Frequently Asked Questions

QualitySmith Siding FAQ

1. What is QualitySmith Siding?
2. Why should I choose QualitySmith Siding?

Siding FAQ

3. Do I need new siding?
4. How do I interview each contractor?
5. How do I choose the right contractor?
6. How do I determine the right kind of siding for my project?
7. Do I need to remove the old siding before installing new?
8. How long will it take to install the siding?
9. Are there different grades of siding available?
10. What are the kinds of siding available?

What is QualitySmith Siding?

QualitySmith Siding is dedicated to simplifying the process of finding a contractor for your project. We schedule estimate appointments for you with pre-screened professionals who are eager to work on your project. The most rewarding part of working with QualitySmith Siding is the value to our customers—our services are absolutely free to you.

Why should I choose QualitySmith Siding?

Before QualitySmith Siding, you'd have to ask friends and family to recommend a contractor. If they didn't know one, you'd have to page through the phone book, calling contractors with your fingers crossed. Then, you'd have to schedule appointments with them to talk about your project. You'd have to do your own research to find out if each contractor was licensed and insured. QualitySmith Siding will take care of all that for you absolutely free. Tell us about your project and we'll schedule you estimate appointments with up to 3 contractors.

Do I need new siding?

How do you know if it's time to replace your old siding? If you have any of the following problems, it may be time to call a professional contractor to help you. Consider making a change if—

• your existing siding requires excessive maintenance. You may be tired of having to paint year after year, or there may be damage to your existing siding.
• you are considering adding insulation to your home to improve the heating and cooling efficiency. Many of the newer sidings can increase the R-Value (a measurement of insulating capability) of your home, as well as improving the exterior's look. Also, it is much simpler to add insulation to an existing home before you add siding.
• your existing siding has dry-rot or insect damage.
• some of your rooms are too hot or too cold. The insulation in those rooms may be inadequate, and a siding expert can help insulate and replace or repair the exterior siding.
• you are considering remodeling or expanding your existing home.

How do I interview each contractor?

If you've never chosen a contractor before, you may be wondering how you're going to decide among the contractors who provide you with estimates. They're all prescreened QualitySmith professionals how do you choose the right one for you? What should you expect? And how can you prepare for the appointment? Here are some tips.

1. Make sure you communicate well with each other. Do you feel at ease with this person? What is this person's attitude? Even the best contracting jobs can be stressful on the homeowner. QualitySmith works hard to give you a choice of contractors so you can find the one that best suits your needs.
2. If you know what you want, try to have sketches or samples to show the contractor. Illustrate what you want with photos, magazine spreads, or architect's drawings.
3. Ask contractors to give you a detailed written proposal with costs. The proposal should spell out step-by-step what needs to be done, what materials will be used, and what steps will be taken to complete the work.

How do I choose the right contractor?

Whether it's new construction, or you're simply ready to upgrade your existing siding, several important factors should be weighed before selecting your siding contractor.

Is the contractor licensed, insured, and trained to work with the materials? Many homes built prior to 1960 have asbestos siding and require special permits for safe handling. Some chosen sidings, such as stone, masonry, or stucco, require special expertise. A licensed technician who is specifically trained in the installation of your choice of siding will assure that your home will look its best when the project is completed. When you use QualitySmith Siding, you don't have to worry. We've checked out all our contractors to make sure they're licensed and qualified to do the work.

Once the work is done, will the contractor take care of any problems that arise? Reputable contractors depend upon word of mouth advertising to keep them in business. When problems occasionally occur, they are ready to make things right. Since QualitySmith Siding only works with established contractors, your peace of mind is assured.

Does the contractor have a track record? In the siding industry, longevity matters. A fly-by-night contractor may install the siding for less, but if things go wrong, you're left without recourse. Professional contractors work for the long haul, expecting to maintain their clients over time. Contractors who are part of the QualitySmith Siding network have a profile that includes number of years in business—ask a QualitySmith Project Consultant for details..

Today's siding options are so much greater than just a few years ago. Since the siding you choose will be on your home for many years to come, making the right choice can be daunting. But QualitySmith Siding is on your side, and our experienced staff is ready to answer all of your siding questions and assist you in finding the contractor that best suits your needs. Call us today at 1-800-525-5567.

How do I determine the right kind of siding for my project?

Budget and taste are the two primary factors in deciding what kind of siding you want. Environmental concerns, location of your home (some neighborhoods have covenants requiring certain kinds of siding) and fire resistance are also factors. Talk with your contractor to determine what best suits your needs.

Do I need to remove the old siding before installing new?

Again, the answer to this depends on many factors. Is the old siding damaged by water or insects? Will you be adding insulation? Is the old siding structurally sound? Although many sidings can be easily installed over old, it is best to talk directly with your contractor to find out what is best for you.

How long will it take to install the siding?

There is no simple answer to this question. Vinyl siding is usually the quickest to install, but factors such as the amount of cutting (how many angles and edges the house has) and the size of the home will affect the time needed to complete the project. Masonry and stone will take considerably more time. And of course, weather will affect the timeline. However, you can expect a minimum of three days for the simplest jobs, and as much as six weeks for the most difficult.

Are there different grades of siding available?

The grade of the siding generally refers to the thickness of the panels. The thicker the panel, the stiffer it is, making it line up straighter and become more impact resistant. Other considerations are color, patterns, and warranties.

What are the kinds of siding available?

Steel

Seamless steel siding's best feature is that it is very strong and resists shrinking and bulging when the temperatures change. The siding will be custom-fit to the exact measurements of your house. Some steel siding is imprinted with a wood-look texture. On the downside, it can be dented and, if not properly protected, can rust.

Aluminum

Some builders offer aluminum siding as an alternative to vinyl. Both materials are easy to maintain and fairly durable. Aluminum easily dents and the imbedded colors fade, but it won't crack the way vinyl will. Also, aluminum is fireproof and is not usually considered harmful to your health or the environment.

Vinyl

Vinyl is made from a PVC (polyvinyl chloride) plastic. Vinyl is less expensive to purchase and install than most other siding materials. Unlike wood, it won't rot or flake; but even the best vinyl siding can crack, split, or look dingy after a few years. Vinyl will also release toxic chemicals when burned.

Stone

Stone is perhaps the most durable of all building materials. Granite, marble, slate, and other types of stone are beautiful and nearly impervious to the weather. Unfortunately, they are also extremely expensive. Precast stone veneers and facings look and feel like real stone, but the prices are more affordable.

Brick

Brick, made of fired clay, may be purchased in a wide variety of attractive, earthy colors. Although it is expensive, brick is desirable because it can last centuries and probably won't need any patching or repairs for the life of the home. Quality brick veneers can be attractive and durable, but they won't have the durability of solid brick.

Cedar Shingles

Homes sided in cedar shingles (also called "shakes") blend beautifully with wooded landscapes. Made of natural cedar, the shingles are usually stained browns, grays, or other earthen colors. Shakes offer the natural look of real wood, but usually require less maintenance than wood clapboard.

Synthetic Wood

Modern science has given us many synthetic wood-look products, and yet solid wood (usually cedar, pine, spruce, redwood, cypress, or Douglas fir) remain favorite choices for finer homes. With periodic staining or painting, wood siding can outlast vinyl and other pretenders. Many wood frame houses built centuries ago still look beautiful today.

Fiber Cement

Fiber cement siding can have the appearance of wood, stucco, or masonry. When real wood is beyond your budget, fiber cement siding is a strong and attractive alternative. Fiber cement siding is fireproof, termite-proof, and may have a warranty up to fifty years.

Stucco

Traditional stucco is cement combined with water and inert materials such as sand and lime. Walls made of genuine stucco are hard, solid, and moisture-resistant. Synthetic stucco will look authentic, but may not offer the same durability.

Engineered Wood

Engineered wood, or composite wood, is made with wood products and other materials. Oriented strand board (OSB), hardboard, and veneered plywood are examples of engineered wood products. Engineered wood usually comes in panels that are easy and inexpensive to install. The panels may be molded to create the look of traditional clapboards. Because the textured grain is uniform, engineered wood does not look exactly like real wood, but the appearance is more natural than vinyl or aluminum.

Still don't see the answer to your question?
Contact us at info@qualitysmith.com