Vinyl siding is one of the most popular exterior materials on American homes, yet a handful of vinyl siding myths keep coming up. Some people worry it is unsafe, flimsy, ugly or bad for the environment. Here is what is actually true, so you can make an informed decision about your Connecticut home.
Vinyl Siding Myths About Safety
Is vinyl siding full of harmful chemicals?
Vinyl siding is made from PVC, a man-made plastic, so some people assume it must be hazardous to live with. In fact, the concerns about chemicals such as dioxins relate to the manufacturing process. Once the siding is on your house it is stable. The Vinyl Siding Institute covers this in its safety and security overview.
Does vinyl siding make house fires worse?
PVC siding is naturally fire retardant. It does not ignite until it reaches about 730°F, while wood ignites closer to 500°F. It is also easier to extinguish than many materials because it needs a higher than normal amount of oxygen to keep burning.
Burning vinyl does release dangerous fumes, but that is not unique to vinyl. Anything that burns, including wood, gives off carbon monoxide and other harmful gases.
Myth: Vinyl Siding Is Flimsy
Vinyl siding stands up well to heat and cold. It resists moisture and the rot and mold that come with it, and it is made to withstand winds up to 110 mph.
That durability means a long service life. The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors estimates that vinyl siding should last at least 60 years with very little maintenance.
Myth: Vinyl Siding Is Ugly
Vinyl siding has moved well past the days when it was only an imitation of cedar clapboards. It now comes in a wide range of colors, profiles and textures, so you can choose the look you want. It also never needs the regular painting that wood does.
The same is true of other vinyl products for the home. Modern vinyl replacement windows come in many styles, hold their finish and are just as easy to care for.
Myth: Vinyl Siding Is Not Environmentally Friendly
At first glance a natural material like wood or stone seems like the greener choice. The picture changes when you look at the whole service life. Vinyl lasts a long time and needs very little maintenance, with no repeated painting or staining. That helps it score well in life cycle assessments compared with materials such as brick and fiber cement. It can also be recycled at the end of its life.
The Bottom Line on Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is a safe, attractive and low-maintenance option for most homes. For more on what it offers, read our post on the benefits of vinyl siding for your home.
Siding is only one part of an exterior. Drafty windows and a worn front door affect comfort and curb appeal just as much. New entry doors and patio doors and well-fitted storm doors are often the quickest way to freshen up the front of a house.
Planning an Exterior Update in Connecticut?
Aladdin Inc. is a family-owned home exterior contractor in Wallingford. If you are thinking about new windows, doors or other exterior improvements, get in touch with our team or call (203) 776-9996.