Vinyl Siding Basics And Improving The Exterior Of Your Home

Vinyl siding is the number one exterior cladding for a home in the United States and Canada

. There have been many changes since it was introduced by an independent manufacturer in Columbus, Ohio in the late 1950s. In its early stages of production, it was difficult to produce and install a consistent colored and yet fair quality product. The colors were manually added to each batch of vinyl siding, so if enough products were not ordered before installation, the color received could wind up being lighter or darker than the original siding.

Today, it has grown in popularity due to durability, versatility, and the easy maintenance. The production is regulated by the Vinyl Siding Institute. While helping manufacturers produce a better product it also helps contractors become certified in installation.

The production process consists of two layers laid in a continuous process. The top layer is called weatherable capstock. The bottom layer is called substrate. The weatherable capstock makes up a third of the thickness. It is also where the pigment and UV protection are located. The substrate layer contains limestone, which lowers the cost of the siding. Titanium Dioxide is added to keep the two layers flowing smoothly during manufacturing.

There are several different thicknesses to choose from. The thickness can vary from .35 mil to .52 mil the latter being the higher grade of siding. The most commonly used siding is known as builders grade and is a mid range at .40 mils thick.

Thicker siding is higher in cost and more rigid. By being more rigid it adds to the beauty of the siding due to a better texture. The thicker vinyl also carries much more resistance. It is far more resistant to cracks in very cold weather should it be struck such a shovel or snow blower at a corner.

Choosing a lighter color means that the fade over time is going to be far less than a bolder color would experience. Another thing to take into consideration is thicker vinyl fades less.

Environmentally, vinyl produces less waste when both manufactured and installed by a certified contractor. The average scrap rate from vinyl siding installation by a certified contractor is 1.9% of the total construction waste. The off spec and scrap pieces are recyclable which reduces overall waste.

While boosting the R Value in a home, the insulated siding also contributes to energy savings for the consumer. No longer having to pay the high cost of paint, stain, or caulking is money saved.

While protecting a home from the elements, it has been created to last a life time. It has been certified to handle wind speeds of up to 110 miles or higher. You should easily see 20 years or more of enjoyable siding from todays product. The only maintenance it needs is a washing with a soft cloth and garden hose. A soft bristle brush may be used on the groves in the texture stain free. Use caution on the amount of pressure applied to the brush when scrubbing the vinyl siding to prevent damage.

by: Shawn Hickman

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