost breakdown for an upgrade. Upgrading the quality or thickness of the material should not cost all that much more overall.

Vinyl siding made by cheap companies sometimes stiffens with age, which can lead to cracks. If you pick a smaller company and a unique color, you may be in for some major problems if the siding gets damages and you want a localized replacement. The probability that the same company is still carrying a matching replacement is not so good. So most siding contractors recommend you pick a trusted company in simple colors and design.

The upside of vinyl siding is that it is very clean. Its flexibility allows the builder a lot of room for creating beauty. The range of choices allows vinyl siding to be used in many different architectural building types. Vinyl is the most sold siding because of its weather durability. Rain, salty air, and snow just run off it, and vinyl never needs painting. In fact, it cannot be painted, because liquids just run off. To clean just wash it down with soapy water annually.

Buying a home with failing siding

Siding is often touted by the manufacturer as lasting forever and being maintenance free. Many homeowners have discovered that this is plainly untrue. Failing siding is a problem because it is hard to know when you need a  fix and when you need a replacement.

Especially in the case of faux wood siding which is made from plywood, many Denver siding companies suggest the removal and replacement of plywood siding. If plywood gets water inside it, the glue holding the wood chips together starts to break down. The water also causes it to swell, further damaging the plywood integrity. Eventually this kind of siding will just crumble. The outside may still be painted and fairly even, but the inside is falling apart. As the structure looses integrity, you may notice the walls bow or pit. From the outside, the color may seem good. From far away, rotting siding looks normal, but as you approach you may notice characteristic warping and uneven surfaces caused by the siding changing shape as it falls apart. The deceptive part is that while the siding still looks serviceable, your home interior could already be sustaining damage.

Damaged siding also damages the home. The point of siding is to protect the interior. Water especially will cause rotting pretty quickly if left on wood framing. Other building materials are not immune. As the water gets in, insulation rots and even HVAC duct work can be damages. Some quality companies that do siding in Denver refuse to install plywood siding because of its failure track record.

Furthermore, some siding companies suggest your replace a new home's siding with Denver vinyl siding. If you are purchasing a home that has plywood siding, you have to realize that you will have to deal with failing siding eventually. Some mortgage companies also know of the problem and will not lend until the siding issues are resolved. If you are getting financing, you may not have a choice on whether or not you need to repair the siding because the building will not pass inspection.

Once you buy a home, your homeowners insurance might be cheaper if you have a strong and low maintenance siding installed. Remember homeowners insurance only pays for natural disasters and acts of god, not poor construction choices.

Replacement vs Construction Windows

Replacement windows are made to fit an existing opening, while construction windows are designed to be built along with the frame. Many custom replacement windows Denver warehouses will have a window that fits your opening. There is not one standard size but dozens. Some available window frames are as small as a foot across to several yards. Wood is the most efficient, by vinyl, aluminum, and clad wood are more durable.

Even replacement windows can be broken down further. For minimal repairs, a sash kits replace an old frame's movable parts and jamb liners. The liners hold the sash for easy movement. This only works in a level, square frame in good condition. A warped window frame will receive no benefit from a sash replacement.

Insert replacements consist of a full frame that fits into your old opening. These ready to install frames make the window a bit smaller than before because it is like an extra frame with new jambs and liners. These replacement windows are sometimes called pocket windows by Denver windows companies.

Full frame replacement windows have a frame that comes complete with jambs and sill. This is the most complete option, and is the only thing to do if the frame is rotten or split. This is hardest kind of Denver windows to install because you must first strip the opening to its rough frame. Every frame will need to be shimmed. The shimming process not only centers the frame within the window opening, it also locks in the  frame in a plumb and level position. When working on the frame, make sure you are careful not to damage any of your air conditioning equipment's ductwork. A good air conditioning services company will work with any window contractor to make sure they do not conflict with each other's work.

Any small cracks or holes can be filled in with weather resistant wood putty. They can be sanded along with the the wood jambs in preparation of finishing through sealant or paint. If the frame is too cracked for putty, a full construction frame is required.

Choosing A Denver Siding Company

Sometimes in life, a happy medium can be awfully hard to achieve. We either work too hard or don't work enough; we can't finish our supersized portions, but mere appetizers leave us hungry. Fortunately, when it comes to contractors who specialize in home improvements, there is such a thing as that happy medium: It's called the mid-sized company. As far as siding installation is concerned, choosing the right Denver siding company for the job can make a difference in the overall experience and result.

With so many retail giants offering discounted pricing and options galore, many homeowners are quickly drawn to the name on the store front and the advertising jingle that comes along with it. However, when it comes to siding installation, bigger is certainly not always better. The larger retail chains often come equipped with sales professionals who, on the surface, seem to know their stuff. But, in reality, they have simply memorized a script and perfected their daily sales pitch. Homeowners who choose to go with a bigger name tend to be disappointed by the subsequent lack of service throughout the actual siding installation process.
Another problem with the bigger guys is that they have a tendency to simply subcontract jobs such as siding installation and take a portion of the proceeds for profit. If you go with a larger company, then you run the risk that in many cases, the person who sold you a siding package won't know who will actually be showing up at your home to do the work. The unfortunate result is a Denver siding job that does not meet the homeowner's expectations.

Additionally, while the larger chains might advertise certain discounts, beware of the fine print. Since these retail giants are rarely starved for business, they are also less likely to negotiate a price with customers. Finally, many sales representatives are able to use the size of the business to their advantage, stating that discount requests can only be approved by the big boss. Unfortunately what ends up happening is the client ends up paying too much for their siding installation.

While smaller Denver siding companies might offer certain improvements over the retail giants, they also come with their own set of limitations. Sure, small businesses are known for their down to earth approach to sales and, at times, impeccable customer service. However, the problem with most "mom and pop" siding shops is that they often have too few resources at their disposal. In many cases, the person who schedules installation appointments is the same person who shows up to actually do the work. For this reason, smaller companies sometimes have a difficult time meeting project deadlines and offering convenient scheduling options.

Many medium sized siding companies have the ability to combine the best of both worlds for an ideal customer experience. Most medium-sized companies have enough resources to respond to customer requests and complete projects in a timely fashion. On the other hand, mid-sized companies don't have so many employees that they can't keep proper tabs on their people.

Since mid-sized siding companies tend to have a small number of educated customer representatives, they can offer personalized service without worrying about expending other resources. Medium-sized companies also tend to be the most flexible with pricing because they have more wiggle room than the smaller guys, but less demand than the larger guys. When a sales representative at a mid-sized siding company tells a customer that he needs to discuss pricing with his boss, that boss is usually only a notch or two higher on the flagpole. Finally, medium-sized companies can usually offer a customer discount in exchange for a flexible finish date, which is something that retail giants have little, if not zero, motivation to do.

Of course, not everything in life comes with that perfect happy medium. Fortunately for homeowners, siding companies are a welcome example of being just the right size for a job well done.

Various Types of Siding

The world of siding offers a variety of options for homeowners looking to maximize their property value and curb appeal. When it comes to choosing a material for siding, you'll want to pick something that works in terms of your taste as well as your budget. Each kind of Denver siding comes with its own distinct look and feel, so be sure to review all of the possible choices with your siding contractor before making this important selection. To get you started on the process, here are the types of siding available to homeowners today:

Vinyl Siding
Considered one of the more basic forms of siding, vinyl is one of the most affordable and easily maintainable materials on the market. Vinyl siding is available in a variety of colors and finishes, and its natural insulating properties make it a popular choice among homeowners looking to save some money on heating and cooling costs. On the other hand, vinyl is certainly not the strongest siding material out there. Strong winds and other such weather-related factors can cause vinyl siding panels to buckle, crack, or fly off, making repairs a likely factor down the line. Vinyl also has a way of looking a bit plastic-like, causing some homeowners to immediately cross it off as an option.

Wood Siding
Wood siding is an attractive option for people who happen to truly love the look of natural wood. While it might cost more than vinyl, it is certainly not the most expensive type of siding out there. However, wood comes with one major disadvantage in that it requires a lot of maintenance throughout the years. Wood is just one of those materials that is highly susceptible to weather damage and natural wear and tear. As a result, homeowners need to look at it as an investment that must be preserved with much time and effort.

Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement is a composite material that is meant to carry the same look and feel of wood, but without all of that pesky maintenance. Unlike actual wood, fiber cement siding won't warp or disintegrate over time, making it a more solid choice for homeowners looking for minimal hassle. However, homeowners should be advised that fiber cement offers nothing in the way of natural insulation.

Stucco Siding
Stucco is one of the classiest materials on the siding market. Available in both classic cement and a new synthetic form, stucco is a durable material that is relatively easy to maintain. Synthetic stucco is also one of the best insulators on the market, making it easier for homeowners to bear the cost of energy bills over time. On the other hand, stucco is one of the most expensive siding options, making it pretty much unattainable for homeowners on limited budgets.

Stone Siding
Stone siding is the ultimate material for exterior beauty and class. The elegance of stone siding makes it a popular choice among the elite. But with a sizable price tag, it's an option that only a small percentage of homeowners can afford. Additionally, those who opt for stone siding can forget about added insulation. Eye-catching as it may be, stone won't help one bit with energy costs.

Cedar Shake Siding
As one of the most appealing selections on the market, cedar shake siding creates a warm, inviting exterior that homeowners just tend to adore. Cedar shake siding is comprised of small cedar sections that are attached to the home in a shingled arrangement. While it's easy to fall in love with that natural look, the downside of cedar shake is that it does tend to fade over time. It is also a rather costly selection, making it less common than some of its more affordable counterparts.

Now that you're a bit more familiar with the various types siding materials, you should be in a much better position to start narrowing down your choices. Of course, it's one thing to simply describe all these Denver siding options, but it's another to actually see them in person. Before you make your final decision, be sure to take a look at examples of these materials in the form of finished products so that you can truly get a sense of how your home might come to be transformed. With any luck, you'll choose the perfect material for the look you've always wanted to achieve.

Ruben Jeruco is a writer for Yodle, a business directory and online advertising company. Find an extremely informative Guide to Siding or more Home Care articles at the Yodle Consumer Guide, The Yodler.

Different Types of Siding

There are numerous types of siding available for today's homes offering different advantages and/or disadvantages. Certain types of siding are more popular in some areas of the country than others, influenced largely by climate and availability of product. Price also influences the type of siding chosen by a builder or a home owner.

Types of siding available:
1. Aluminum or Vinyl Siding These siding options are available on new homes as well as often put on over older types of siding. The biggest advantage of this type of siding is that they do not require painting. The disadvantage is that aluminum siding dents and vinyl siding cracks. Vinyl siding has improved over time as the quality of vinyl improves.
2. Masonite Siding or Hardi Plank These siding options have a similar appearance but offer very different results. Masonite siding deteriorates over time and requires painting, caulking and routine upkeep. Hardi Plank (a brand name) is a similar looking product but is made of cement and therefore does not rot. It is growing in popularity and is a terrific alternative to Masonite.
3. Brick or Stone Both of these products provide an excellent siding option. They are virtually indestructible as well as attractive. They do not require the routine maintenance that other types of siding require. The biggest drawback is price, although in some areas of the country it is still very affordable.

4. Stucco Traditional stucco is made with cement and offers a solid, lasting, moisture proof siding. It is seen a great deal in Florida where the climate would require constant upkeep on other types of siding and the solid cement siding keeps the houses cooler than traditional siding.
5. Cedar Shakes For those who love the look of cedar shakes, it is an excellent alternative to Masonite siding as it requires less maintenance. When treated with stain it does not rot or peel.
6. Veneer & Synthetic Siding These siding alternatives give you the appearance of other types such as stucco or brick, but do not give you the quality or longevity.
7. Clapboard Siding that is made from solid wood is more costly than other types of siding but lasts longer and looks better than other manufactured sidings such as Masonite. It is also a product that lends itself well to stain and therefore will not peel as siding that is painted.
8. Steel and Vinyl Coatings These are becoming more and more popular. They are more expensive but are nearly indestructible thus requiring little maintenance. Vinyl Coatings are applied like paint but are much thicker. Since it is a relatively new product it is important to find a company that will apply it correctly as applying incorrectly can cause many problems.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dorothy_Sander

Types of Wood Siding

Wood siding types that are manufactured today are many which include, clapboard, plywood, shakes and shingles, tongue and groove and hardboard. Choosing a type of wood for your house is a big step. By matching the style of your home to a unique wood siding type you will be have a more desirable looking house at the end of the day. Read on to find out more about the unique types of wood siding available.
Clapboard siding are long planks of wood that are lain horizontally overlapping one another on the side of the house. A big plus for clapboard siding is that it complements any style of architecture. Redwood and cedar are the most preferred wood variety to be used for clapboard siding while fir and larch are acceptable too.

Plywood siding is another type that is easy to install using the most minimum basic carpentry skill. It is typically made from Western red cedar, Douglas fir, Southern pine and redwood, giving off a variety of patterns and textures to choose from. Plywood siding that is painted or stained regularly can last up to 30 years and more.

Shakes and shingles are like clapboard siding as they are able to fit into any architecture style. They have an attractive and rustic appearance and are also decay-resistant. This type of siding is made of cedar that can come in a number of grades. Depending on maintenance and climate, shakes and shingles can last from 20 to 40 years.

Tongue and groove siding are lengths of boards that fit and lock together in a pattern. It is made from pine, cedar and teak and is valued by its versatility and attractiveness. This type of wood siding can be installed horizontally, diagonally or vertically with either a rough or smooth finish. Depending on the style of the home, it can come in a knotty or clear appearance.

Hardboard siding is made of wood chips that are compressed to form sheets that are cut to style. Styles like lapboard, stucco, board or batten are available for this type of siding. It less expensive than solid wood siding but has a good durability and strength.

You are now ready to choose from the variety of wood siding types, one that is going to match the style of your house architecture.

At the end of this article, I'd like to share cool websites with more information on topics like Roofing Shingles and Stucco Estimate. Visit for more information.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Cornell