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IN DEPTH: Siding

Energy efficiency impacts every product category today, including siding. “Insulated siding is gaining ground, especially in northern regions,” ProVia’s Zenoby reports. “This winter helped people realize they need more insulation on their homes. I wouldn’t be shocked to see insulated siding jump in sales over the next six to nine months as homeowners respond to the cold winter we just experienced.”

As it did with many product categories, the economic downturn slowed insulated-siding’s growth, Progressive Foam’s Culpepper notes. “Consumers don’t always think about insulation when they consider a siding project. But when it’s brought up to them and explained, they’re interested. We’re seeing a spike in interest as the economy improves, and that’s a good sign.”

Adds CertainTeed’s Kirn, “Insulated siding is less about energy efficiency and more about durability. It also can provide better aesthetics by providing support so a wider face can be used. The insulation provides other benefits that add up to creating a good investment.”

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The added cost means insulated siding has to be sold on its benefits. “There’s been more interest in insulation for siding,” Tapco’s Wierengo agrees. “But the question for dealers and contractors is, will homeowners think it’s important enough to pay for it?”

“Insulated siding is a tough sell due to the added expense,” Style Crest’s Meek adds. “But with building codes changing, builders have to either adjust their framing techniques if they’ve been using 2x4s or add insulation to the exterior.”

Accessories Expand

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Accessory products also are gaining attention due to the personalization they can provide. “We’re seeing our specialty items become more popular,” Holmes’ Kandel says. “Customers are looking at using solid-PVC pieces to decorate their homes and to build wraps around windows or doors. It’s being used for window and door brick mould and fluted-trim pieces. They’re also using our aluminum accessories more often regardless of the type of siding.”

Adds Boral’s Zimmerman, “Starter strips are becoming more popular, as some types of siding have to stay well above contact with the ground. We’re also seeing more interest in thick trim pieces, such as 2-inch profiles.”

LP’s Maddern says, “Trim, fascia and soffit, both solid and vented, and shakes are growing in popularity. Those products are good complements when a lapsiding project is being done. They do very well for us.”

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WRCLA’s Mackie also sees more variety in accessory pieces, especially fingerjointed cedar that is painted to accent the home. “The growth of fiber-cement siding is helping cedar trim, as it’s being used more often as a natural accent.”

Insulated siding is driving some of the choices, ProVia’s Zenoby notes. “Contractors are using wider-faced Jchannels and other products to accommodate insulated siding, and there are more colors available to them. These sales are not homeowner-driven so much as contractor-driven, and the interest is growing. We’re taking a serious look at expanding our offerings.”

As offerings of all types expand, manufacturers look to meet contractors’ concerns for speeding up the installation process and ensuring their labor force can install products effectively.

“I definitely think there has been a lot of effort put into ‘de-skilling’ the labor process,” Boral’s Zimmerman says. “Simplifying the process is important today. There aren’t as many skilled installers available, so contractors are looking at how they can work around this and hire labor that can do a skillful job.”

“Installers need to be educated about the various products and their different needs, especially if they’re panelized or new materials to them,” Woodtone’s Pidlisecky stresses. “Contractors are spending more time with their installers to ensure the products are installed correctly as more options are included.”

Adds Allure’s Feldt, “We’re seeing more requests for our advanced installation- training classes. The calls we’re getting make it clear that contractors understand how critical it is to have a proper installation, and they want to ensure their crews are doing everything they should.”

CertainTeed’s Kirn agrees. “Our job is to make the contractors’ job easier. We’ve introduced several tools that help with that.” The Stud Finder consists of markings on the siding’s nail hem that show where studs in the wall are located once the panel is aligned. The company’s polymer-shake panels also have a built-in thermometer to ensure proper spacing based on the panels’ current temperature.

As the economy rebounds, homeowners are looking to spruce up their homes after a long layoff. And many homes are ripe for residing. “Lifespans of products vary, and folks don’t look to change their exterior very often,” Tapco’s Wierengo notes. “A lot of homeowners in homes built in the 1990s are now looking for an updated appearance.”

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