Multi-Colored Vinyl Siding
Multi-Colored Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is really fun to install. I especially enjoy how you can transform an ugly or worn-out house facade into something special in a matter of hours. You can't do this with brick, wood or any other material as easily. The vinyl requires no painting or any other treatment. As soon as you nail a piece in place, you never have to do anything again except for periodic washing! If the house is simple and you have a large enough crew, you can complete a house in just 1 or 2 days!
The Impostors
Did you know that you do not have to settle for the solid color vinyl sidings that your neighbors are using? There are multi-colored vinyls that look just like natural wood siding. Any house that requires the look of wood can fool a person easily from the street. The siding products create a look that is very close to that of natural stained wood. Different colored browns, light greens and grays are common. These products would look great on the seacoast, in the woods, or in any standard subdivision.
When viewed up close you may think the multi-colored siding appears fake. Well, stand back about 20 or 30 feet and look at several pieces at the same time. I can assure you that your opinion will change in a hurry. If you are fortunate to know the location of a house that is covered with this product, you are in luck. From a distance, I'm positive you will think that the vinyl is wood.
Long Lasting Color
The multiple colors in virtually every siding are an integral part of the siding. You need not worry about them washing or rubbing off. The pigments that are applied to create the multi-colors are simply integrated into the siding as it is extruded.
Older vinyl sidings were prone to color fade. Many of the high quality (usually higher cost) sidings have solved this problem. There are higher quality ingredients and more of them in the high-cost sidings. Special coatings also can deflect and minimize damage caused by the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. The most common ingredient that prevents color fade is titanium dioxide. This is actually a pigment commonly found in paint. High amounts of titanium dioxide will absorb and deflect UV rays. To judge the amount of this pigment in the vinyl siding, look for a higher price tag.
If it costs you $300 to upgrade to the siding with the highest amount of UV protectant, do so. Think long term. You will be angry at yourself in 10 years should the color begin to fade on your lower cost selection!
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