Norandex Vinyl Siding Reviews: Is It the Right Choice for Your Home?

Choosing the right siding for your home is a significant decision. It’s an investment that impacts not only the aesthetic appeal of your property but also its protection from the elements and its overall value. Among the many options available, vinyl siding remains a popular choice due to its affordability, durability, and ease of maintenance. Norandex is a well-known name in the vinyl siding industry, offering a range of products designed to suit different architectural styles and budgets. This comprehensive review will delve into the specifics of Norandex vinyl siding, exploring its features, benefits, drawbacks, installation process, cost considerations, and how it stacks up against its competitors. Our goal is to provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about whether Norandex vinyl siding is the right fit for your home.

What is Norandex Vinyl Siding?

Norandex Building Materials, a division of ABC Supply Co. Inc., has been manufacturing and distributing building products for decades. They offer a wide array of products, including vinyl siding, windows, roofing, and more. Their vinyl siding is designed to provide homeowners with a durable, low-maintenance, and aesthetically pleasing exterior cladding option. Norandex offers various siding styles, colors, and textures, allowing homeowners to customize the look of their homes. They aim to provide quality products at competitive prices, making them a popular choice for both homeowners and contractors.

Norandex vinyl siding is manufactured using polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin, a synthetic plastic polymer known for its resistance to moisture, insects, and rot. The siding is designed to interlock, creating a weather-resistant barrier that protects the underlying structure of the home. It’s also available in a variety of thicknesses, profiles (horizontal, vertical, shake, shingle), and colors, allowing homeowners to achieve their desired look.

Key Features and Benefits of Norandex Vinyl Siding

Norandex vinyl siding boasts several key features and benefits that contribute to its popularity among homeowners. These include:

• Durability: Vinyl siding is inherently durable and resistant to weather damage, insects, and rot. Norandex siding is engineered to withstand harsh weather conditions, including wind, rain, and snow.
• Low Maintenance: One of the biggest advantages of vinyl siding is its low maintenance requirements. Unlike wood siding, it doesn’t need to be painted or stained regularly. Cleaning typically involves washing it down with a garden hose or pressure washer.
• Affordability: Vinyl siding is generally more affordable than other siding options, such as wood, fiber cement, or brick. This makes it an attractive choice for homeowners on a budget.
• Variety of Styles and Colors: Norandex offers a wide range of styles, colors, and textures to choose from, allowing homeowners to customize the look of their homes. Options include traditional horizontal siding, vertical siding, shake, and shingle profiles.
• Easy Installation: Vinyl siding is relatively easy to install, which can save homeowners money on labor costs. However, proper installation is crucial to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
• Energy Efficiency: Some Norandex vinyl siding products are available with insulated backing, which can improve the energy efficiency of a home by reducing heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer.
• Warranty: Norandex offers warranties on its vinyl siding products, providing homeowners with peace of mind. The specific terms and conditions of the warranty vary depending on the product line.

Norandex Vinyl Siding Product Lines

Norandex offers a variety of vinyl siding product lines, each with its own unique features and benefits. Some of the most popular product lines include:

Reynolds Premium Vinyl Siding

Reynolds Premium vinyl siding is designed for exceptional durability and aesthetic appeal. It often features a thicker gauge than standard vinyl siding, which enhances its impact resistance and overall longevity. This line often comes in a wide array of colors and styles, including realistic wood-grain textures, to mimic the look of natural wood without the associated maintenance.

Polar Wall Plus! Insulated Siding

Polar Wall Plus! insulated siding is a popular choice for homeowners looking to improve their home’s energy efficiency. It features a layer of insulation laminated to the back of the vinyl siding panel, which helps to reduce heat transfer through the walls. This can lead to lower energy bills and a more comfortable indoor environment. The insulation also adds rigidity to the siding, making it more resistant to impact damage.

Great Barrier Siding

Great Barrier siding is a more economical option that still offers good performance and durability. It’s available in a variety of colors and styles, making it a versatile choice for different architectural styles. While it may not be as thick or as feature-rich as the premium lines, it provides a cost-effective way to protect and enhance the appearance of a home.

Board & Batten Vertical Siding

Board & Batten siding offers a distinctive vertical look that can add character to any home. This style of siding is particularly popular for farmhouses and other traditional architectural styles. Norandex Board & Batten siding is available in a variety of colors and widths, allowing homeowners to customize the look of their homes.

Cedar Knolls Shake & Shingle Siding

Cedar Knolls Shake & Shingle siding replicates the look of natural cedar shakes and shingles, providing a rustic and textured appearance. This type of siding is often used as an accent feature on homes, but it can also be used to cover the entire exterior. It offers the aesthetic appeal of cedar without the maintenance requirements.

Pros and Cons of Norandex Vinyl Siding

Like any building material, Norandex vinyl siding has its pros and cons. Weighing these factors carefully can help you determine if it’s the right choice for your home.

Pros:

• Affordable: Generally less expensive than other siding options like wood, brick, or fiber cement.
• Durable: Resistant to rot, insects, and moisture. Can withstand various weather conditions.
• Low Maintenance: Doesn’t require painting or staining. Easy to clean with soap and water.
• Wide Variety of Styles and Colors: Available in numerous styles, colors, and textures to suit different aesthetic preferences.
• Relatively Easy to Install: Can be installed by experienced DIYers or professional contractors.
• Energy Efficient Options: Insulated siding options can improve energy efficiency and reduce energy bills.
• Warranty Protection: Norandex offers warranties on its siding products, providing peace of mind.

Cons:

• Can Fade Over Time: Colors may fade over time, especially in areas with intense sunlight exposure.
• Susceptible to Damage from Extreme Weather: Can be damaged by hail, strong winds, or flying debris.
• Not as Environmentally Friendly as Some Other Options: Vinyl is a plastic material that is not biodegradable.
• Can Look Less “Natural” Than Wood or Stone: Some homeowners prefer the look of natural materials.
• Potential for Moisture Trapping if Improperly Installed: Improper installation can lead to moisture buildup behind the siding, causing rot or mold growth.

Norandex Vinyl Siding Installation: What to Expect

Proper installation is crucial to ensuring the optimal performance and longevity of Norandex vinyl siding. Whether you choose to hire a professional contractor or tackle the project yourself, it’s important to understand the installation process. Here’s a general overview of what to expect:

Preparation:

• Remove Existing Siding: The old siding must be removed, along with any nails or staples.
• Inspect and Repair Underlying Structure: Check for any signs of rot, mold, or damage to the sheathing and framing. Repair any necessary areas before proceeding.
• Install Weather-Resistant Barrier: A weather-resistant barrier, such as house wrap, should be installed over the sheathing to protect the home from moisture.
• Install Starter Strip: A starter strip is installed at the bottom of the wall to provide a secure base for the first row of siding.

Installation Process:

• Cut Siding to Length: The siding panels must be cut to the appropriate length to fit the walls.
• Install Siding Panels: The siding panels are interlocked and nailed to the wall using galvanized roofing nails. It’s important to leave a small gap between the nail head and the siding to allow for expansion and contraction.
• Install Corner Posts and Trim: Corner posts and trim are installed to provide a finished look and protect the corners of the walls.
• Install J-Channel Around Windows and Doors: J-channel is installed around windows and doors to provide a channel for the siding to slide into.
• Caulk Seams and Gaps: Any seams or gaps should be caulked to prevent water infiltration.

Important Considerations:

• Proper Nailing: Over-nailing or under-nailing can cause problems with the siding. Nails should be driven straight and not too tightly.
• Overlap: Proper overlap is essential to prevent water infiltration.
• Expansion and Contraction: Vinyl siding expands and contracts with temperature changes. It’s important to allow for this movement during installation.
• Plumb and Level: Ensure that the siding is installed plumb and level for a professional-looking finish.

If you’re not comfortable with DIY projects, it’s best to hire a professional contractor to install your Norandex vinyl siding. A professional will have the experience and expertise to ensure that the job is done correctly and that the siding performs as expected.

Cost of Norandex Vinyl Siding

The cost of Norandex vinyl siding can vary depending on several factors, including:

• Type of Siding: Premium siding lines, such as Reynolds Premium or Polar Wall Plus!, typically cost more than standard siding options.
• Thickness of Siding: Thicker siding generally costs more than thinner siding.
• Style and Color: Some styles and colors may be more expensive than others.
• Size of the Project: The larger the project, the more materials will be required, and the higher the overall cost will be.
• Labor Costs: Labor costs can vary depending on the location and the contractor.
• Additional Materials: Additional materials, such as house wrap, nails, trim, and J-channel, will add to the overall cost.

As a general estimate, the cost of Norandex vinyl siding can range from $3 to $8 per square foot installed. This includes the cost of materials and labor. To get an accurate estimate for your specific project, it’s best to contact several local contractors and request quotes.

When comparing quotes, be sure to ask for a detailed breakdown of the costs, including materials, labor, and any additional fees. Also, check the contractor’s references and make sure they are licensed and insured.

Norandex Vinyl Siding vs. Competitors

Norandex is just one of many vinyl siding manufacturers on the market. Comparing Norandex to its competitors can help you make an informed decision about which siding is the best fit for your needs and budget. Some of the major competitors of Norandex include:

CertainTeed

CertainTeed is a leading manufacturer of building materials, including vinyl siding. They offer a wide range of siding styles, colors, and textures, and their products are known for their quality and durability. CertainTeed offers several lines of vinyl siding, ranging from basic to premium, and they also offer insulated siding options. CertainTeed is often considered a slightly higher-end brand compared to Norandex, with a corresponding price increase. However, they often offer longer warranties and a wider selection of premium features.

Mastic Home Exteriors

Mastic Home Exteriors is another well-known manufacturer of vinyl siding. They are known for their innovative products and their focus on sustainability. Mastic offers a variety of siding styles, including traditional lap siding, vertical siding, and shake and shingle siding. They also offer a range of colors and textures to choose from. Mastic often focuses on color retention and fade resistance, making their siding a good choice for areas with intense sunlight. They are generally comparable in price to CertainTeed.

Alside

Alside is a popular choice for homeowners looking for affordable and durable vinyl siding. They offer a wide range of siding styles and colors, and their products are known for their ease of installation. Alside also offers insulated siding options. Alside is often positioned as a more budget-friendly option than CertainTeed or Mastic, making it a good choice for homeowners looking to save money. While their product lines may not be as extensive as the other brands, they still offer a good selection of styles and colors.

Comparing Key Factors:

• Price: Norandex and Alside are generally considered to be more affordable than CertainTeed and Mastic.
• Durability: All four manufacturers offer durable vinyl siding products. However, the specific durability can vary depending on the product line.
• Variety: CertainTeed and Mastic generally offer a wider variety of styles, colors, and textures than Norandex and Alside.
• Warranty: The warranty coverage can vary depending on the manufacturer and the product line. Be sure to compare the warranty terms carefully before making a decision.
• Installation: All four manufacturers’ siding is relatively easy to install. However, proper installation is crucial to ensure optimal performance.

Ultimately, the best vinyl siding for your home will depend on your specific needs, budget, and aesthetic preferences. It’s important to research your options carefully and compare quotes from different contractors before making a decision.

Maintaining Your Norandex Vinyl Siding

One of the biggest advantages of vinyl siding is its low maintenance requirements. However, some basic maintenance is still necessary to keep your siding looking its best and to prolong its lifespan. Here are some tips for maintaining your Norandex vinyl siding:

• Clean Regularly: Wash your siding at least once a year to remove dirt, dust, and mildew. You can use a garden hose with a spray nozzle or a pressure washer. Be careful not to use too much pressure, as this can damage the siding.
• Use Mild Detergent: If you’re using a pressure washer, use a mild detergent specifically designed for vinyl siding. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the finish.
• Remove Stains Promptly: Remove any stains, such as mildew, algae, or rust, as soon as possible. You can use a solution of water and bleach to remove mildew or algae. For rust stains, you can use a commercial rust remover.
• Trim Shrubs and Trees: Trim any shrubs or trees that are growing close to your siding to prevent them from scratching or damaging the siding.
• Inspect Regularly: Inspect your siding regularly for any signs of damage, such as cracks, holes, or loose panels. Repair any damage promptly to prevent further problems.
• Caulk and Seal: Inspect the caulk around windows, doors, and trim and re-caulk any areas that are cracked or damaged. This will help to prevent water infiltration.

By following these simple maintenance tips, you can keep your Norandex vinyl siding looking its best for many years to come.

Making the Right Choice for Your Home

Choosing the right siding for your home is a significant investment that will impact its appearance, value, and protection for years to come. Norandex vinyl siding offers a compelling combination of affordability, durability, and low maintenance, making it a popular choice for many homeowners. However, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons carefully and compare Norandex to its competitors before making a decision.

Consider your budget, aesthetic preferences, and the climate in your area when evaluating your siding options. If energy efficiency is a priority, consider investing in insulated siding. If you live in an area with harsh weather conditions, choose a thicker gauge siding that is more resistant to impact damage.

Ultimately, the best siding for your home will be the one that meets your specific needs and budget. By doing your research and making an informed decision, you can ensure that your home is protected and looks its best for years to come.

Final Thoughts on Norandex Vinyl Siding

Norandex vinyl siding is a solid choice for homeowners looking for an affordable, durable, and low-maintenance siding option. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of some of the higher-end brands, it offers a good balance of quality and value. Its wide range of styles and colors allows for customization, and its ease of installation can save on labor costs. By carefully considering your needs and budget, you can determine if Norandex vinyl siding is the right fit for your home improvement project. Remember to get multiple quotes from reputable contractors and thoroughly research the specific product line that interests you before making a final decision. A well-informed decision will ensure a beautiful and long-lasting exterior for your home.