Basic Data About Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding offers a low-maintenance, low-cost alternative to improving the appearance of homes. The product is highly durable, easy to clean, and comes in many different designs. These products have minimal negative effects on the environment, according to credible research. In fact, new products have been developed, and given the Energy Star label, because of the energy savings they produce.

This product for the home's exterior is very durable. Because the panels expand and contract as the temperature rises and falls, they easily withstand extreme weather conditions. Also, the panels have improved, to minimize fading in sunlight, although lighter colors are definitely more fade-resistant, because they reflect, rather than absorb, the sun's rays.

Vinyl siding has always been extremely affordable. The product does come in graduated thicknesses, and thicker panels are more expensive. The best indicator of value is not the thickness, but the manufacturer's warranty, which gives the manufacturer's guarantee of durability for different types of panels.

Exterior panels come in a variety of colors and designs. Homeowners should always consider purchasing a product that is both indicative of their individual taste, and also complements other homes in the neighborhood. The panels are inherently attractive, as they are designed to mimic the look of wood lap siding. Adding trim around doors and windows, as well as in other areas, not only enhances the look of the home, but also keeps out unwanted moisture.

Cleaning exterior panels is simple. Homeowners should use a soft-bristled brush, or a soft cloth, so as not to scratch the surface. Also, homeowners should never use cleaners containing organic solvents, undiluted bleach, or liquid grease remover. Power washing provides an alternative to soap and water, as long as the washer is held at eye level, to prevent water from being forced behind panels.

New product development has made siding more energy efficient. New products with a solid foam core both lay flatter on bumpy exterior walls, and provide an R-value of 4.0, compared to the product's basic R-value of 1.0. This increased energy efficiency has earned the product an Energy Star label, which has made it eligible for federal tax rebates.

Studies in the 1970s revealed health concerns for manufacturers. Workers with high exposure to vinyl chloride, a chemical used to make vinyl plastic, were found to have higher incidences of a rare liver cancer called angiosarcoma. However, in 1975, OSHA promulgated strict regulations for the industry, after which no new cases of angiosarcoma were reported. Researchers have also concluded there is no causal link between vinyl products and brain cancer. Some groups mention concerns about dioxin production, but siding manufacturing produces less dioxin than vehicle exhaust, or fireplaces.

Vinyl siding has come a long way since its invention in 1957. The product is still the cheapest way to cover a home's exterior, but it has added design elements, durability, and energy efficiency to its list of attributes. Homeowners who purchase the product will have an attractive, low-maintenance home exterior, with money left over to spend on other things.


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