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Siding FAQs
Vinyl Siding FAQs
HardiePlank® FAQs
Don’t see your question of interest? Contact GE-HI today to learn
more, or to request our Home Energy Assessment.
Also see Homeowner FAQs,
Replacement Windows FAQs,
and Roofing & Water Management FAQs.
Is it okay to install vinyl siding or shingle
roofing in the winter?
 In the hands of an experienced professional, and with a few
exceptions, it is acceptable to install vinyl siding during the winter
months. The primary exception is coastal high wind areas.
What are impact modifiers?
Vinyl panels must be pliable to avoid cracking on impact and durable
with regard to their appearance when exposed to years of strong
sunlight. In the short term almost all vinyl panels are pliable enough
to be hit with an object and not crack. Over three or more years of
constant exposure, the sun’s powerful UV rays can change this
characteristic. The higher the concentration of impact modifiers in the
original vinyl compounds, the slower the rate at which your siding
becomes brittle.
The two most expensive parts of an extruded vinyl product for
exterior, non-medical use are impact modifiers and color stabilizers
(TIO2). A lack of color stabilizer will cause the vinyl to “chalk.”
When you fail to invest in a quality vinyl siding product, you can be
sure you are getting very little of these important impact modifiers and
color stabilizers.
 Does vinyl siding “outgas” like carpet
and plywood?
There are no gases produced or emitted by vinyl siding or window
extrusions at any time during production or during the product’s
lifecycle. In fact, were you to visit a manufacturer while the product
was in production, you would note that no one in the factory needs to
wear a mask.
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Who establishes the standards
for the manufacture of vinyl siding?
The American Society for Testing and Materials, ASTM International,
is the most recognized agency by whose authority vinyl siding standards
are measured. The Canadian General Standards Board adds additional
testing requirements relating to shrinkage and flexibility.
All GE-HI products meet or, in many cases, exceed both Canadian and
US standards.
How much will it cost to have
vinyl siding installed on my home? Why do cost estimates very so widely?
 There are a huge number of variables involved in the cost of
installing vinyl siding on your home. In all, what does the scope of
work for your project include?
- Replacement of rotted wood prior to installation of new
siding?
- Stripping existing materials?
- Will there be an insulating value added?
- Covering most of the trim boards on the home?
- Custom forming window casings and sills?
- The time for workmen to correct any existing flaws in the
areas to be covered?
- Siding panels and accessories resistant to “oil canning”
and minimizing seams?
- The time and extra materials for workmen to minimize or
hide seams?
- The extra materials to “start the house” so butts at all
corners match?
- Insulation required to improve the energy efficiency of
your home?
If the scope of work allows for the materials and time required to
execute the project properly, the next variable is the size of the home.
We have installed vinyl siding on single-family homes for less than
$4,000 and have completed projects for as much as $56,000. The “VALUE”
is in the details, and in our ability to find the best answer for your
home, your family, and your budget.
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How important is the thickness of
the vinyl siding I use?
In our experience, the compounds in the panel are more important than
the gauge or thickness of the panel. Having said that; however, we have
also experienced fewer service issues with panels exceeding .045” gauge
in thickness. The best VALUE is in the panel that combines both .045”
and better gauge thickness while including high concentrations of impact
modifiers and color stabilizers.
Can I successfully install my own
vinyl siding?
 The key word is successfully. In our many years of service, we have
seen only one homeowner succeed in completing a proper re-siding of his
home. That person was a professional machinist and possessed many of the
technical skills and sensibilities to install siding successfully. There
are many tricks of the trade, and each home is unique. Although
materials are an important cost component, experienced labor is the most
important piece of the puzzle.
A bad product will fail no matter who installs it. A good product
will look good only if it is installed properly.
What happens to the trim boards,
soffits, and window casings when I install vinyl siding?
That depends on the scope of the work stated in your contract. If
your wish is to eliminate painting, then these areas will be covered
with custom formed aluminum coil stock or certain preformed vinyl
extrusions, depending on what your budget allows.
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Why do I see lots of seams on some
resided homes and very few on others?
The number of seams in your final project is a function of the length
of the siding panel used, how each row of siding is started, and how
much waste the contractor allows. Using scraps and small pieces can cut
costs substantially.
Why is the paint job on my house
failing more quickly than it did 15 years ago?
 The contents of paint for residential housing may no longer include
lead. Lead was the principle component in paint that assured its
durability against mold and other environmental factors.
The cost of a carefully executed paint job on the average home has
doubled over the past 7 years because of increasing labor and insurance
costs. So, when painting your home, you are paying more and getting less
than you once did.
Have a question? Contact GE-HI for the answers. We’re here and
ready to help.
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What is "fiber-cement" siding?
Fiber-cement siding is a combination of cellulose fibers along with
cement-like materials. The result is a product that is partly wood, partly
cement. Fiber-cement siding is remarkably durable and is both weather and
insect resistant. It can add a stunning look to any home.
Does HardiePlank siding look like wood siding?
Homeowners choose HardiePlank vs. vinyl siding is because it provides the
look of wood. While difference is obvious on close inspection (HardiePlank
presents a shallow, uniform grain), the end result is a stunning curb appeal which adds
beauty and value to your home.
Is HardiePlank insect resistant?
Wood siding is vulnerable to termites and carpenter ants. Insects,
however, have no love of HardiePlank. The cellulose fiber-cement mixture
provides neither food nor safe haven for insects.
Can I paint HardiePlank siding?
HardiePlank siding with ColorPlus® Technology
shouldn't require painting for at least 15 years, and the siding itself has a
lifetime of 50 years. When the time comes, however, yes, HardiePlank
siding is easily painted. It is thick and durable like wood and holds
paint well. You can do it yourself or hire a painting contractor of your
choice.
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How fire resistant is fiber cement siding?
While fiber-cement siding does not fireproof a home, it does provide a higher
degree of protection than is available from vinyl siding. In a home fire,
vinyl siding, being a petroleum product, will eventually feed the flames.
Fiber-cement, by its nature, resists burning longer.
Is it true that HardiePlank is Green for the environment?
No endangered wood is used in the manufacture of HardiePlank siding.
The cement and sand that comes together with the cellulose fibers to make
HardiePlank is in abundant supply. There are no toxic materials in
HardiePlank. Because HardiePlank lasts so long, more than half a century
if properly maintained, it will contribute little to the waste stream.
HardiePlank siding is a premium choice. Does that mean it's
expensive?
HardiePlank is not inexpensive. At GE-HI our goal is neither to offer
the cheapest nor the most expensive options. In our selections of both
vinyl siding and fiber-cement siding, we've considered how to make your home
comfortable, energy efficient, long lasting, and - importantly - a beautiful
reflection of your values and lifestyle. HardiePlank is a premium options,
but well worth the enduring value it brings to your home.
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General GE-HI and Home Improvement FAQs
For more information about GE-HI and Home Improvement, visit our
General FAQs page.
Service Area
We improve homes in Boston, Newton, Canton, and throughout Eastern
Massachusetts and Rhode Island. We have remodeled homes and have
replaced roofs, siding, windows, doors in many towns and neighborhoods
including:
Abington, Acton, Amesbury, Andover, Arlington, Ashland, Attleboro,
Avon, Ayer, Bedford, Bellingham, Belmont, Beverly, Billerica, Braintree,
Bridgewater, Brockton, Brookline, Burlington, Cambridge, Canton,
Chelmsford, Chelsea, Concord, Danvers, Dedham, Dover, Dracut, Duxbury,
East Bridgewater, Everett, Fairhaven, Fall River, Foxboro, Framingham,
Franklin, Hanover, Hanson, Haverhill, Hingham, Holbrook, Holliston,
Hopkinton, Hudson, Hull, Ipswich, Kingston, Lakeville, Lawrence,
Lexington, Lincoln, Littleton, Lowell, Lynn, Lynnfield, Malden,
Manchester, Mansfield, Marblehead, Marlboro, Marshfield, Mattapoisett,
Maynard, Medfield, Medford, Medway, Melrose, Methuen, Middleboro,
Milford, Millis, Milton, Natick, Needham, Norfolk, North Andover, North
Attleboro, North Billerica, North Easton, North Reading, North Weymouth,
Northborough, Norton, Norwell, Norwood, Peabody, Pembroke, Plainville,
Plymouth, Quincy, Randolph, Raynham, Reading, Revere, Rockland, Salem,
Saugus, Scituate, Sharon, Sherborn, Shrewsbury, Somerset, Somerville,
South Easton, Southborough, Stoneham, Stoughton, Stow, Sudbury,
Swampscott, Taunton, Tewksbury, Wakefield, Walpole, Waltham, Watertown,
Wayland, Wellesley, West Bridgewater, West Roxbury, Westborough,
Westford, Weston, Westport, Westwood, Weymouth, Whitman, Wilmington,
Winchester, Winthrop, Woburn, Wrentham
In Boston - Allston, Boston, Brighton, Charlestown, Dorchester, East
Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain, Mattapan, Mission Hill, Roslindale,
South Boston, West Roxbury
In Newton - Auburndale, Chestnut Hill, Newton, Newton, Newton Center,
Newton Corner, Newton Highlands, Newton Lower Falls, Newton Upper Falls,
Newtonville, Nonantum, Waban, West Newton
In Rhode Island - Lincoln, Providence, Pawtucket, Cumberland, Central
Falls, East Providence, Cranston, Warwick, Smithfield, North Smithfield,
Johnston, Woonsocket, Tiverton, North Providence, Portsmouth, Glocester,
Coventry, Scituate, East Greenwich, West Greenwich, West Warwick,
Barrington, Warren, Bristol.
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is
an approved Affiliate of The Home Service Store® and offers Windows,
Siding, Roofing, and more through
BJ’s Home Improvement
program in BJ’s Wholesale Club®. Ask about our BJ’s Member only
savings. Contact us today to learn
more.
GE-HI
is Lead-Safe Certified under the EPA. Learn more about RRP (Renovation,
Repair and Painting at the EPA website.
