Category Archives: Siding

How do I know what to do if I want new siding on my house?

Certainly homes in New York, New Jersey and on Long Island have similar needs when it comes to the amount of exterior protection a home should have year round against the elements.  Which part of the country you live in determines the level of protection your home might need when it comes to windows, siding and roofing.  It also influences the local codes regarding set minimums for R-value and for insulation.  Homeowners in general remain largely unfamiliar with most of this information because, quite frankly, they don’t often use it on any regular basis.

Not another storm…

OK…

It’s called a “Nor’Easter.”

It is so named because the storm travels to the northeast from the south but the prevailing winds come from the northeast. This type of storm has characteristics similar to a hurricane.  Not unlike the recent Superstorm that was Sandy, the reports of the oncoming storm include high winds, more rain and coastal flooding which are clearly conditions we would all prefer not to see while still amidst recovery efforts that are ongoing.

OK…It’s not over.

There is obviously no choice for us but let Mother Nature roar.  It has been tough on all of us this past week, certainly more for some than others and we still remain standing.  We have taken a hard punch in the tri-state region, whether it be damage to your roofing, siding, windows or flooding in your home, but must also stay on point and recognize the approaching storm has the potential to further threaten our already weakened status.

At Alure Home Improvements we know that good value for products and service has always been in style.  Our “two cents” are always available to you when considering any home improvement.

Generally well understood throughout Great Britain and the United States the origin of the phrase “a penny for your thoughts” dates back to the Middle Ages.  During that time a “penny” was worth a lot more than today.  When asked “a penny for your thoughts,” it was a considerable compliment and to this day should be valued as an honor to impart your opinion to the imploring listener.

This phrase is not the only thing valued by the penny from back in the day.  A seemingly unstudied part of human history is related to the common Nail.  You are more likely to find them in homes built before 1950 but you never know what you might be behind the wall you repair or inside the wall cavity of the windows you plan to replace. Don’t be surprised to find a “cut” nail like the ones in the picture above behind exterior siding or in the substrate to the roofing shingles on your home.  Even several thousand years ago, the nail was always associated with fastening and joining.  By around 1477 AD a system was in place to classify nails by size according to their price.  The price was also based upon a unit or (lot) of 100 nails.  The letter “d” which means penny stands for the Latin name given to Roman coins, Denarius.

The size of the nail is determined by measuring its length.  Nails start at 2d, which is 1 inch in length and range up to 60d which is 6 inches in length.  From 2d to 16d the penny length increases by quarter inches.  Above 16d, the size increases by half inches.

The value of a penny is further emphasized by the early American settlers.  Just prior to the American Revolution, England was the largest manufacturer of nails in the world.  This made them virtually impossible to obtain in the American Colonies.  It was not uncommon for settler families to have a small nail manufacturing setup in their homes by the fireplace.  During bad weather and or at night, entire families made nails not only for their own use but also for barter.

Nature is Our Inspiration with Stone Veneer

Now you can bring the timeless appeal of stone to your home. Versetta Stone panelized stone veneer offers the authentic beauty of traditional masonry with a modern installation method. Perfect for remodeling or new construction on interior or exterior walls. Our unique molding and color application precisely replicates natural stone capturing even the subtle nuances found in nature. Made from a minimum of 50% recycled content, this lightweight aggregate material, which is approximately one-quarter the weight of full-thickness stone, is installed with a mechanical fastening system allowing your remodel to achieve the look of stone you want without the inconvenience.

Performance. Beauty. Value.

Performance. Beauty. Value. Whether you’re planning a neighborhood, designing or building a single house or an entire development, or remodeling an existing home, these are attributes you’ll certainly want to offer your customers. And you can – by including vinyl siding as the exterior cladding of choice. You may be surprised what you can achieve using vinyl siding, architectural trim and accessories. Vinyl siding helps create houses and neighborhoods with distinctive style and unique character that appeal to homebuyers and homeowners alike. And helps build communities of undeniable attraction and lasting value.

Look around. You’ll soon discover why America sides with vinyl at a rate nearly double that of any other exterior cladding material.

Vinyl siding was first introduced to the exterior cladding market in the early 1960s and steadily grew in popularity over the next four decades because of its durability, versatility and ease of maintenance. The product is manufactured primarily with polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a material that gives it impact resistance, rigidity and strength.

PVC starts with two simple building blocks: chlorine (57%) from common salt and ethylene (43%) from natural gas. Most of the natural gas utilized to manufacture ethylene is domestically produced, which reduces consumption of imported oil products.

Today, vinyl siding is the number one choice of exterior cladding across the United States and Canada. In fact, U.S. Census Bureau statistics show twice as many homeowners side their homes with vinyl than with any other material. Vinyl siding is available in a broad palette of colors, profiles and architectural trim to assist architects, builders and homeowners in customizing their new construction and renovation designs, and can complement historical restoration projects.

Today’s vinyl siding, the most popular choice for exterior cladding in the United States and Canada, delivers recognized environmental benefits to help make and keep homes green.

Throughout the processes of manufacturing, transportation, installation, service life and waste management, vinyl siding scores well on tough environmental measures.

What’s more, vinyl siding has the potential to contribute to achieving more pointsthan other exterior cladding in the leading green building certification programs including the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) LEED® for New Construction and LEED® Homes Rating Systems and the ANSI approved ICC 700-2008 National Green Building Standard™.

Additionally, research shows how insulated vinyl siding contributes to savings in energy consumption, energy costs and CO2 emissions. Recent studies sponsored by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) found that insulated vinyl siding outperforms James Hardie fiber cement when comparing environmental and energy performance.

For the environmental facts about vinyl, click here for information from the Vinyl Institute, a U.S. trade association representing the leading manufacturers of vinyl, vinyl chloride monomer, vinyl additives and modifiers, and vinyl packaging materials. Note: By clicking here you are exiting this site. The Vinyl Siding Institute is not responsible for its content.

For what type of neighborhood or architecture is vinyl siding the most viable alternative? Any type you can imagine.

Residential planning, including traditional neighborhood design and historic restoration projects, demands the versatility of vinyl siding.

Today’s vinyl siding features hundreds of trim and accent options. There are new profile styles. And now there is a broad spectrum of colors that enhance the aesthetics of any neighborhood.

Community leaders who include vinyl siding in their development plans afford neighborhoods the choice of multiple colors, styles and unsurpassed value.

For more information, visit The Vinyl Siding Institute.

Stone veneer is a decorative building material manufactured to replicate the look of natural stone. It is also often referred to as artificial stones, stacked stone veneer, manufactured stone and cultured stone. Manufactured stone veneer is cast from the molds of real stone which makes it lighter than natural stone.

Natural stone may require wall ties and footings, which, in turn, can increase installation cost and difficulty. Architectural stone veneer is lighter weight, designed to adhere easily to a variety of structurally sound surfaces, and is capable of installations that would normally be very difficult and costly to achieve with natural stone. Installed, manufactured stone is approximately 1/3 to ½ the cost of natural stone. Its light weight properties eliminate the need for wall ties or footings. Manufactured stone has a 2% (approx.) waste factor versus 10% or more for natural stone. It can be applied to any structurally sound surface with the proper preparation. It fits nearly any building plan – large or small, interior or exterior, new residential or commercial projects – or on any remodel.

For inspirational installations, visit the
Eldorado Stone Walkthrough Gallery.

Fiber cement is a composite material made of sand, cement and cellulose fibers. In appearance fiber cement siding most often consists of overlapping horizontal boards, imitating wooden siding, clapboard and imitation shingles. Fiber cement siding is also manufactured in a sheet form and is used not only as cladding but is also commonly used as a soffit/ eave lining and as a tile underlay on decks and in bathrooms. siding is not only used as an exterior siding, it can also be utilized as a substitute for timber fascias and barge boards in high fire areas.

CertainTeed Fiber Cement Siding uses a multi-step high-pressure process combining Portland cement, fly ash, wood fiber and specialty additives.

CertainTeed’s proprietary Fiber Cement formula contains more than 30% post-industrial material. By incorporating this post-industrial by-product into its Fiber Cement formula it reduces landfill waste, requires less energy to produce, transport and install – all positives for the environment.

Advantages of Fiber Cement as a Wood Alternative Siding

Many building and design professionals and homeowners are looking for siding with the natural appearance of brick, stone, or wood. However, brick and stone can be expensive, engineered wood can suffer from performance problems, and solid wood requires significant maintenance. Without regular upkeep, wood-based products can become brittle, split, swell and deteriorate over time.

A wood alternative siding such as fiber cement siding is able to match the traditional look of wood, with substantially lower maintenance expenses. It is extremely durable, dimensionally stable, and resistant to everyday “dings”. As is the case for natural wood, fiber cement must be primed and painted or stained. However, the material’s superior paint adherence properties reduce the frequency of recoating. The only additional maintenance required is simple cleaning; the exterior may be washed with a garden hose to remove dirt and debris as necessary.

Although a wood alternative siding like fiber cement mimics the traditional appearance of wood, its physical properties provide several advantages. All wood and wood-based products absorb water when exposed to moisture; the ensuing expansion places continuous stress on the material over time. More importantly, the subsequent growth of internal mold and fungus can foster decay that goes unnoticed until the damage requires expensive replacement. In comparison, fiber cement does not experience this type of swelling and warping and does not rot. The product also remains impervious to woodpeckers or wood-boring insects.

Fiber cement resists the damaging effects of salt spray and ultraviolet (UV) rays and does not succumb to the stress of freeze-thaw cycles. Another important attribute that sometimes goes unnoticed is the material’s non-combustibility – an especially important feature when considering siding products in locations where fire hazards are a concern. Due to its superior durability and resistance to damage from extreme weather conditions, the material can be used in virtually any climate.

What is the best home improvement for my money?

Learn why Remodeling Magazine says fiber cement siding is the best investment for your home. Of the 33 home improvement categories on the Upscale Project List of $1,200 or more, Fiber Cement Siding is #1 for return on investment. Learn about ROI, curb appeal and the finest fiber cement siding you can buy.

Learn more about best home improvements for your money.

Don’t just see the difference, FEEL the difference with UltraShield!

UltraShield is Alure’s state of the art home exterior siding and insulation system that features high density foam and tongue and groove edges for increased R value, which means more insulation for your home and energy savings for your wallet. Alure’s UltraShield premium siding captures the deep, luxurious shadow lines of natural wood siding and features two magnificent surface textures – natural oak grain or subtle matte finish available in a wide variety of architectural colors. Our advanced design helps eliminate wavy lines, uneven walls, and produces superior finished quality that lasts. This innovative 11-step siding and insulation system is designed to stand up to the harshest weather conditions and offers high thermal performance, while also discouraging mold and mildew growth. UltraShield’s patented tongue and groove insulation system, along with specially designed lifelong insulation tape on every seam and edge of the UltraShield insulation, create a tight seal that protects your home from any air infiltration, helping you to save money with reduced energy bills for years to come.

UltraShield Underlayment Insulation System

UltraShield Insulation Underlayment is manufactured with high-density polystyrene encased in durable, perforated plastic facer. It can stand up to the harshest weather conditions and offers high thermal performance. UltraShield also features a patented tongue and groove system to create a tight seal and prevent air infiltration. It doesn’t stop there… to further ensure underlayment durability and energy-efficiency our installation tieam will use insulation tape to cover every seam. Sealing the house envelope with UltraShield Insulation Underlayment reduces air infiltration and provides and integrated layer of insulation. In fact, UltraShield provides a system R-Value of 4.16, and can provide savings of 20% on heating and cooling costs while increasing the comfort of your home. It plays an important role in “sealing your home’s envelope.” UltraShield blocks the wood-to-wood thermal transfer point of outside temperatures. You’ll feel the comfort and enjoy the savings from insulating this common area of thermal transfer. The perforated plastic facers featured on the UltraShield Underlayment allow your home to breathe by providing important water vapor permeability. This minimizes the risk of harmful inner wall condensation that can lead to mold formation and dry rot. Many other rigid insulation products do not provide adequate vapor permeability and lead to an environment that will sustain mold and/or result in moisture damage.

To request more information or get started today with your Free No obligation Design Consultation, call 877-44-ALURE – (877-442-5873) or visit our contact page!

Things to consider when choosing siding

Style Options – There are many different styles of siding available to enhance your home’s curb appeal, including vinyl siding, stone, stucco, brick, fiber cement, wood, trim options, accessories and more. Making the right selection for your home can be overwhelming. Your Alure professional exterior designer will walk you through the entire process from start to finish and help you make the right decisions for your home.

Selecting the right colors & styles – visualize your dream with our state-of-the-art Design Imaging Service. Visualize your new home on our 50″ LCD screen with several different options of color, styles and products to make sure you are comfortable BEFORE we begin any work. This helps avoid costly mistakes.

Installation & Project Management – Even the most beautiful energy efficient siding is only as good as the process used to install it. To ensure maximum energy efficiency, it must be installed correctly. Alure has a dedicated production supervisor assigned to every project for its entire duration, and our dedicated installation teams are familiar with all the latest, up to date products, installation techniques and town codes. We handle everything from design, permits, to installation, to service and everything in between. Our siding mechanics are specialists in installing all types of siding. That’s all they do, all year round. For your convenience, you’ll have the ability to reach out anytime during your project, 7 days a week, including access to our 24 hour emergency hotline should a situation arise on your project.

Learn more about Alure’s 11-Step thorough UltraShield Siding System.

Insulation & Energy Performance – There a few things to consider when choosing insulation such as age of the home, current insulation in walls, windows, heating system, whats being left on the home, and much more. These all play a part in selecting the proper insulation for your home.

Alure’s Exclusive Ultrashield siding system designed by Alure with air tight installation, is designed to ensure maximum energy efficiency for a lifelong project. We’ve done all the research to ensure only the best products and installation techniques are used on your biggest investment…your home. The energy performance of Vinyl siding is only as good as the insulation system. Alure’s 11 Step thorough Ultrashield insulation system includes high qualify insulation with taped seams, permatabs, breathable house wrap for longer lasting performance, and exclusive sealant used around windows and J channels that adheres to exterior surface and won’t shrink or dry out like caulk or silicone.

One responsible party – We handle everything from design, permits, installation, to service and everything in between.

Safety – Make sure any contractor you use is fully insured, licensed, certified, and follows proper safety procedures before, during and after project to ensure the safety of you and your family. Make sure they are up to date on today’s important EPA and OSHEA safety codes.

Service & Warranty – Alure has a dedicated Service dept available 24/7 in case of an emergency, offers a 10 year workmanship warranty, and we stand behind everything we do. And the backing and support of the highest quality manufacturers, means peace of mind for you.

White Glove Customer Service – We ensure your property is kept clean and neat throughout your project. Once your project is completed it will be almost as if we weren’t even there, except for the beautiful new look!

Is trim (soffit and fascia) part of the project? – Of course, we do it all. Whatever your needs, Alure’s Design and Installation specialists can accommodate you and in many cases, the right color and style trim can really enhance the curb appeal of your overall project.

Do I need to replace my gutters and leaders? – If you gutters are in good condition, they may not need to be replaced. We’ll inspect them during your free design consultation and advise you accordingly.

An experienced Alure Exteriors Specialist can help you with all of the above questions and information and help you design your homes new curb appeal. Alure’s designer will show you prior projects we’ve done, and help you explore all your options to suit your family’s needs and preferences. We handle everything from design, permits, to installation, to service and everything in between.

Start visualizing your project with our design imaging visualizer.

Get started today with a free, no obligation design consultation or call 877-44-ALURE (877-442-5873).

FAQ SIDING

Q: Will new siding affect the resale value of my home?
A: Siding is one of the most cost-effective investments you can make to improve the value of your home.

Q: My house is constructed of brick, will siding work for me?
A: Sure. Siding can be used over just about any contemporary building material: brick, block, wood, stone, etc. When we visit you at your free in home consultation, we will be glad to discuss any concerns you may have.

Q: Do I ever have to paint my vinyl siding?
A: No! Premium vinyl siding is virtually maintenance free. The most you ever have to do is give your home a washing with soap and water once or twice a year.

Q: Does siding come with matching trim?
A: Manufacturers offer a wide variety of trim pieces. Everything from function utility trims to substantial wide trims resembling dimensional lumber, fluted corner posts and decorative crown molding for window headers. Most items are available in all siding colors.

Q: Is it okay to install vinyl siding in the winter?
A: In the hands of an experienced professional, and with a few exceptions, it is acceptable to install vinyl siding during the winter months.

Q: Is trim (soffit and fascia) part of the project?
A: Of course…we do it all…Whatever your needs, Alure’s Design and Installation specialists can accommodate you. In many cases, the right color and style trim can enhance the curb appeal of your overall project.

Q: Do I need to replace my gutters and leaders?
A: If you gutters are in good condition, they may not need to be replaced. We’ll inspect them during your free design consultation and advise you accordingly.

Q: What type of insulation do you recommend?
A: There a few things to consider when choosing insulation…age of home, current insulation in walls, windows, heating system, what’s being left on the home, and much more all play a part in selecting the proper insulation for your home.

Q: How important is the thickness of the vinyl siding I use?
A: In our experience, the compounds in the panel are more important than the gauge or thickness of the panel. The best VALUE is in the panel that combines both high concentrations of impact modifiers and color stabilizers.

Q: Why do I see lots of seams on some resided homes and very few on others?
A: The number of seams in your final project is a function of the length of the siding panel used, how each row of siding is started and how the siding is installed on the home.

Q: How fire resistant is fiber cement siding?
A: While fiber-cement siding does not fireproof a home, it does provide a higher degree of protection than is available from vinyl siding. In a home fire, vinyl siding, being a petroleum product, will eventually feed the flames. Fiber-cement, by its nature, resists burning longer.

Q: How much will it cost to have vinyl siding installed on my home? Why do cost estimates very so widely?
A: There are a huge number of variables involved in the cost of installing vinyl siding on your home. In all, the scope of work for your project will determine the cost of your project.

We have installed vinyl siding on single-family homes for less than $10,000 and have completed projects over $50,000. The “VALUE” is in the details, and in our ability to find the best answer for your home, your family, and your budget.