The complete source for building, designing, and remodeling green homes. If the home has had some architectural significance, switching to vinyl siding could dramatically lower its market value. The Difference Between 12/2 And 14/2 Wire. Because vinyl siding is long strips of molded plastic that gets nailed to the house on strip at a time, if it's not properly installed you can see the areas where pieces overlap the next board. Make sure to do some research when shopping for good siding and read the warranty. Vinyl will last a long time. Insulated Vinyl Siding. By far the biggest issue with vinyl siding is caused by bad installation because that can lead to water damage on the home. Perhaps the message we should take way from Fernando's blog is that we should be open about why we don't like vinyl and not try to use building science to back our prejudices. The same thing can happen on your house. Also, if not properly installed, it can leak, which then makes it vulnerable to all the elements it is meant to avoid: rot, infestation, and decay (some installers even put weepholes into the underside of the panels to avoid water buildup). Plus, it doesnt show dirt as easily as lighter colors which can be a big plus if you hate maintenance cleanings. In fact, its so long-lasting (it can sometimes retain its physical qualities for up to 40 years) that many times itll come with a manufacturers guarantee. In general some parts of a home get more direct sunlight than others. Even in historic areas, this hard plastic material is by far the most prominent exterior on houses today. On exterior walls the net toxicity of vinyl siding in a fire is virtually zero. Manufacturers will let you know if the product is safe at extremely high or low temperatures if you ask them so do some research or ask your builder. This is one of the reasons why vinyl isnt used much in really hot climates. Today's vinyl siding comes in a variety of colors, including traditional colors and wood grain textures. If vinyl siding is functioning as designed most surface rain water will run right off it. All that while maintaining the classic look of natural wood. Reviews on Environmental Health, vol. Disadvantages. Any small impact can crack it. But the truth is, installing a siding of any type is no job for a beginner DIYer. Your Guide to 2021 Closing Costs in California. Homeowners are always searching for products that provide some much needed energy savings. A waterproof barrier is installed over the sheathing and under the siding which keeps out moisture. Unfortunately, vinyl siding cannot be painted any darker than the original color. Unfortunately, many people install siding improperly which can trap moisture behind the siding where it has no place to go. Recycling plastic typically means polyethylene terephthalate (PETE), the type used to make soda bottles and other household products. Can You Paint Vinyl Siding? (Pros & Cons) - What Is Vinyl Melting in Cold Climates. Vinyl siding may be durable and cost-effective, but its not foolproof. Our there in the PNW it was red cedar shakes. These types of problems are very expensive to fix. There are channels and weep holes that allow water to properly drain. All vinyl siding is manufactured to withstand a certain amount of heat. Not every contractor has invested in proper training and certification. No exterior house siding is watertight, and manufactured stone siding is no exception. Maintenance can be a pain but its what keeps you siding looking like new. In other words, the color you select at installation is the color your home will boast for the foreseeable future. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. It doesnt happen so much from direct sunlight but rather from strong reflected light. Improper installation could damage your homes interior framing and foundation over time. ), How Many Kale Seeds Per Hole Should You Plant? Manufacturing vinyl siding can also release harmful chemicals into the air. It mainly affects the parts of the siding exposed to sunlight. If your siding is nailed too tight you may hear some cracking or popping sounds. For many homeowners, maintenance just isnt something they want to do. Vinyl siding has been the standard in many neighborhoods for decades! Unfinished white cedar shingles are my favorite siding as well. The shaded areas can retain their color longer, but the uneven fading will easily become irritating. A good installer will always face the joints back so you cant see them from the street. Moisture Problems.How do you know when to replace vinyl siding?Here are the major signs of vinyl siding degradation homeowners should pay attention to:There is Evidence of . Cracking is another common issue with vinyl siding. Some manufacturers are even including protection against warping caused by heat retention in their warranties. But there are still a lot of common problems with vinyl siding worth considering before you make a large investment. The fact that vinyl siding requires very little maintenance is always attractive to homeowners. So consider your priorities before investing in the cheapest vinyl siding you can find! This is a huge topis that well touch on throughout the article. This, in part, explains why most vinyl siding can meet the stringent flame requirements for fire safety required by the International Building Code (which is adopted by every state). Generally, vinyl sidings start melting when exposed to temperatures of between 160 165 Fahrenheit. Vinyl is also a great option for those living in harsh climates or insect-prone areas. Life-Cycle Assessment is a Tool, Not a Silver Bullet. Its common knowledge that dark colors soak more heat from the sun while lighter colors repel it. Tough one Vinyl vs. wood siding - The Washington Post Thats an indicator that the installer didnt nail the siding properly. Its a fantastic product thats affordable, easy to install, looks great and does its job protecting your home. If the moisture gets trapped underneath your siding, it attracts mold and mildew as well as causes rotting. Vinyl siding opponents often claim that the siding will smoke when burning and that the vapors are highly toxic. For your every day suburban $350K home it looks great. The offers that appear in this table are from partnerships from which The Spruce receives compensation. 1910.1017 - Vinyl Chloride. Using poor quality vinyl could also be a reason for the regular warping. Fernando characterizes his previous blog as "an obvious opinion piece". Make sure if fading can be an issue that you buy a premium siding with color fade protection. Whats The Difference Between A Lease Termination Charge Vs Reletting Charge? To paint or not to paint? Or is there a better option out there? Once siding arrives at the landfill, it is usually burned. Even the highest-quality siding will become damaged from time to time. What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Vinyl Siding? - East Building Vinyl siding expands in high heat and contracts when its cold outside. It's zero maintenance. It looks terrible and there isnt a whole lot you can do about it. Vinyl siding wont make your home 100% termite-proof. Vinyl siding has improved a lot from when it was first introduced a few decades ago. How to Avoid This Problem Fortunately, you can avoid dealing with court trials and fighting with your neighbor. No Painting Required Many home siding materials require regular painting to keep up appearances. Gold and Judith Helfand movie on the manufacture of vinyl siding and one womans search for an alternative, was responsible in part for todays prejudice against the product. Fortunately, repairing vinyl siding is relatively easy. Without the proper tools and knowledge on how to complete the job, many DIYers end up disappointed with the quality of their work. No need to paint. Vinyl shingles offer the same warmth, texture and variance of natural wood but without the wear and tear. Sure fading looks bad and maybe siding looks a little cheaper than fiber cement or wood but thats just cosmetic. Moisture issues can go undetected. I like fiber cement for certain applications and have used it, but its not a better environmental option than vinyl siding. Construction warranties often last only one year, and the product warranty may be voided by faulty installation. Here's a breakdown of the advantages and disadvantages of repainting and replacing vinyl siding. Youll also have to power wash (or use a hose) the siding at least once a year to preserve its color and aesthetics. Was that the best choice? Manufacturers will provide a measurement of color change over time using a scale in what are known as Hunter units. Here are some disadvantages associated with vinyl siding: Limited Color Choices: Although vinyl siding offers an extensive range of colors, it may lack the customization options available with other siding materials. In cases of poor installation, the costs of repairing and replacing the vinyl siding panel will also be relatively high. These pieces have to be custom cut on site and if theyre not done properly its a good sign that the installer doesnt know what hes doing. It wont attract termites or pests. In neighborhoods with many insulated windows, the light reflected from such windows cause the vinyl sidings to melt. This small amount of wiggle room is what allows for some expansion and contraction. Dioxins also remain in the environment for a long time, due to poor disposal, and pollute the air, groundwater, and soil. Some manufacturers even offer a range of decorative classic mill work that coordinates with their systems, including door and window surrounds, shutters, corner posts, and dental moldings. This will result in a pattern youll see on your siding. I imagine thats why Mark Twain said, Never let facts get in the way of a good story.. No one wants to live in a damp, drafty home and siding helps prevent that. Siding is meant to be installed level. Most likely youll find overlapping wood materials that seem sturdy and authentic. Once you have purchased vinyl siding, you can install it yourself, but most people rely on a contractor. Some even add a protective surface layer that resists fading. Dark colors can make a home stand out which can be a big boost to its curb appeal. Water can do terrible things to a wood framed home. Premium vinyl siding handles fading much better than cheaper options because the PVC is thicker and with more color. Vinyl siding is inexpensive, easy to obtain, popular, quick to install, and simple to maintain. Whenever you suspect any of these six problems on your vinyl siding, you have to take action immediately before its too late. The Disadvantages of Vinyl Siding. In really hot states like Nevada they use more stucco and masonry products like fiber cement because it doesnt expand or contract. Stephen In any event, Im not sure of the validity of comic documentary as a basis for choosing building materials. I know that many of the vinyl siding critics wont be swayed, but for those with open minds and an interest in facts, please consider the facts that follow. When installing siding you drive one nail in the center of each slot. Also, youll never have to paint again. The problems with dark vinyl siding colors are mainly twofold. Here too, new technology has improved fading issues. Note that this happens with the installation of most siding types, though, and that leakage is minimal if this does happen, so this may be a more minor concern. Vinyl siding, especially dark siding, begins to fade in sunny climates. In fact, according to Angie's List, a review platform for home improvement services, vinyl is the most economical type of siding. Vinyl does not. Since the entire product is cast in a certain color, the shade goes all the way through the material. In a case where up-front cost is paramount, and durability perhaps an issue, then I would HAVE to consider a vinyl siding and weigh its use against concerns and weigh other siding options (or wall-system designs) against possible cost gains reflected in other systems. Vinyl siding is constructed out of a PVC plastic resin, which makes it remarkably strong. While slightly more expensive than simple vinyl siding, insulated vinyl siding is enhanced with a . This can make dark colors a good option in places that used to just choose light and bright colors. Further, with respect to a PVC-related credit, the available evidence indicates that for some product categories, such a simple credit could steer designers to use materials which performed worse over their life cycles with respect to the bulk of the impact categories such as fiber cement. The average r-value of non insulated vinyl siding is about .61. Hopefully what we went over will help make your decision a little easier. Two noteworthy items: While you can replace areas that have buckled or warped, the same issue will happen again and again. Fading is one of the most common problems with vinyl siding. Perhaps the most common disadvantage of using vinyl siding is that their color starts to fade after a few years. Isn't that just grand? Your email address will not be published. The blog struck a variety of nerves, including from those who mistook an obvious opinion piece for a poorly written scientific paper. But Blue Vinyl, the Daniel B. Moisture that makes its way into small gaps and cracks should drain out through channels and weep holes built into the siding. If installed the right way your siding will move from side to side about 1/2 inch after you nail it. Not only does this save you on aggravation and sore muscles, it can also save you from hiring a painting crew every few years. Therefore, itll never peel, flake, or scratch like painted surfaces. The surface burning characteristics do not consider the time it will take to burn through the siding and expose the sheathing. doi:10.1515/reveh-2012-0030. How Much Does A 2 Cubic Foot Bag Of Mulch Weigh? Vinyl siding is far from ideal if you have your heart set on changing your homes exterior color. While you can paint vinyl siding a lighter color than the original finish, be aware that the paint will peel off if not applied correctly. Even though the siding doesnt peel, flake, or require painting, youll have to inspect them regularly to ensure theyre in good condition. But you should clean it once a year (a power washer can help, but a hose does the trick). Most homeowners cite vinyl sidings affordability as the reason for installation. Those ignition temperatures are significantly higher than common framing lumber, which ignites from a flame at 500F (260C) and self-ignites at 770F (410C). As a building material, vinyl isnt the best material for the environment and for your health. Because of this it isnt sealed tight to keep out water. Nonetheless, they all differ in versatility, cost, durability, and aesthetics. This is strictly a quality issue. Wat can get behind and cause damage. The parts that arent shaded will fade faster than the ones that are. I recall Norm Abrams on This Old House talking about using cellular vinyl trim to replace pine that he had to replace two or three times over the time the series "The New Yankee Workshop"was on TV. According to the EPA, burning PVC is the largest known source of dioxin emissions in the United States. grey on your back deck. The vinyl skirting comes with built-in center vents and is made with a low-maintenance material that can be easily washed clean with a garden hose. Not environmentally-friendly. Vinyl siding can be easily damaged by strong impacts from lawn equipment, childrens toys, and even pets. So the question: what is the plan for the recycling of this product? The same is true of faded siding. Is vinyl siding a good product to use on your home. Get our FREE weekly email We install this on homes that sell for millions of dollars. . There was a fine article about it in the 4/19/2020 edition of the Washington Post. It comes in different clapboard widths, horizontal and vertical styles, and even different textures (from smooth to wood grain). Vinyl siding is primarily composed of polyvinyl chloride, also known as PVC. *take it apart* when I need to, and zip it right back up afterward. Fading is mostly a cosmetic issue, but if the sun is really strong eventually fading can lead to some cracking. However "Cancer Alley" the stretch of Louisiana where most of our plastics and vinyls are STILL being manufactured remains one of the US areas with the highest cancer prevalence rates. Among the most common issues with vinyl sidings include: While vinyl siding gives homeowners a variety of colors and styles to use, the color of the siding usually fades over time. I would not want to breathe smoke from any fire, but sensible use of plastics might have its place. Vinyl is not designed to be painted, so updating the color often means replacing the siding entirely. The lower the number the less fading will occur over time. Fernando It's slightly cheaper than vinyl, fiber cement and stucco, and much cheaper than brick, stone and wood. Yes. Stephen, It may be an obvious point, but it appears to be one that most posters seem not to want to concede. The manufacturing process which produces PVC releases greenhouse gases such as nitrogen oxide, carcinogens including dioxin, and sulfur dioxide which causes acid rain and smog. However, this could lead to other maintenance issues, for instance, water may seep into your house through any cracks or crevices on the siding. Removing the old siding first will only be necessary if the siding has started showing cracks, warps, rot or decay, molds and mildew among other damages that need urgent repairs. Siding condition - If you have noticed gaps, buckles, rot, and moisture stains on vinyl siding, you should replace it since painting can't solve these problems. Dioxin emissions from human sources in particular have declined by more than 90% in recent decades, and further declines continue to be documented. Vinyl siding never needs painting. If your siding is nailed too tightly, it will expand, crack, bulge, or warp. We've got you covered. This can help cut down on labor costs associated with professional installation. There are many types of house siding, including fiber-cement panels, vinyl siding and custom home sidings.But another form of . But unfortunately, there are a few major problems with vinyl siding that you should be made aware of before siding your home. But like with most products its improved a lot over the years. If youre looking for a low-maintenance solution, however, then vinyl siding is more than ideal! I appreciate your ardor in discussing this topic while running the risks of being labeled a heretic. But regardless of its many benefits, vinyl siding also bears numerous drawbacks that each homeowner should know before using it. In addition, since vinyl siding is lightweight and features an . Buckling or warping can happen when siding isnt installed the right away. We've got you covered. It has had many many repairs over the years due to weather related moisture failures. He is a member of The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board. Whats really bad is how uneven the fading can be. ), How Many Onion Seeds Per Hole Should You Plant? Take a closer look and you may discover a hidden secret: what actually appears to be wood paneling is probably vinyl siding. Siding does a lot more for your home than just look good. A few readers referred to manufacturing impacts, specifically referring to dioxin. (Plus Growing Tips! Extreme weather can damage siding. Also, though the paneling is maintenance-free, the rest of your house may not be: if you have wooden shutters, metal doors, or aluminum trim, youll still need to tend to these specific areas of the home. Why Are Built In Refrigerators So Expensive? North, Emily J., and Rolf U. Halden. Wood siding and other traditional cladding materials allow the wall to breathe; water vapor may move through the wall construction, but it can escape during colder weather. The vinyl plants are much cleaner, and have no perceptible impact on the surrounding environment or residential community. It would seem that vinyl siding would be highly flammable, but in fact its not. The worst thing about it is that its harder to replace just the faded parts of the siding and leave the other. Aluminum vs. Vinyl Siding How much it will fade will depend on two factors: Colour: In general, darker colours will fade more than lighter ones. Resilient, Resistant, and On Sale Vinyl siding is constructed out of a PVC plastic resin, which makes it remarkably strong. However, the melting isnt always caused by hot direct sunlight. In other words loose pieces. Home value - Painting is more affordable than replacing vinyl siding. Vinyl is one of the easiest siding materials to install. To do this you need a proper moisture barrier which includes siding. In the process, I learned a lot about these technologies and I am a much better builder for it, so I welcome the opportunity to engage in rigorous debate. This happens with any house but with a dark color uneven fading can look terrible. Sure it looks bad but chances are if the installers cant even hang the siding level then theyve messed up some other things too. If it is grazed by a lawn mower or snow blower, it will get chewed up and crack. So how long does vinyl siding last ? Pros of Vinyl. But I challenge people to show me vinyl siding that routinely lasts more than 20-30 years and retains its visual appeal and full functionality. Vinyl timber siding mimics the rustic look of real logs, which can be expensive and difficult to install. Functionally speaking it could cause some drainage issues. 2. Duh Become a GBA Prime member and get full access to GBA articles, enyclopedia, videos, CAD library, and more. Disadvantages of Vinyl Siding Melting Lawsuit & How to Avoid It Before you make the choice to install vinyl house siding, learn all about its strong points and its drawbacks. Vinyl siding is designed to be flexible which allows for some expansion and contraction. This is true - when the product is new, but after it has some age it becomes brittle and usually cracks when being removed, making it an unlikely candidate for reuse or recycling. Plus, unlike aluminum or wood, vinyl siding installation is quick, easy, and undemanding, which also helps to reduce the overall price of the product. Since vinyl siding's effectiveness depends on proper installation, a shoddy job means even worse troubles in the long-term. Aluminum vs Vinyl Siding: Key Differences and More - Angi It's susceptible to warping or cracking depending on the climate you live in. Is vinyl siding bad for the environment? Same stuff, and volume-wise it Even if you install the siding perfectly it can sometimes happen because vinyl expands and contracts from hot and cold weather. According to life cycle models, such as BEES (Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability, which was developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology as a way to compare building products from a life-cycle perspective), vinyl siding proved to have a lower environmental impact than most other claddings except wood. Here in New England, white cedar shingles are commonly used for siding. I am not a big fan of vinyl siding, but good vinyl can certainly fit a need and I believe, be a long lived alternative. Moreover, patching up only the damaged parts of the siding is impossible. Look at things like the trim, J-channel and soffit. Types of House Siding Pros and Cons | Choose the Right Siding - Angi They last for many decades and are fully, 100% recyclable and even better, compostable. Or will you? No matter how it's used, exterior vinyl has quite a few disadvantages, including the following: It fades. With vinyl new pieces may not match the other siding at all which will look terrible. The main purpose of cladding, like roofing, is to keep water out of your house. Vinyl siding generally has a fake, plastic appearance which is a given since thats what its made of. Can You Paint Vinyl Siding: 15 Pros & Cons to Consider (Plus Care Tips! Are Brick and Stone Still the Ultimate in Exteriors? I came across a study where a lot of innocent mice gave up their lives being exposed to smoke from various burning materials. Cons. Since many home buyers regard vinyl siding as inferior, it may result in lower offers for your home if you should decide to sell. In addition, creating PVC requires vast amounts of electricity. There's always another side to the coin and for vinyl, there are a few cons to consider before investing in this siding option. ), How Many Squash Seeds Per Hole To Plant?
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