Why Choose Vinyl Siding for Your Mobile Home

Are you tired of how the outside of your mobile home looks? The siding may be cracked or damaged, or you wish your home was better insulated. Yet, you keep putting it off because all the options, time, and money involved can be overwhelming. However, there’s one option you should always be at the top of your list: vinyl siding.

Sure, updating your siding might not seem as exciting as getting a brand-new kitchen. Still, the benefits of vinyl siding make the investment well worth it. Vinyl siding offers many benefits without the maintenance of other siding materials.

Let’s look at why vinyl siding might be just what your mobile home needs.

 

Why You Should Replace Your Mobile Home Siding

Your mobile home’s siding does more than just look good – it shields your home from the weather, too. As time passes, siding can wear out, leaving your home vulnerable to moisture and potential damage. When you upgrade your siding, you gain several advantages. 

Not only does it boost your home’s appearance, but it also helps to keep your energy bills down and saves you money on maintenance. Plus, when it’s time to sell, new siding can increase your home’s value, making it a wise investment. Trust us, investing in new siding is a decision that pays off in more ways than one!

 

When Is it Time to Replace Your Siding?

Over time, the siding on your mobile home can wear out from being exposed to wind, rain, and sunlight. So it’s a good idea to think about replacing it every 10-15 years. 

But here are some signs that it might be time to replace your siding:

• Visible Damage: Keep an eye out for signs like bending, cracks, or holes. 
• Frequent Repairs: Are you often fixing bits of your siding? That’s a hint it’s getting old and might need a full replacement.
• Rising Energy Bills: If your utility costs are going up, it could be because your siding isn’t insulating your home like it used to. 
• Mold or Mildew: Seeing mold or mildew on your siding is a red flag. It might mean there’s water getting in where it shouldn’t, which could lead to bigger problems down the road.
•  Faded Look: Over time, the sun can bleach the color of your siding.

If you see any of these signs, acting fast to protect your home is important. If you put it off, it could mean losing energy efficiency, risking water damage, and leaving your home more vulnerable to the weather.

 

Why Choose Vinyl Siding?

Vinyl siding is an exterior siding material made from a sturdy plastic called polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin. It’s designed to withstand various weather conditions and often mimics the classic appearance of wood siding. 

Over 30% of new homes opt for vinyl siding, making it a popular choice for mobile and site-built homes. Let’s explore why:

 

Low Maintenance

Some siding options require a high level of maintenance. For instance, cedar siding must be stripped and repainted regularly to preserve the wood and avoid a shabby appearance. But with vinyl siding, you don’t have to do much. As long as you keep it clean, it offers exceptional longevity without any special care. 

 

Built to Last

Vinyl siding is virtually indestructible and resistant to fading, insects, and harsh weather. Some brands can withstand winds of up to 200 miles per hour, giving you peace of mind that your home will stay safe during storms and bad weather.

 

Beauty and Curb Appeal

With a wide range of colors and styles, vinyl siding can enhance your home’s appearance. And it’s not just about color – you can also choose from different trims and accessories to add even more style to your home. 

 

Increased Home Value

Investing in vinyl siding doesn’t just improve your home’s appearance—it boosts its value, too. According to a 2022 report by the National Association of Realtors, upgrading to vinyl siding can increase your home’s value by 82% of the project’s cost.

 

Eco-Friendly

For environmentally conscious homeowners, vinyl siding is an excellent choice. Among all exterior materials, vinyl stands out as the most eco-friendly option. Its high sustainability factor makes it a responsible choice for those looking to minimize their environmental impact.

 

Harbour Crest™ Vinyl Siding

Harbour Crest vinyl siding is a fantastic choice for your home, offering long-lasting beauty and performance. All Harbour Crest vinyl siding has a deep embossed wood grain texture and a secure locking system that makes installation easy. It comes in a variety of beautiful colors like Graphite Gray, Slate Blue, Pebble Clay, New Linen, and ten other low gloss finishes. 

We even carry Harbour Crest™ Full Vent Vinyl Soffit with the same locking system to add airflow to your siding installation. Best of all, Harbour Crest vinyl siding never needs painting and requires little to no maintenance. Enjoy a beautiful home without the hassle!

 

Installing Mobile Home Vinyl Siding

Thinking about upgrading your mobile home’s siding? While taking on this project yourself is possible, considering a professional contractor might save you time and money in the long run. Professionals bring expertise and the right tools for a job done well, ensuring your new siding lasts for years to come. If you’re still set on a DIY approach, check out our project center for helpful tips. But here are some tips to keep in mind for the process.

 

Installing Vinyl Siding Yourself

If you’re feeling handy, you can install your mobile home’s vinyl siding yourself. Here are some steps to guide you through the process:

• Prepare the Area: Remove existing caulking, siding, and peripheral installations, such as gutters and light fixtures. Adding any extra insulation before installing the new siding can improve energy efficiency.
• Install Corner Posts: You can also update the look of your home by installing corner posts with your new siding. However, you’ll want to measure and cut a ½ inch gap between the top of the corner post and the roof beforehand. Anchor the post using a nail on every foot for stability and aesthetics.
• Trace a Chalk Line: If you want your new mobile home siding to look perfect and achieve uniformity, trace a straight line across the length of your home. This will help you install the wall cladding accurately. Install a starter strip and nail the siding onto the wall, leaving a ¼ inch gap between each panel.
• Install Trim: After your siding is up, use a miter saw to install the window molding or trim around doors and windows. Keeping the trim wider than the windows enhances both the look and function of your siding.

 

Hiring a Professional to Install Vinyl Siding

Installing new siding is a significant investment, so choosing the right contractor is essential. While DIY is an option, the expertise and experience of a professional are invaluable. Here’s how to find the right contractor:

• Research and Recommendations:  Look for local siding contractors and seek recommendations from friends, family, or neighbors who have had similar work done.
• Check Credentials: Ensure the contractor is licensed, insured, and bonded for peace of mind.
• Get Multiple Quotes: Compare prices and services from several contractors, but beware of unusually low or high bids.
• Review Past Work: Ask for references or examples of previous projects to gauge their quality of work.
• Ask About Warranties: A reputable contractor should offer warranties for the installation to ensure you’re covered for any potential issues down the road.

 

How to Clean Vinyl Siding

While vinyl is easy to maintain, it can get dirty over time. Here are some simple methods to keep your vinyl siding looking its best, using items you likely already have at home.

 

The Basics

To clean your vinyl siding, you’ll need a few basic supplies. Grab a soft cloth or a brush with gentle bristles and some common household cleaners. Remember to start cleaning from the bottom and work your way up. Also, protect any skirting beneath the siding to avoid staining from runoff.

 

For Mold and Mildew:

If you’re dealing with mold or mildew, a mixture of water and vinegar (70/30 ratio) can work wonders. Alternatively, you can use a commercial cleaner like Windex® for smaller affected areas.

 

Pressure Washing

If basic cleaning methods aren’t enough, you can try pressure washing. While renting the equipment may cost a bit more, it’s efficient for larger areas. Here are some tips for pressure washing:

• Use a cleaning solution along with the pressure washer for better results.
• Pay attention to your landscaping to avoid damage from the pressure washer.
• Keep the sprayer at eye level while washing to prevent water from getting behind the siding.

 

Conclusion

It’s essential to consider all of the options available, as well as their benefits and drawbacks, before deciding. Ultimately, if you’re considering replacing your mobile home siding, vinyl siding is an excellent option to consider. With its durability, low maintenance requirements, and versatility, vinyl siding offers numerous benefits that can enhance the appearance and value of your mobile home. Whether you choose Harbour Crest™’s Full Vent Vinyl Soffit or Dutch Lap Vinyl Siding, you can rest assured that your home will be well-protected and look great for years to come.

We would love to help you out with your next siding project!

Please contact us with any questions!

Tags: Harbour Crest™ Vinyl Siding, mobile home, mobile home siding, vinyl siding

This entry was posted on Thursday, April 4th, 2024 at 10:58 pm and is filed under Maintenance and Repairs, Mobile Home Life. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.