Vinyl Log Sidings
The wooden touch has always been a favorite with the homeowners. The rustic exterior and the warm appeal of wood offer a mesmerizing experience to the homeowner. Vinyl log sidings are better than wooden logs in quite a few ways. A vinyl log siding is an attractive, durable, easy to maintain, and cost-effective exterior solution to the homeowner.
Wooden logs require considerable time and money for routine maintenance like staining, sealing, and insect prevention, while a vinyl log siding doesn't rot, splinter or corrode. It is impervious to wood boring insects. It doesn't fade even in extreme weather conditions. The other benefits of vinyl log sidings include richer and multiple colors. Vinyl log siding is extremely energy efficient and can help lower the heating and air conditioning costs of a house.
However, improper vinyl log siding installation can be an extremely costly option in the long run.
There are certain points that one should keep in mind while going in for vinyl log siding installation. There should be ample flexibility for expansion and contraction of the siding. The vinyl log siding contracts and expands as the outside temperature changes, so ample mechanism should be in place for this. The vinyl siding should always be kept straight. Also keep in mind that siding is only as straight and stable as what lies under it. The main goal while preparing the walls of the structure is to ensure a flat and even surface. Uneven structure not only gives bad aesthetics, but also reduces the life of vinyl log siding. On any project, remember to install flashing before starting to apply siding. Nailing is another important aspect to be kept in mind while installing a vinyl log siding. Choose aluminum, galvanized steel, or other corrosion-resistant nails, staples, or screws. Aluminum trim pieces require aluminum or stainless steel fasteners. Remember as temperatures change, vinyl siding can expand and contract ½" or more over a 12' 6" length.
Screws and staples should also be used with utmost care. Screw Fasteners can be used if the screws do not restrict the normal expansion and contraction movement of the panel on the wall. Similarly staples should not be less than 16-guage semi-flattened to an elliptical cross-section and should be minimum 1" in length and wide enough to allow free movement of the siding (1/32" above and below the nailing hem). Even while fastening, care should be taken to ensure that the panels are fully locked along the length of the bottom. They should not be forced up tight or stretch the panels upward before nailing. A log vinyl siding should always be cut using a circular saw, tin snips, utility knife, or a scoring tool to cut vinyl siding. The cuts should be safe, clean, and straight.
Remember that a vinyl log siding will only be perfect if it is installed in the right manner.
