Selecting Vinyl Siding for your Home (1218)

Vinyl siding solves some of the headaches associated with wood: No rot, no warping and, best of all, no peeling paint. Vinyl could look good for 40 to 50 years before replacement is required.

Vinyl is a PVC plastic that is impervious to moisture. It expands and contracts with temperature changes more than any other siding product, making quality installation important. The quality of vinyl siding lies in the ingredient mix and the proof lies in how long it lasts. Manufacturer’s warranty and confidence that the company will be in business years later (to honor their warranty) are the best indicators of quality. A lifetime warranty against cracking, warping, chipping, and fading is common. Some warranties even continue after you sell your house. Carefully read the warranties to see how long they cover full replacement costs--including labor.

Vinyl’s thickness varies (thicker siding being better and more expensive). All colors will fade somewhat. However, the color should not become splotchy or appear bleached white. The fading should not be noticeable unless you put a brand new piece beside the old. This is only a problem if you have to replace a section. Vinyl siding does become brittle in cold weather and can be shattered by a sharp blow. It will melt when exposed to high temperatures, such as those generated by a grill.

For more information on this subject, Please visit the College of Agricultural Sciences Publications Web site.

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