01-14-2009, 09:31 AM
As a builder and as a homeowner I continue to have misgivings about vinyl. My simple problem is that there is high quality vinly and low quality vinyl and it is nearly impossible to tell the difference.
Low quality vinyl will discolor and become brittle resulting in cracks and an ugly appearance. Once it becomes stained it is basically impossible to clean.
My simple experience was with vinyl outdoor chairs. I bought a cheap one from Walmart for about $5 and an expensive Rubbermaid chair for about $25.
Both of them looked awful within a year or so.
As for siding: You would be 100% dependant on the seller as to quality. I can only guess what qulaity one might get with a low bid job.
My siding preference would be for cementicious panel or lap sidings. With these the issue immediately becomes the quality of the exterior paint. Cheap paint molds and requires endless maintenance. Best exterior results in my opinion are cement type panels with mold resistant colored stucco coatings.
Low quality vinyl will discolor and become brittle resulting in cracks and an ugly appearance. Once it becomes stained it is basically impossible to clean.
My simple experience was with vinyl outdoor chairs. I bought a cheap one from Walmart for about $5 and an expensive Rubbermaid chair for about $25.
Both of them looked awful within a year or so.
As for siding: You would be 100% dependant on the seller as to quality. I can only guess what qulaity one might get with a low bid job.
My siding preference would be for cementicious panel or lap sidings. With these the issue immediately becomes the quality of the exterior paint. Cheap paint molds and requires endless maintenance. Best exterior results in my opinion are cement type panels with mold resistant colored stucco coatings.
Assume the best and ask questions.
Punaweb moderator
Punaweb moderator