‘Siding’ with the best vinyl products

With Hawaii’s harsh climate conditions, having a maintenance-free home is tough, but not out of reach. Today, there are many maintenance-free products, including vinyl windows and vinyl siding. Vinyl is a proven product with more than 50 years of proof right here in Hawaii. Since the fi rst vinyl product was introduced to Hawaii, many other products have followed. These include vinyl windows, fencing, decking, gutters and even vinyl paint (interior and exterior). The best thing about vinyl products is they all are maintenance-free.
 

Here are some reasons and sure ways to pick the right product and company/contractor for vinyl products in Hawaii.

In 1960, the first vinyl products were installed in Hawaii. You may remember the commercials “Vinyl Is Final.” That was 55 years ago. Owners of Tropical Wholesale, Matthew and Michael Houar are still here today installing the best window and vinyl siding products money can buy.

Tropical is the first company to bring, install and manufacture vinyl windows in Hawaii. With more than 38 years of experience in Hawaii with vinyl windows and more 40 years in vinyl siding, Tropical is Hawaii’s expert for vinyl products. With more than 10,000 jobs in Hawaii installed on Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island, Tropical has covered a lot of ground and gained a lot of experience.

When asked how to pick a vinyl siding product, Matt Houar responded with one word: thickness. Houar went on to say that most sidings that have been installed in Hawaii are only 35to 40-thousandths-of-an-inch thick, which is equivalent to a stack of 10 sheets of paper. That’s not very thick. Now companies are filling the back with foams and cheap insulations.

“We have the thickest vinyl product made — at least 10 times thicker than other brands,” said Houar.

When asked how to choose the best Windows, Houar said, “quality.” You need the correctly designed and manufactured product. Tropical has designed its own windows all the way back to 1983. All designs have been for Hawaii’s tough salt air conditions. Tropical Windows have the only Lifetime Material, Hardware and Voluntary Lifetime Workmanship warranty. All windows look similar, but don’t be fooled. Take the extra time to research because this is a big investment in your home.

Then, when asked how to ensure a good job and choose an installing contractor, Houar said it’s simple. He explained that when buying a lifetime warranted product, make sure the business has been operating in Hawaii for more than 10 years. Also, check for bonding, liability insurance, workman compensation.

Then, talk to the owner and contractor — not by phone, but in person. After all, as a homeowner you are spending a lot of money. Know whom you are dealing with. Too many times, homeowners just deal with salesmen who make a lot of false promises. Houar also said that he has been fixing homes in Hawaii for more than 40 years and has seen many companies go out of business. Most are Mainland owned and operated, so the best advise is to buy local. If you do, there’s a 99 percent chance that you won’t go wrong.