SIDING FAQS

There’s a lot to keep in mind when purchasing siding, so we’ve compiled a list of commonly asked questions you might have. If you need more information, please contact us.

HOW DOES VINYL SIDING COMPARE TO OTHER BUILDING MATERIALS?

When compared to wood, brick, stone and stucco, siding can provide several advantages in terms of maintenance costs, appearance, durability and value.

Gentek offers a broad range of sidings in vinyl, steel and aluminum, so you can choose the style and finish that best suits your home and climate area. Siding beautifully combines the classic appeal of a freshly painted wood with high-performance materials that are easy to maintain. Built weather-tough, Gentek siding won’t chip, peel, or rot like painted wood and requires very minimal upkeep. Just rinse occasionally with a garden hose to restore the siding’s like-new beauty. With a variety of materials, profile designs, textures and colours to choose from, you can design a beautiful home exterior that will stand the test of time.

In addition, Gentek sidings are backed by strong lifetime limited warranties*–further assurance you have made an excellent selection for your home.

WHY IS VINYL SIDING SUCH A POPULAR CHOICE?

Vinyl siding’s outstanding features and benefits have made it the most popular siding material in America today. And because vinyl is the preferred siding for more and more homeowners, it retains most of its installed cost (see information above).  It’s the material of choice on new luxury homes…and the first choice for remodeling projects large and small.

Gentek offers a broad range of vinyl siding products to fit every design and budget. Choose from a variety of profiles in Dutch Lap, Clapboard, Board & Batten and Vertical V-Groove with textured finishes and a wide array of colours, including classic hues, variegated and darker Designer Colours.

You’ll also appreciate vinyl siding’s easy-care upkeep.  Durable and dent-resistant, each vinyl panel is solid colour through and through, so it never needs painting or staining. Vinyl siding won’t chip, peel, dent or rot, so you can forget costly repairs and time-consuming maintenance.  Just rinse occasionally with a garden hose to restore the siding’s like-new beauty.

For added peace of mind, Gentek vinyl sidings are backed by strong lifetime limited warranties,* ensuring excellent quality and value for your home.

HOW DOES THE COST OF VINYL SIDING COMPARE TO ITS ADDED RESALE VALUE?

In terms of adding resale value to your home, new siding can be one of the smartest investments you can make. In a previous annual survey of project cost versus added value, Remodeling magazine said that “…the highest payback comes from projects that give an older home the same features that have become standard in new homes.”

Exterior improvements such as the installation of new siding also make a home more attractive on the market. According to a real estate agent interviewed by Remodeling, “Things like new siding and new windows will not add dollar for dollar value…(but) they will cause the house to sell quicker for more money.”

Choosing insulated siding for your home can add even greater value and market appeal, because it enhances thermal performance and energy savings, as well as softens outside noise for a quieter home.

HOW DO I MAINTAIN MY VINYL SIDING?

Ordinarily, the cleaning action of a rainfall will be adequate to wash your siding. However, siding and soffit should be washed periodically by rinsing with a garden hose and clear water, particularly in those areas not exposed directly to rain. If you desire to do a more thorough cleaning, or where high soil collection conditions occur, use a soft-bristled, long-handled washing brush. It attaches to your garden hose and makes washing your siding easier.

Do not rub vigorously. This may create glossy areas over the siding finish. For hard-to-remove dirt, such as soot and grime found in industrial areas, wipe the siding down with a solution that’s recommended by the manufacturer. If you wash the entire house, start at the bottom and work up to the top, as less streaking will result. It is important that immediately following all washing operations, the entire surface be thoroughly rinsed with fresh water from a garden hose.