Editor’s note: This is the second in a three-part blog series focused on workforce development in 2021. This second post offers industry information advice, process tips and the importance of using certified products and installers when installing vinyl siding.
Whether you’re re-siding a home or building from the ground up, the quality of the installation job is just as critical as the quality of the product. Improper installation of vinyl siding can lead to poor product performance, customer dissatisfaction and void manufacturer warranties.
“The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.” – Benjamin Franklin
Using a certified product, along with a trained, experienced and certified professional, will help ensure that your project’s vinyl siding looks great and performs well for many years to come.
Differentiator #1 - Quality Products
Did you know that the VSI has an entire section on our website dedicated to Certified Products?
Through the VSI Product Certification Program, manufacturers can verify that their products meet or exceed the industry standards for performance. Products undergo a series of rigorous tests and unannounced inspections by an independent, accredited quality control agency.
Using a certified product is essential for numerous reasons, especially product performance. If you are installing a certified product, you can be sure that as long as you install it per the VSI and manufacturer’s installation specifications, it will perform as designed. This is critical now more than ever as we are living in a reputation economy.
Differentiator #2 - Quality Installation, Using a VSI Certified Installer
The VSI offers several resources to help you market yourself as a VSI Certified Installer and get more vinyl siding installation jobs. We offer several tools and resources – such as logos, brochures, infographics, installation documents, installation videos, instructional materials and other documents – to share with your teams or your customers.
While it is said that "experience is the greatest teacher," a certification "rounds you out." Often, experience is strong in some areas but not in others, which is why the VSI Certification Program will complete your profile.
When home or property owners use a VSI Certified Installer, they are investing in:
- Industry-recognized and validated skills and knowledge
- Higher-quality craftsmanship
- Endless industry support, design ideas, sustainability and recycling guidance, and more
- Tools and resources that can set them apart such as an installation manual, installation videos, other instructional materials, forms, brochures and infographics, case studies, building code reference, continuing education, technology updates and more.
- Access to industry partners for ongoing learning and development, such as ventilation education, WRB education, estimating for less waste, leading-edge tools and supplies for efficiency
The Power of Three: Quality Product + Quality Installation = Unequivocal Performance
Vinyl siding is engineered with purpose to deliver maximum protection and beauty with minimum hassle and maintenance for years to come. Vinyl siding is continually innovating to ensure long-term durability. Multiple attachment points create superior weather protection, among many other wonderful attributes.
When vinyl siding is installed by an industry recognized VSI Certified Installer, rest assure that they will focus on quality details to give your home or your project a beautiful appearance and a quality installation that will stand the test of time.
When you combine the installation of quality products with the experience of education of a trained VSI certified industry professional, you end up with the ultimate differentiator, which leads to unequivocal performance and leads to the ultimate customer experience.
Home improvement projects are emotional from the start, we already know this. You must be strategic or intentional in your planning/forecasting. If you have built your business model on using a quality/certified product, hiring or becoming a VSI Certified Installer, then you are sure to be leading from the front when opening day arrives!
“People don’t always remember what you say or even what you do, but they always remember how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou
How will YOU deliver a great customer experience?
Communicate that you: use a quality product, offered at an affordable price - delivered and installed in a timely fashion by a certified VSI Installation Professional.
Remember, in our industry (similar to the world of sports), our focus should be to stay ready, so you don’t have to get ready – use a certified product installed by a VSI certified professional.
Do you have tips you would like to share? Send them to the Coach.
In the meantime,
Be Resilient – Add Value – Stay Healthy - Trust the Process! We Grow Together!
To your success,
“Coach” Rob Balfanz
