Vinyl siding installation
The classic horizontal siding on most North Jersey homes, installed so it moves with the weather instead of buckling.
Why vinyl is on so many North Jersey houses
Vinyl lap siding is the most common siding on the colonials, capes, split-levels and two-families across Essex, Bergen and Passaic counties, and for good reason: it never needs painting, it comes in a wide range of colors, and it is the most affordable way to reside a whole house. Modern vinyl is thicker and holds its color far better than the thin, chalky siding many houses got decades ago.
What makes a vinyl job last
Vinyl itself rarely fails. Installation does. The details we pay attention to:
- Room to move. Vinyl expands and contracts with temperature. Panels are nailed in the center of the slots, not driven tight, and left a gap at every corner and trim piece. Tight nailing is why some houses have wavy, buckled siding.
- A flat, sound wall. Vinyl follows whatever is behind it, so we check and repair the sheathing first.
- House wrap and window flashing, because vinyl is a rain screen, not a waterproof layer. Water that gets behind it has to be shed by what is underneath.
- Trim that matches. Corner posts, window and door surrounds, soffits and fascia finished in matching or contrasting colors.
Colors and profiles
Beyond color, lap siding comes in different exposures (the height of each board), textures and profiles such as clapboard and Dutch lap. Darker colors are available in fade-resistant lines. We install CertainTeed siding products and bring samples so you can see them against your house, with your roof, in daylight. Many owners pair vinyl lap on the main walls with board and batten in the gables.
Back to all siding options, or read our comparison of board and batten versus lap siding.
Common questions
How long does vinyl siding last?
Decades, when it is installed with room to move over a sound wall. Color fade and impact damage are the usual reasons it gets replaced, and newer lines resist fading better.
Does vinyl siding need maintenance?
Very little. Rinse it with a garden hose once or twice a year. It never needs painting.
Why is my vinyl siding wavy?
Almost always because it was nailed too tight, so it cannot expand in the heat. It can also follow an uneven wall underneath.
Can dark vinyl siding warp in the sun?
Standard dark vinyl can, which is why dark colors come in heat-resistant formulations. We make sure the product matches the color you choose.
This page was last updated in September 2026.
Want a quote on vinyl siding?
Call (973) 625-7663 and we will measure the house.