Bob is back at our urban townhouse. He walks down the side and points out the two-story rear porch that has been recovered with asphalt siding, which, though sturdy, is also ugly. Bob meets with Carlton Bergere who explains the installation of the new vinyl siding on top of the asphalt. First the corner posts are installed so that the siding can be slid in. Then a starter course is put on the wall so that level is maintained. A bottom course of siding is clipped onto the starter course. Wood siding is installed one clapboard at a time, but the vinyl siding goes up much faster since it comes in eight or ten inch widths of three or more clapboards depending on exposure. Vinyl has replaced aluminum siding because of its cheaper price point and its sturdiness. Unlike aluminum, vinyl siding does not dent and it is colored all the way through. The siding is hung for expansion and contraction. When a window transition occurs, the window is first caulked. Then, a j-channel is laid against the casing to receive the siding, which is trimmed to size. The vertical seams overlap so that weather does not penetrate, and the siding is laid in one direction so that the seams cannot be seen from the street.

Tom Alsop, president of Liquid Ceramic, joins Steve Easley to discuss the company's architectural coatings that look, feel, and go on like paint, yet add an extra layer of energy loss protection to a home's interior and exterior surfaces. On a home's exterior, the company's coatings, which is an acrylic based polymer, can be applied to almost any surface including wood, masonry, brick, stucco, and even some types of vinyl siding. Interior coatings are available in any color in flat, low luster, and eggshell finishes.

Pressure washing—also known as power washing—is a fast, effective way to restore siding, decking, stone and cement surfaces to their natural color and beauty.