I need to get my house resided. I've gotten one estimate so far and it's absolutely insane. I have some friends in the construction trades that can hook me up with laborers that do siding full time, so I'll GC the project myself.

I'm looking for recommendations on specific brands. Insulated vs non-insulated etc.

After a quick search, it looks like Crane, Alcoa (mastic) and Certain Teed are the major players.

What part of the country do you live?
For example ~ here in Texas vinyl siding is not good for us ~ we use Hardi Plank.

I live in NJ. The house currently has vinyl.

I have mastic .042" thick vinyl siding in a part of the country that sees plenty of hail every year. I've had no problems with it and most importantly, don't have to paint it!

Mastic is a good brand. My brother has a roofing and siding home improvement business in NJ. The prices for siding from brand to brand (same quality) are very similar. To make it easier for customers, he gives the same quote no matter which siding you chose so you don't go crazy thinking I like this brand, but brand X is less expensive. The fake cedar shakes and other non conventional vinyl usually cost double of normal vinyl siding.
If you GC it, make sure who you pick has proof of insurance. That is usually where you see a difference in price quotes.

Also, you have to take off the old vinyl, consider that in the estimate cost. I would have the house wrapped in Tyvek, and insulation.

quote:

Originally posted by rtquig:
Mastic is a good brand. My brother has a roofing and siding home improvement business in NJ. The prices for siding from brand to brand (same quality) are very similar. To make it easier for customers, he gives the same quote no matter which siding you chose so you don't go crazy thinking I like this brand, but brand X is less expensive. The fake cedar shakes and other non conventional vinyl usually cost double of normal vinyl siding.
If you GC it, make sure who you pick has proof of insurance. That is usually where you see a difference in price quotes.

Also, you have to take off the old vinyl, consider that in the estimate cost. I would have the house wrapped in Tyvek, and insulation.

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If it's already sided doing it yourself is not hard, and cuts the cost significantly. Remove the old, rewrap, and put the new stuff on. Getting the first row straight is the hard part, but if you already have the starter strip in place you're good.

I got a quote once and couldn't believe it. To give a point of reference I was quoted almost $15k. I had already priced the material and it was about $3k. When I asked the rep why the huge difference he told me that it took skilled people as it was like doing finish carpentry.

I did the whole house with a pair of snips, a few razor blades, and a rafter square. Year or so later a guy who does it for a living was at my place and complimented me on it.

Search online and the manufacturers have some really good instructions out there with calculators tohelp you buy the right amount.

CertainTeed is a premium brand used a lot around here.

Some of their products you have to touch it to realize its plastic.

There is also the price of aluminum to cap over window sills, door moldings, etc. New down spouts might be needed or at least the hardware for them. It all depends on how faded or damaged it all is.
The guy I worked for primarily used certainteed and azek for around windows and doors.

quote:

Originally posted by Captain Morgan:
There is also the price of aluminum to cap over window sills, door moldings, etc. New down spouts might be needed or at least the hardware for them. It all depends on how faded or damaged it all is.

Yes, in addition to the siding, I intend to replace the gutters, spouts and the overhangs. I do not want shutters, which are typical in my area. I'd like a 5" border around doors and windows.

I'm sorry I have no information to offer, but I do have a question:

Does everyone use Tyvek for a wrap/ does everyone use a wrap?

The reason I ask is that I used to wear Tyvek suits at work- and while they were definitely impermeable, they also didn't breathe- at all. I'd be dying inside that thing after a few hours. Doesn't a house need to breathe, too?

Just trying to educate myself- our home could use residing as well, but it's pretty old, and I'm pretty sure there's no Tyvek in there...

As a builder let me give you a couple of pieces of unsolicited advise ;-)

1. When you remove the existing siding check the substrate behind it. Is it OSB, plywood or what?

2. How are the windows flashed? Now would be the time to have it done properly. If you need to tape it I highly recommend using the Zip System flashing tape (available at Lowes etc>

3. Insulation is cheap..Again Insulation is cheap. Now is the time to install 1/2" Styrofoam panels over the sheathing (over the house wrap). Be sure to tape the seams. This will make your walls SIGNIFICANTLY more insulated. As Rush says "Trust me on this".

4. Don't bother using the insulated vinyl as it is cheap insulation and does not cover as well as the 4x8 sheets mentioned above. Plus it's more expensive than what I use.

5. I recommend using a 044 panel or thicker. Brand ( as long as they are a well known one) are all pretty much the same. Look at their warranty.

6. Make sure to install in in moderate weather, like now..

If you have any other questions my email is in my profile..