Vinyl Log Siding: A Maintenance-Free Way to Get That Rustic Look

• March 13th, 2010
• In: Vinyl Siding
• By: John Fisher
• (1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
  
   Loading ...
• • 

If Abraham Lincoln were born today, his cabin might have vinyl log siding. Log cabins are rustic and picturesque, but they are also prone to attack by insects, rot, splinters, and mildew. The logs have to be sealed and stained periodically. Not so with vinyl log siding, which provides the look you want with none of the maintenance headaches.

Vinyl Log Siding Is Durable and Beautiful
Vinyl log siding is manufactured with an insulated, rigid, polystyrene backing and is thicker than conventional vinyl siding, providing superior temperature–and sound-insulating qualities. You can choose from a variety of grain patterns and colors to suit your taste. Available finishes include pine, peeled pine, and cedar embossed. Corner styles include saddle-notch, round, or square.

Vinyl Log Siding Installs Easily
Like most modern vinyl siding, vinyl log siding is designed for easy installation. The corner caps and trim sections around doors and windows are designed with channels that hold the ends of the siding.

Make sure your exterior wall surfaces are flat and smooth before hanging your vinyl log siding. After the trim is in place, start courses of siding from the bottom up, beginning with a starting strip. If you have to cut the siding to length, make sure to stagger the seams, and face the overlap toward the rear of the house. Nail each run snugly, but not too tight, and leave 1/4-inch to 3/8-inch clearance where the panels butt into the trim pieces for expansion and contraction. Be sure to read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for procedural details.

After completing your vinyl log siding installation, you can enjoy all the benefits of log home ownership, and none of the problems.