As a siding novice walking down the aisle at a home improvement store, it can be difficult to tell various vinyl siding lines apart. Color may be the only difference that seems immediately apparent. But upon closer examination, you’ll see that color is only one of the aspects to consider when choosing between siding lines. Style, Performance and Value When selecting the right siding for your home, you will want to take into consideration the architectural styling of your home, environmental conditions such as wind and hail that your siding will need to endure, and your budget.

Gauge This is the thickness of the panel. The higher the gauge (or panel thickness), the better the panel. Thicker panels offer greater impact and weather resistance. Thicker panels also are more rigid so they will hang straighter and flatter against the wall for a more attractive finished installation. Owens Corning offers siding in gauges from economical .040″ to premium .048″.

Grain Vinyl siding is moulded with different wood grains to offer different exterior looks. Smooth grains tend to work well with homes with more traditional designs, but also work well with contemporary architectural styles. More pronounced grains tend to give homes a more rustic appearance.

Profiles Similar to the grain, vinyl sidings are made with different profiles to create different exterior looks. Whether you’re looking for a traditional clapboard style, the bevelled look of a Dutch lap panel, or the old-fashioned charm of a beaded panel, you’ll find it in the Owens Corning line. To learn more about how different siding profiles influence exterior design, go to How Can Siding Change The Look of My House?

Color

Choosing the colors for your home’s exterior can be one of the most exciting parts of remodelling your home. It is a decision you will live with for many years to come, so it is worth taking the time to carefully consider your choices before making your final color decision. For instance, since colors often look different under different kinds of light, you may want to take your favourite color chips outdoors to get a better idea of how they look. If you will be replacing or painting any exterior trim, you may also want to compare your favourite siding and roofing colors to your trim color choices. You may even want to drive around your neighbourhood to see what color combinations most attract your eye before making your final decision. Above all, enjoy the process. Your home is a reflection of you, and making your home look its best makes the time spent worthwhile. When choosing which exterior color scheme works for your home, consider the following: Your home’s architectural style This can be a guideline for what colors to choose. For example, a traditional Cape Cod home may look best with a more subtle color combination, while a Victorian-style home may inspire more dramatic color selections. The effect of lighter colors Lighter colors can make your home appear larger and create an impression that it’s closer to the front of the lot. However they can also make an area seem crowded if homes are close together.

The effect of darker colors Darker colors can make your home appear as though it is set farther back on the lot, especially with cool colors like blues and greens. Darker colors will also tend to make a home appear smaller — making a large home seem less imposing, but it can also make a small home appear even smaller.

Architectural details If your home has complex angles, using monochromatic color schemes (different shades of the same color) helps bring balance to the overall look

Adding visual interest To add visual interest to your home’s exterior, consider choosing trim in a color that accents, but does not match, your siding to focus attention on areas like entryways or porches

Author:
Stefan Bergstr�m
Permission by goarticles.com