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Siding, Soffit & Fascia FAQs
   
Q. What is the insulation value of vinyl siding?
A. Typical vinyl siding offers little or no insulation value. In fact, vinyl siding with 1/4" insulation board behind it has an R-value of approximately 1 (the higher the R-value the better it insulates). There is, however, a new category on the market called Solid CoRe Siding™. Products within this category carry the Energy Star® logo and have an R-value of 4 or greater. That's 4 times the R-value of vinyl, wood and fiber cement.
 
 
 
Q. Are Windows Unlimited Performance vinyl siding products certified through the VSI program?
A. All Windows Unlimited Performance Siding products, including Solid CoRe Siding, are certified through the VSI Certification Program.
   
Q. Are there thickness differences in vinyl siding? What does it mean? How do I know what siding thickness is appropriate for my house?
   
A. Vinyl Sidings have a variety of quality features. Thickness alone does not determine the quality of the siding. In each product section of this web site, we review the key performance features of each product. Solid CoRe Siding is the best option for a variety of performance and aesthetics. Solid CoRe Siding has features and benefits that will outperform any vinyl siding.
   
Q. How does the Solid CoRe foam backing deaden sound?
A. The EPS foam backing is an acoustic insulator. Tests have proven that Solid Core Siding reduces transmission of sound by up to 45%.
   
Q. Do you recommend the use of Tyvek or other type of Housewrap with your Solid CoRe Siding?
A. When considering the use of house wrap behind horizontal vinyl siding products, Windows Unlimited Performance Siding recommends first and foremost, that installers review local building code requirements. Though Windows Unlimited does not require the use of house wrap behind out sidings, it is important to note that vinyl siding is designed as a wall cladding, and its installation is not intended to create a weather tight barrier. It is recommended by both Windows Unlimited Performance Siding and The Vinyl Siding Institute's Vinyl Siding Installation Manual, that a weather-resistant barrier integrated with code-compliant flashing, be applied prior to the vinyl siding installation.
   
Q. How do we attach/install a flagpole or sign to the siding? How should those items be removed?
A. This item is covered in the Vinyl Siding Institute’s Vinyl Siding installation manual.
   
Q. Does the height of the panel make it more susceptible to high wind?
A. Solid CoRe Sidings have been tested to withstand winds of up to 130 miles per hour.
   
Q. What should I look for in quality vinyl siding?
A. While vinyl sidings look a lot alike, there can be significant differences in them. Here are the main features to look for.
  • A reinforcement feature on a nailing hem (the top of the panel where it's nailed to the house) provides important, extra strength.
  • A high windload means that the siding is more likely to survive intact through violent storms than sidings with lower ratings. A secure locking system will assure that the panels snap firmly together for beautiful panel alignment.
  • A wider panel projection and square profile edge maximize the rigidity and performance of siding. Plus, the sharp angles cast deep, appealing shadow lines.
  • Texture, gloss (the lower the gloss, the better), finish and design all play key roles in the appearance of a siding. The closer they come to creating the look of real wood, the better.

A Lifetime Warranty should cover the siding. A strong warranty is not only protection for your purchase, but also an indication of the manufacturer's confidence in its product.

   
Q. How do I choose a qualified contractor?
A.
  • Ask for references from your friends and neighbors.
  • Ask if their projects were completed on time and on budget.
  • Ask the contractor if he carries the necessary licenses and insurance coverage for your state.
  • Take note of how easily you can communicate with the contractor and how much he offers in the way of ideas and suggestions.
  • Check with your local Better Business Bureau.
   
Q. How do I ensure success of my siding project?
A. There are a few things you should think about even before meeting with a prospective contractor.
  • Ask yourself what your goals for the project are. Why do you want to side your home? How do you want your home to look? Drive around your neighborhood and look at homes similar to your own.
  • Determine your budget range. Remember that the longer you stay in your home, the greater your return on investment. Spending more for quality siding can pay off in the long run.
  • Once you have decided upon a contractor, be sure to review the final contract carefully to make sure everything is documented, such as materials to be used, colors, time schedule, all pricing, permit information and clean-up details. Be sure to ask for a written warranty.
   
Q. What questions should I ask a contractor/installer?
A. The best indication of a contractor's work is past satisfied customers. You may want to inquire about a list of homeowner's references from past projects.
   
Q. How do I obtain product samples, color samples, product catalogs, binders and literature?
A. Visit one of our convenient showrooms listed below or call to setup an in home viewing.
   
Q. How do the Solid CoRe products compare to fiber cement?
A. This is available on our web site. Click here to view comparison.
   
Q. How do I know if CraneBoard is appropriate for my home?
A. CraneBoard Solid CoRe Siding is designed for remodeling and new construction applications.
   
Q. How do I know if I'm covered by Window Unlimited Lifetime or No-Nonsense Lifetime Warranties?
A. You only need proof of purchase for our products. If you have purchased any of our vinyl sidings, you are covered under our Lifetime Limited Warranty. If you have purchased our Solid CoRe Siding products, you are covered under the No-Nonsense Lifetime Warranty.
   
Q. Is there a brand of paint that matches Windows Performance Siding colors?
A. With today's paint technology, the best way to match paint is to take a sample or chip of your siding to your local paint store. Most stores have electronic color matching capabilities.
   
Q. What colors are available in your siding products?
A. Click here for color choices.
   
Q. Does the Solid CoRe foam backing retain moisture?
A. Our Solid CoRe backing breathes naturally… moisture evaporates as it passes through the panel. Any excess moisture is captured and guided out through SmartTrack engineered channels.
   
Q. What is Solid CoRe Siding made from (of)?
A. Solid CoRe Siding is a composite of vinyl and treated Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam.
   
Q. What is R-Value?
A. R-Value is an expression of the insulating properties of a material as measured by resistance to the flow of energy from inside a structure to the outside. A higher R-Value indicates better insulation..
   
Q. Are colors protected from fading?
A. Our products are warranted for weathering.
   
Q. Are there any dark siding colors available?
A. Yes! New dark colors in several of our lines are now available!
   
Q. How much does siding installation cost – materials and labor?
A.

Contact your local Windows Unlimited contractor for a quote on siding for your home.

     
Q. Will mold grow behind the Solid CoRe Siding?
A. Unlike wood and many other building materials, modified Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam is biologically an inert organic material, thus will not support life. It does not rot nor will it support the growth of fungi such as mold and mildew that could also result in the development of odors.
   
Q. What is the thickness of the Solid CoRe panel?
A. One inch.
   
Q. Does the height of the panel make it more susceptible to high wind?
A. Solid CoRe Sidings have been tested to withstand winds of up to 130 miles per hour.
   
Q. Can Solid CoRe Siding be applied over existing siding such as wood, aluminum, or fiber cement?
A. Generally, yes. It’s designed to do just that. Our CraneSpan feature allows for installation over many of these products. As long as the existing siding is secure and relatively even, (rough split cedar shakes or aluminum siding for example should probably be removed first) Solid CoRe Siding will span the old siding very well and even help straighten crooked walls.
   
Q. Will termites get into the Solid CoRe Siding?
A. The foam backing of Solid CoRe Sidings contain Perform Guard which helps repel termites and carpenter ants.
   
Q. Can I install Windows Unlimited Performance Siding products myself
A. Possibly, however it is important that the product be installed properly as not to have issues in the future or void the product warranty. If you possess good carpentry skills, you may have the ability to install our products. Specific installation instructions are available from us directly.
   
Q. What is the insulation value of vinyl siding?
A. Typical vinyl siding offers little or no insulation value. In fact, vinyl siding with 1/4" insulation board behind it has an R-value of approximately 1 (the higher the R-value the better it insulates). There is, however, a new category on the market called Solid CoRe Siding™. Products within this category carry the Energy Star® logo and have an R-value of 4 or greater. That's 4 times the R-value of vinyl, wood and fiber cement.
   
Q. What is a standard industry unit?
A. It is a hunter unit which is a standard unit of measure in the siding industry.
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