subject: Vinyl Siding For A Good Looking And Durable Home Exterior [print this page] For those with older weatherboard homes, the necessity of regular painting to keep the home looking good can be a costly and annoying exercise. A lot of homeowners have found vinyl siding an excellent alternative to regular re-painting, as it's very durable and long lasting, comes in a variety of colors and styles, and is easy to maintain.
Vinyl siding has been around in some form since the 1950s, but it has undergone several evolutions since that time. These days it comes in different styles and colors, and will suit most homes.
The Construction of Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and is currently made by a process of coextrusion, where two layers of PVC are joined in the process. The top layer is a durable capstock, which includes 10% titanium dioxide giving pigmentation and providing UV protection (although it will fade over time, this helps it retain color longer). The lower layer is known as the substrate layer and contains around 15% limestone (calcium carbonate), which reduces cost and balances the titanium dioxide.
Vinyl Siding Options
When you choose vinyl siding for your home, be aware that darker and more intense colors often seem to fade faster, whereas paler and more neutral colors retain their color longer. There are also different grades of vinyl siding. Naturally higher grades are more expensive, but main keep their color longer, are often more rigid and durable. It's sometimes best to spend a little more money because the pay off will be worth it in the long term as your house retains its looks and color for a much longer period of time.
