Hoosier Siding Frequently Asked Questions
Siding
1.How does vinyl siding compare with other siding materials?2.What can be done to improve the appearance and durability of my home's exterior?
3.Isn't it less costly to just repaint my home?
4.Are there any other materials that are better than vinyl?
5.How does the cost of vinyl siding compare to the added resale value it provides?
6.What exterior design options do I have with vinyl siding?
7.What accessories and trim are available?
8.My home is partially brick and partially wood siding. Can I still use vinyl siding?
9.Is vinyl siding really as durable as everyone says?
10.If painting isn't required, how do I maintain my vinyl siding?
11.Is one season better than another to have my new siding installed?
Windows
1.What are various windows made of and what will work best for me?
2.Is there any difference in how windows are made?
3.Can I replace my old windows with different styles or types?
4.Aren't all window manufacturers essentially the same?
5.What about strength, protection and noise reduction?
6.Do Alside windows require a lot of maintenance?
7.I have been reading about different test results on windows. How should this impact my buying decisions?
8.What is more important in saving energy, the frame or the glass?
9.What energy-saving options should I know about?
10.What is the Energy Star Program?
11.Will Alside windows be a good investment?
12.Aren't all window warranties practically the same?
Siding
1.How does vinyl siding compare with other siding materials?
In a way, it's almost no contest. When compared to wood, brick, stone, stucco, and metal sidings on the basis of initial cost, maintenance costs, appearance, durability and value, vinyl siding is clearly superior. We offer a broad range of vinyl siding products, so you can choose one that's easily affordable. Whichever you choose, you can expect the highest quality and lasting beauty. And our vinyl siding never needs painting or staining. It doesn't chip, peel, dent or rot, so you can forget costly repairs. Just rinse occasionally with a garden hose. In addition, our vinyl sidings are backed by a strong Lifetime Limited Warranty*. And because vinyl is the preferred siding for more and more homeowners, it retains most of its installed cost. Moreover, our premium vinyl siding provides all the beauty of expensive wood sidings with your choice of smooth or grained surfaces; rich, low-gloss colors; and a variety of classic siding profiles.
2.What can be done to improve the appearance and durability of my home's exterior?Maybe you're tired of dealing with peeling paint and rotting clapboards. And you wonder, "Will another coat of paint really hide the weather-worn condition of my wood siding? And even if it can, is it worth the cost?" Or maybe you're thinking about replacing warped hardboard siding...or getting rid of dated asphalt or asbestos siding...or eliminating dented metal siding...or giving a fresh, contemporary look to masonry walls. Then now's the time to switch to the easy-care beauty of our premium vinyl siding. A wide choice of styles, colors and trim options makes it simple to create the look you want for your home–whether it's a contemporary colonial or a 120-year old farmhouse. New siding will rejuvenate an older home, give it a completely new look and significantly reduce costs for home upkeep and maintenance. And with a full range of trim, soffit and accessory options available in a host of different decorator colors, virtually any look can be achieved to improve the appearance and durability of your home's exterior.
3.Isn't it less costly to just repaint my home?
If you plan to move within the next three years, the answer is probably "yes." But if you plan to stay in your home longer than that, the calculations begin to heavily favor vinyl siding. Of course, if your home has special problems–for example, warped clapboards that have to be replaced or lead-based paint that has to be scraped and sanded off–the cost of painting can become truly staggering. According to Remodeling magazine (October 1996), investing in new siding can prove to be an excellent choice in terms of payback. In the West, a homeowner can recoup 65% of the cost of siding in terms of resale value added to the home. In the East, the payback is 76%. In the South, it's 84%. And in the Midwest, the cost recouped is 69%. Compare the ongoing costs of painting every three to five years to a one-time investment in new vinyl siding. For most homeowners the conclusion is obvious–vinyl siding is by far the better long-term value.
4.Are there any other materials that are better than vinyl?
Not when it comes to siding. 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 previous question for details). It's the material of choice on new luxury homes...and the first choice for remodeling projects large and small. Leading manufacturers such as Alside offer a broad range of vinyl siding products, so you can choose one that's easily affordable. Plus, Alside vinyl siding never needs painting or staining. It doesn't chip, peel, dent or rot, so you can forget costly repairs. To maintain a like-new appearance, just rinse occasionally with a garden hose. Exceptional beauty. Durability. Economical price. Easy maintenance. Long-term value. Outstanding warranty. If these are your criteria, there's no better choice than Alside vinyl siding.
5.How does the cost of vinyl siding compare to the added resale value it provides?
In terms of adding resale value to your home, vinyl siding is one of the best investments you can make. In its 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 vinyl 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." Another point to keep in mind: if, like many homeowners, you add insulation to an older home at the same time you're having vinyl siding installed, you add even greater value and market appeal to your home.
6.What exterior design options do I have with vinyl siding?
Vinyl siding is one of the most versatile exterior design products you can work with. Hoosier Siding & Window, for example, offers many different vinyl siding lines. That broad selection lets you choose among a wide variety of design options, including horizontal and vertical siding; traditional clapboard and authentically detailed "shaped" sidings; wide and narrow panel exposures; smooth, subtle and deep wood grain textures; plus a wide assortment of traditional and contemporary colors.
7.What accessories and trim are available?
When you design the exterior of your home, you should think about more than just siding. You'll need trim for windows and doors, and at inside and outside corners. You also may need soffit to finish the underside of eaves, or for a porch ceiling or entry overhang. With Hoosier Siding & Window, creating a finishing touch that sets your home apart is easy. Because we offer a complete range of easy-care accessory and trim options. Standard trim lets you merge siding and trim pieces to create a balanced, uniform, look.
8.My home is partially brick and partially wood siding. Can I still use vinyl siding?
Sure. Vinyl siding is extremely versatile and can be used with just about any exterior building material–brick, cinder block, even natural logs and field stones. Back to Top 9.Is vinyl siding really as durable as everyone says? Absolutely. The correct technical name for the material used in vinyl siding is polyvinyl chloride. It's a strong, durable, proven material that has earned a solid reputation for its beauty and permanence. It's used in automotive applications, medical devices, defense weapons, appliances, floor coverings, and of course, home construction. It's ideal as an exterior material because vinyl siding doesn't rot, crack, dent or warp.
10.If painting isn't required, how do I maintain my vinyl siding?
It's simple. There really is no maintenance, just occasional cleaning. Ordinarily, the cleaning action of a rainfall will be adequate to wash your vinyl siding. However, vinyl siding and soffit should be washed periodically by hosing 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 vinyl 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.
11.Is one season better than another to have my new siding installed?
Not really. You can have your vinyl siding installed in any season, as your schedule and budget allow. But keep in mind that some contractors are more available during the off-seasons. Regardless of when you have your new siding installed, you'll enjoy the immediate benefits of improved appearance, as well as the long-term benefits of durability and easy maintenance.
Windows
1.What are various windows made of and what will work best for me?
Basically there are three types of materials used. Aluminum windows, with their easily scratched painted surfaces, conduct both heat and cold, so they're very poor insulators. Wood windows, which require constant painting and caulking, can absorb moisture, making them difficult to open and close. They can even rot. Our solid vinyl windows, however, never need painting and won't show scratches, because the color goes throughout the material. This is why vinyl windows are quickly becoming the most popular choice for both new construction and replacement applications. In addition, you should certainly consider custom-sized windows for the very simple reason that they'll fit better. Stock-sized windows require extensive carpentry work both inside and outside your house. That can be very costly and inconvenient. Our custom-sized windows, on the other hand, are manufactured to fit your existing window opening. You get the style and options you want while maintaining your glass area.
2.Is there any difference in how windows are made?
There are two basic types of construction, (1) mechanically fastened and (2) welded: Mechanically fastened windows are screwed together at the corners. Welded windows, becoming more and more popular, use a chemical or heat process for joining. Alside produces mechanically fastened and welded windows. The mechanically fastened windows feature a unique overlap corner design for extra strength, while the welded versions utilize state-of-the-art heat welding equipment. Beware of windows with mitered corners screwed together or chemically welded corners, as they probably won't perform as well for you.
3.Can I replace my old windows with different styles or types?
Certainly, since our Alside line of replacement windows are part of Alside's Window System. You may want to consult with one of our independent design specialist to find the type of window that best complements your home's natural design.
4.Aren't all window manufacturers essentially the same?
Not at all. Many companies buy their parts and glass from various outside sources. Alside extrudes most of their own parts from the raw vinyl (PVC) resin themselves. You should also know that although a lot of manufacturers claim their windows are American-made, many in fact may be imported from Canada and other foreign countries. We're proud to say that every Alside window is manufactured right here in the U.S.A.
5.What about strength, protection and noise reduction?
You should look for a window that offers both superior strength and energy efficiency. Alside's computer-controlled process ensures a perfectly square window sash and main-frame with superior strength. And for exceptional energy efficiency, a full interlock at the meeting rail helps protect your home against the elements, or unwanted intrusions. In addition, our insulating glass unit traps dry air, creating an exceptional comfort barrier. Moreover, homeowners with Alside Window Systems say there's a noticeable reduction in the amount of noise that enters their homes. A full interlock system at the point where upper and lower sashes meet helps stop air infiltration while providing an additional barrier against unwanted intrusions.
6.Do Alside windows require a lot of maintenance?
Because the frames and sashes are made of vinyl, you can say goodbye to painting and caulking. Alside windows won't stick, and you don't have to remove storm windows in order to clean them. In fact, you can do it all from inside your home. An occasional wipe with a damp cloth will keep your windows looking like new for years to come.
7.I have been reading about different test results on windows. How should this impact my buying decisions?
Be careful when looking at extremely specific results since many of them do not really indicate how well the window will work for you. Some apply to just certain parts of the window, like the frame and its R-value, and do not give an overall picture. Tested in nationally-certified labs and Alside's own modern test facility, Alside windows are engineered to provide the optimum in energy savings and are rated by the National Fenestration Rating Council.
8.What is more important in saving energy, the frame or the glass?
Since 70% of a window is glass, real heating and cooling savings come from what is known as "improved glass performance," not a high R-value on the frame. Alside uses the latest technology, known as a high performance warm edge spacer system. This spacer system helps to improve the performance and the longevity of the insulated glass unit, and is standard on all our windows.
9.What energy-saving options should I know about?
You should give careful consideration to Alside's ClimaTech™ Insulated Glass Package, featuring LoE2 glass and argon gas. LoE2 glass is an excellent barrier against ultraviolet rays which fade carpet, furniture, draperies, and even woodwork. Argon gas is colorless, odorless, nonflammable, nontoxic, and above all, a safe, inert gas that is heavier than air. Not only does argon gas help to increase the energy efficiency of a window, but helps to make your home quieter as well. When Alside windows are equipped with the ClimaTech™ Insulated Glass Package, they automatically meet or exceed the energy-saving requirements for all three climate zones set forth by the Energy Star Window program. Or you can get the ClimaTech™ Plus package with a foam spacer that provides even further energy efficiency as an option.
10.What is the Energy Star Program?
The Energy Star program was created by the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy to help consumers in the recognition of energy-efficient products. This program also promotes the environmental and economic benefits of these products through the Energy Star label and other program activities.
11.Will Alside windows be a good investment?
Yes, for a variety of reasons. First, you may realize savings on your heating and cooling bills. Second, they're virtually maintenance-free, which eliminates painting costs. And finally, the transferability of oneof the strongest warranties in the business may easily add to the resale value of your home.
12.Aren't all window warranties practically the same?
Not really. There are as many warranties as there are window manufacturers. Some brand name factory warranties cover just the sash and frame. The rest is left up to the local fabricator who may or may not cover it. Your warranty is only as good as the company behind it. With Alside, your unit is warranted from the extrusion and parts to the glass and construction by our Lifetime Limited Warranty*, with transferability provisions. It's one of the most comprehensive available, just what you'd expect from an industry leader.
