My contractor is suggesting Variform siding (0.046" thinkness) or Crane siding.  He prefers Variform over Crane.  

Any help in explaining the facts on these two brands is appreciated.

Thanks

pkd

1st get a good saftey harness system.  Falling is not cool.  Be safe.
Be sure to check out http://www.OSHA.gov & their specific Safety and Health topics on Scaffolding @ http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/scaff.....index.html

The Typical Scaffolding Solutions for Siding and Windows are:

1. Ladders, Ladder Jacks & Scaffolding Walk Boards.
   1. The walk boards can be placed on the inside or the outside of the ladders as they lean against the wall.
   2. Example:
      (above is not a normal setup but gives you an idea what I am talking about)
   3. More Examples: http://images.google.com/image.....k+scaffold
   4. Explanation and Regulations: http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etool.....rjack.html
      
2. Stack-able Scaffolding
   It's a metal framework that you erect.  It's not typically used by professional siding contractors because they don't plan on being on the wall that long BUT masons use them and it might be a safer feeling solution for a do-it-yourself-er.
   (no offense, I've been there.  35 feet up on bounce scaffolding with no rails is a completely different story once you get up there.)
   
   1. Examples: http://images.google.com/image.....esidential scaffolding
      
      
3. Aluminum Pump Jack System
   1. This probably isn't a great solution for 1 person setups due to the complexity of setup and operation.
   2. Examples: http://images.google.com/image.....+Pump+Jack
      
4. Other Scaffolding Types
   1. There are mechanical lifts and all sorts of stack-able/build-able scaffolding types available.
   2. Examples: http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etool.....index.html

In Conclusion:

The main thing is to be safe and don't get up on something you don't feel comfortable on.  Remember the Pro.'s do this stuff everyday and it did take them (usually) several months before they truly became comfortable with working off of scaffolding.  Take your time and be safe.

pburgett said:

I am trying to match our current siding after putting on an addition.  I need 8 inch, single, vinyl siding in a cream/off-white.  Apparently Certenteed only has white.  Anyone know where I can get this?

Matching vinyl siding can be a real pain but if you are persistent you can find a good match.  You can basically do the same thing the Pro's usually end up doing and that is:

• Remove a piece of the vinyl siding you want to replace and look for any identifying numbers or marks.  (big pieces, like several feet, work best for this step).
• Remove a smaller piece for style, size and color matching.  Usually something around 12" works great.
• Break out the Phone Book and/or Online search for "vinyl siding materials", "vinyl siding suppliers", "vinyl siding manufacturers", and whatever else you can think of.  Lumber yards & building supply stores often do carry vinyl siding.  The goal here is to obtain a list of where you can buy vinyl siding in your area.
• Hit the pavement:  Take your sample and your list of potential places the vinyl siding you are looking for might be found and see if you can find a match.

SO ... as you can see ... trying to find matching vinyl siding CAN be a pain but it's not impossible.  Sometimes you'll find a match on your first try and other times you'll need to be a little more determined.

Hind Sight is 20/20

Our BEST ADVICE ... IF YOU GET VINYL SIDING INSTALLED on your home ... make sure ... the contractor leaves a few extra peices of vinyl siding and trim in case you need a few pieces later on.  Store it flat & protected.  Most top quality contractors will recommend this and/or just automatically provide this for you.  Hope this helps you!

admin said:

Post edited 11:11 am - April 2, 2009 by admin

I m planning on residing my home with vinyl siding. The contractor I am considering (Bennet, in Albany, NY) uses Certainteed. Some other contractors have indicated that their vinyl siding comes with a lifetime guarantee against fading (i.e., no more than three Hunter Units). What type of fading guarantee does Certainteed offer?

Thank you for your attention.

B. Klinger

(added by Siding4u Staff member)

Here is certainteed's resource area for warranties [ http://www.certainteed.com/res.....warranties ].

"CertainTeed warrants its vinyl siding products against excess fade beyond normal weathering if
reported to CertainTeed in accordance with the notice provision (see What the Property Owner
Must Do section, below). Excess fade is defined by a change in color, as calculated according to
ASTM D2244, greater than four (4) Hunter units." quoted from http://www.certainteed.com/res.....es/215.pdf

Great question!

B. Klinger

(added by Siding4u Staff member)

I've used Contractors with Integrity and they charged me $35 for a whole house siding jobs.  I like their leads.  Just wish they had more.  Is anybody paying more or less for these leads?

Anybody got any other prices or advice on the other lead companies?

siding price - Vinyl, Cedar & Fiber Cement

vinyl siding prices - listed

and the grand daddy ...

Vinyl Siding Prices Calculator - which shows a comparison between Economy Vinyl Siding, High Quality Vinyl Siding, Fiber Cement Siding and Cedar Siding Prices.