It is not easy to find a competent siding contractor. Are you willing to pay a contractor that did a great job on the block? Perhaps a cousin or an in-law. Crowdsourcing services, such as Angie’s List oder Home Advisor?
You’ll be more comfortable with someone who is certified in their field than you are receiving recommendations from friends or family.
“When you need someone to do your taxes, you look for a CPA. When you need your car serviced, you go a certified mechanic. Why wouldn’t you want the same level of confidence with someone working on your home?”Jery Y. Hunterley is the president and CEO at Vinyl Siding Institute (VSI).
Vinyl siding, including insulated vinyl siding, is the only exterior cladding with a certified installer program to ensure that installers demonstrate knowledge of industry-accepted application techniques, and a product-certification program that ensures that vinyl siding, insulated siding and polypropylene siding meet or exceed industry standards. Both programs are administered by independent agencies and sponsored by VSI.
“Siding is more than just aesthetics; it’s the home’s first line of defense against Mother Nature. If not properly installed, any siding product can be vulnerable to extreme weather conditions like high winds and rain, which can lead to degradation, repair or replacement,”Huntley spoke. “Trained, experienced and certified professionals help ensure that your home’s siding will not only look great, but perform as specified.”
VSI Certified Installers are at least two years old, have completed a training course, and have demonstrated knowledge in vinyl siding installation according to internationally accepted standards. They are required to recertify each three years.
Certified Installers must have the following knowledge: how to properly fasten vinyl siding to the wall, account for normal expansion and contraction properties to ensure it stays flat, and how to prepare the area around windows, doors and other openings to stop water infiltration.
Vinyl siding is able to withstand winds up to 110 mph and can resist the weathering effects from heat and cold. Vinyl siding manufacturers typically offer lifetime warranties to the original homeowner, and prorated warranties of at most 50 years for subsequent owners.
“Neither the fiber cement nor engineered wood industries put their products through a stringent third-party certification program, nor do they sponsor programs to independently certify the professionals on knowledge of proper installation and best practices,”Huntley. “Certification provides homeowners with an unprecedented degree of confidence that their vinyl siding will provide lasting value to their homes.”
Visit www.amazon.com for more information www.vinylsiding.org/homeowners/why-vinyl-siding/.
