Maintenance
How can I protect vinyl siding from discoloration?
Cover vinyl siding when using stains, sealants, and wet concrete as part of other home renovation projects. Certain insecticides or herbicides can potentially stain vinyl siding. Consult the product labels and/or the insecticide or herbicide manufacturer before applying.
How does heat affect vinyl siding?
Vinyl siding is made from organic materials and can melt when exposed to a significant heat source. Vinyl is a combustible material, but will not readily ignite unless exposed to flames from an existing fire. Home and building owners with all types of siding should always take precautions to keep heat sources such as barbeque grills, and readily ignitable materials such as dry leaves, mulch, and trash away from the structure.
How does heat from reflected light affect vinyl siding?
Abnormally concentrated sunlight reflected onto vinyl siding by windows can result in surface temperatures far exceeding those caused by direct exposure to the sun. Temperatures necessary to cause significant distortion of vinyl siding are not routinely achieved, even when siding is exposed to both direct sunlight and the reflection from normal, flat window glass. However, under some conditions the glass in energy efficient windows can become concave, forming a mirror that concentrates sunlight in a small area. Temperatures in this area can be greater than many building materials, including vinyl siding, are designed to withstand.
The best way to avoid or reduce this problem depends on the specific circumstances. However, anything that blocks the path of sunlight, either to the window or between the window and the siding, will eliminate or reduce the problem. This includes the strategic placement of trees, bushes or other landscaping elements and the use of sunshades above windows. Screening applied to windows may reduce the total amount of reflected energy sufficiently to avoid the problem.
Can I paint vinyl siding?
Consult with your vinyl siding manufacturer before painting vinyl siding. Many manufacturers void their warranties if the siding is painted.
What kind of vinyl siding should I use if I'm planning to reside my home?
There are many different shapes, colors, and textures of vinyl siding. While VSI does not recommend any one type or brand, it does sponsor the VSI Vinyl Siding Product Certification Program that helps ensure the quality of vinyl siding through a third-party inspection process. Vinyl siding certified through VSI's program carries a special logo on its packaging that means it has been independently verified to meet or exceed the industry standard for quality. For more information about which brands of vinyl siding are certified, click here for our searchable database of certified products.
For more information on vinyl siding, contact a manufacturing member or explore this website.