Auestions to ask and answer about vinyl siding

I/INYL has fast become Y the most popular of all siding materials, used in an estimated 44Vo of all installations across the country on homes of all sizes and styles. It's economical and easy to maintain. Technological advances have also given it increasing durability and, when desired. a more convincing wood look.

Dealers should not only be able to answer the customer's most common questions about vinyl siding, but should also have questions of their own to steer the buyer to the right product:

Youn Qunsrrons Fon Tnn CusroMER

(1) Wltt you install the siding yourself or have someone do it for you?

Homeowners can save considerable cash by installing

Siding lnstallation Components

Starter Strip is applied around the perimeter of the house to position and help hold in place the first course of panels.

J-Ghannel secures the siding around doors, windows and any place the siding meets another surface. Available in a variety of widths, it also provides water drainage.

Undersill Trim is used to attach the linal (top) course of siding to the top of the wall, or to attach it below windows.

0utside Corner Post secures the siding at outside corners, protects the edges and provides an aesthetic trim'

Inside Corner Post secures the siding at inside corners and provides an aesthetic trim.

Sotfits protect and finish the underside ol eaves.

F-Trim attaches soffits to the underside of the eaves.

Fascia covers and protects the fascia boards around the house, coordinating frem with the rest of the vinyl siding and him work.

-Geugia-PM'frc siding themselves. It's not an overly difficult project but it does take a lot of time and effort. Remind them that proper installation is the key to an attractive look. If installed incorrectly, siding may buckle or warp over time due to incorrect nailing. So, analyze the customers' skills before suggesting siding as a do-it-yourself project. If they seem capable, go over an installation brochure with them to demonstrate the simplicity of each step.

If they will hire an installer, have them make sure the contractor is qualified, insisting he be licensed, bonded and insured. They should ask to see samples of his work and check at least two references.

(2) Uuu. you already received an estimate for installing vinyl siding?

Their answer will reveal whether they are looking at vinyl siding for the first time or if they are familiar with it. If they have already received an estimate, find out why they haven't previously purchased the product and what objections you'll have to deal with.

(3) Oo you have everything you need for installation?

Asking about additional items not only increases your sales, but provides an important service, helping customers avoid return trips for items they forgot. Go over all the tools, insulation and installation components they will need. Installation components (see chart to the left) provide either aesthetic trim or structural integrity to panels.

Necessary tools include a portable power saw with a fine-tooth blade, hacksaw with a fine-tooth metal cutting blade or a handsaw with a cross-cut blade, utility knife, aviation snips, claw hamrner, tape measure, level (minimum 2' long), metal carpenter's square, chalk line, snap lock punch for creating interlocking raised slots or dimples, nail slot punch for adding nail slots, unlocking tool for disconnecting installed panels, and safety goggles for use when nailing, cutting or using a power tool.

Tun CusroMER's Qunsuorvs Fon You

(I) wn1 should I choose vinyl?

The advantages of vinyl siding are numerous and easy to illustrate. Benefits include high durability and low maintenance, with no scraping, painting or staining. Many offer a low-gloss finish that simulates the attractive appearance of real wood. Typical warranties guarantee against cracking, peeling, blistering, flaking and corrosion.

(2) Uo* much will it cost to side my home?

Cost estimates usually range from $1.40 to $1.70 per square foot for materials and installation. The actual cost will vary depending on the size of the home and selection of accessories.

If a customer is concerned about the cost of installing vinyl siding, compare its price to the cost of continued painting. Most homes should be painted every five to six years. Remind the customer that vinyl siding is only installed once. Within a few years, the homeowner will have paid offthe investment and offset the cost ofpainting.

(3) Cu"I paint over vinyl siding?

No, vinyl siding should never be painted, because paint will not adhere to its surface. The product has been specifically developed so it doesn't have to be painted and should look like a well-painted home for years. The only maintenance requirement is an occasional wash with water and a mild detergent. If the customer wants a new look, suggest changing the shutters, window trim or roof color.

(4) noes vinyl siding provide insulating protection for my home?

At .040 gauge thickness, vinyl siding provides a small amount of insulating protection. But a new siding installation is the perfect time to weatherize a home. Recommend that, when the old siding is removed, fan-fold or rigid foam insulation can be added to walls and windows can be replaced with energy-efficient ones.

(5) Witt vinyl siding fade or change color?

All exterior products weather to some degree, including vinyl siding. Most panels go through extensive weather testing so, after a few years, the color won't change. Manufacturers attempt to make sure the vinyl siding fades evenly and that the weathered state is very close to the original color and still attractive.

And, the surface color goes clear through the siding, so a different color won't be seen ifthe siding is scratched.

(6) Oo I have to remove the old siding?

Explain that vinyl siding can be applied directly over any type of exterior siding, hardboard, plywood, wood lap or cedar. They should, however, ensure the surface is even

Story at a Glance

Questions to encourage vinyl siding sales ... answers to overcome obiections estimating tips.

and in good condition. Rotten boards will continue to rot even with vinyl applied over them. It is easiest to install vinyl siding over an exterior sheathing or fan-fold insulation product.

If the customer is applying the siding to masonry walls, funing strips and insulation will have to be installed first.

Estimating Siding

Step 1 To estimate the amount of vinyl siding needed for a particular job, first make sketches of the home showing all sides. Next, measure the height and width of each wall section, Multiply the height by the width to determine the total surface area for each side of the house. Add the su rface amounts: toEetherr,

Step 2

Measure any other areas not included in the previous step, and add togetfrer all surface amounts. Foi hilngyl{ sfapgs, such as gables and dormers, multipty the height by half ol the width.

Step 3 Measure windows, doors and,all other areas that will not be covered with siding. Multiply the width of each by its height, and add these areas together.

Step4 Add the total areas of the walls (Step 1) and other areas (Step 2). Subtract the total area,hot,covered (Step 3). Then, as a cushion, add 107o to the t0tal area, Step5 To determine the number of siding squares needed, divide the total surface area of the preUiOus step by 100 and round up to the next full number; ,Foi,example, 1,281 square feet equals 12,8 squares, which is rounded up to 13 squares.

Step 6 To determine the number of squares of soffit material needed, measure the undereave areas. Multiply the tength by width for,each area, and total the square lootage.

Step 7 DiVide the total,area of the previous step by 100 and round up t0 the next full nurnbbr.

Step 8 Determine which installation components will be needed, and measure the total linear feet for each item. For instance, J-channel is required around the top and sides of each door and window, and along the angles of gables, while undersill trim is needed at lhe lbp:couise of each wall and under each window.

S-tep 9 Write allyour measurements and:calculations on the original sketch of the house,

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Go over the installation instructions with them, especially if they will install it rhemselves.

(7) IHow does vinyl siding withstand harsh.weather and temperature changes?

Vinyl siding is known for its ability to withstand the elements, so it's an appropriate choice for various climates, from the intense sunlight of the South to the freezing, snowy winters in the North. Unlike aluminum. vinvl siding won't be dented by hail or other harsh conditions.

With dramatic changes in temperature, vinyl will expand and contract - about one-fourth of an inch for every l2-ft. panel. Professional installation should guard against noticeable changes due to expansion and contraction.

(8) Uow much siding will I need?

._llro* that it is easy to compute how much vinyl siding will be needed. The chart above illustrates how ro measure a house and determine the correct amount of vinyl siding.