Know how ceramic tile is correctly installed, as well as when vinyl should be used over aluminum siding and the other way around.
Situation: A homeowner wants to install ceramic tile to their bath on a house that’s three years of age. However, they are pretty little. The homeowner is torn between having to install concrete board. He asked for advice from different people but each had different views.
Solution: With sheet vinyl, putting in a 12” x 12” tile on it would collapse if weight were to be brought on it. Since you are already planning to invest in getting tiles installed, you might as well get it done correctly. Putting in a board, specifically the one for cement underlayment is in place. It is not difficult to install. It also works well with saws in terms of cutting. Same goes for utility knives.
The main dilemma in bathrooms is that in order to put in your underlayment, the toilet bowl has to be taken away. It is pretty easy to get the tiles cut in such a way that it would be apt on the area surrounding the tub as well as that of vanity cabinets. However, getting it to fit along toilet bowls is no easy feat. Aside from that, it would not be done until around two-three days. Hence, if the bathroom you are working on is the only one in the house, then it might not be a very feasible idea.
Situation: A homeowner is meeting with a manufacturer for vinyl siding to get an estimate. He is curious why the manufacturer specifically stated that they use vinyl. They also reiterated that they do not use aluminum siding. He is now wondering what is different between the two. On a different note, he shares that his home had a second floor which has a stucco on its outside. He is wondering whether the stucco had to be taken off prior to installing his siding. He is also not sure if insulation is needed.
Answer: Flexibility is one of the primary assets of vinyl. It somehow appears to be similar to plastic. It can easily be manipulated to whatever form the manufacturer intends it to be. Aluminum on the other hand is anything but flexible. Opposite to vinyl, it is rigid. Try to bend aluminum and you will wreck it.
Aluminum in other words, translates to painted metal. Over time, the paint used for it will eventually fade. On the other hand, with vinyl, the color includes the plastic, therefore, the color stays. As for scratches, you would not really be able to notice it. Aside from that, vinyl cannot be dented, unlike aluminum. In terms of replacement, vinyl is very replaceable.
Vinyl is usually the one being recommended when it comes to siding. It can be placed over most surfaces so long as it is smooth and open. Vinyl however cannot be placed atop aluminum. The same goes with surfaces that are not even.
As for the insulation, it might help you a little with the budget. But it is dependent on your area though. Get in touch with the utility supplier in your area with regard to this.
