Give Your Home a New Look With Maintenance-Free Vinyl Siding

As a 40 year veteran of the remodeling industry, people always ask me for advice on how to make their homes as maintenance-free as possible without losing any points in the design department.

When vinyl siding first hit the market, lots of people turned up their noses because while it was easy to care for, the look left much to be desired. But over the past several years, the siding industry has developed new, technologically advanced products that solve both design and durability requirements and tick all the boxes for homeowners. In fact, vinyl siding is now the number one exterior cladding choice in the United States. So if you’re looking for a way to update your home that will require minimal upkeep, vinyl siding is an excellent choice. Here are all the reasons why:

It now looks great. Vinyl siding has come a long way with manufacturers creating a library of products that are more visually pleasing than when the cladding first hit the market. Believe it or not, you can now find vinyl siding that comes in a variety of profiles such as fish scale, shake or scallop shapes – plus there are styles to mimic the look and texture of natural building materials such as wood.

It’s incredibly strong.  Seasons here in Central Connecticut can be brutal, with summer sun and winter snow and ice taking their toll on our homes. Vinyl siding is made to withstand winds of up to 110 mph and it won’t fade or deteriorate as the seasons change. Most products come with a prorated warranty of up to 50 years for peace of mind, so you know your siding will stand up to the test of time.

It’s easy to maintain. Imagine a lifetime free of painting, staining and caulking the outside of your home.  One of my favorite things about vinyl is that it doesn’t need much maintenance, other than a soapy sponge bath and garden hose shower once in awhile. Plus, unlike wood, you never have to worry about splitting, rotting, or termite and insect damage.

It will reduce your energy bills. Insulated siding is energy efficient and works like a blanket over your walls and wall studs. More than 75% of homes I work on are under-insulated, which means that cool air is getting out in the summer and heat is escaping in the winter. By installing vinyl siding, you’ll be able to keep the air in your home regulated at a more comfortable temperature without running to the thermostat.

It pays for itself. With a 50-year warranty, no cost maintenance and the savings you’ll reap from your energy bill, installing vinyl siding is an investment worth thinking about. Plus, vinyl consistently ranks as one of the highest returns on investment for remodeling projects.  

If you’ve ever thought about giving your home a facelift, vinyl siding is an option you’ll definitely want to consider. You’ll be blown away by the variety of options to choose from, and you can say goodbye to many of the hassles that come with outdoor home maintenance.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Jobs to Tick Off the List Before Fall

Now is a great time to get working on any home improvement jobs before the cooler weather sets in. Whether it’s taking preventative measures to make sure the ice and snow doesn’t do a number on your home or just routine repairs that you’be been putting off, these next few weeks will be the perfect time to give your house a spruce up.

Probably the most important home maintenance job for this time of year is to take a look at your gutters. Before we know it, tree debris will be falling and the leaves will be clogging up gutters and downspouts. If you’ve ever thought about installing gutter guards on your home, now is the time to do it. They will protect your gutters from the leaves and help you to avoid that cumbersome autumn clean-out.

One of my favorite ways to update a home is to install a new entry door. A lot of houses in our area still have wood doors, which are prime for serious heat leakage. Installing a new door made from fiberglass will help to retain warmth and give you a great, contemporary style. They even come in wood grain or solid color finishes to keep with the look and feel of your current exterior.

Now is also one of the best times to look at vinyl siding, which can dramatically improve the appearance of your home while reducing overall maintenance and upkeep. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, one third of new homes in the U.S. are built with vinyl siding, and that number continues to rise every year. Why? Vinyl siding is durable, long lasting and comes in a variety of finishes to suit a homeowner's personal style. My favorite part is that it never has to be painted or stained, and there is no rotting or insect problems that can come with traditional wood cladding.

Finally, with winter on the way, it's time to take a look at your windows. When I visit a house, I will often use a thermal camera to see how much heat is being lost, and old wood sash windows are one of the main culprits. New vinyl windows are great in terms of energy efficiency and heat loss reduction, and at our house, we love the tilt in sashes for easy cleaning.

Being a homeowner requires a lot of maintenance, but the investment is worth it to keep you and your family comfortable all year round. It's also key to ensure you get the best possible price on your home if you ever decide to put it up for sale.

What is your favorite tip for giving your house a facelift? I'd love to hear from you. Happy Labor Day everyone!

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.