Wrote this recently on my Tips and Tricks Blog
Vinyl siding, also known as uPVC weatherboarding has been a very popular siding in the United States since its invention in 1958, no doubt because it is very durable, maintenance free, rot-proof, termite-proof, and much more affordible than wood or aluminum siding. It's also easier to install than wood siding; installation is a manageable DIY project for moderate to expert experienced do it yourselfers. From a distance, it has the look of wood siding but, up close, is clearly an embossed vinyl product. Approximately 75%-85% of its weight is PVC resin, with the remaining +/-20 percent being composed of other ingredients that establish flexibility, gloss, color, opacity, impact resistance, and durability (which may vary by manufacturer.)
Extruded from polyvinyl chloride resin, vinyl siding is not popular with from an environmental standpoint because of concerns about its processing, manufacturing, and disposal. It is a petroleum-based product and the manufacture of polyvinyl chloride is known to produce dioxin and other known carcinogens.
So here's the basics of Vinyl Siding:
Durability: 35-45 years (or to life of structure).
Maintenance: Pressure wash or thorough hose washing every year.
Installation: 5 out of 10. Can be done with the proper tools and a little training. Can be cost worthy to call a Vinyl Siding Professional
Advantages & Disadvantages: Won't rot, rust, peel, or blister. Light colors only. Sun may cause fading.
Vinyl siding, also known as uPVC weatherboarding has been a very popular siding in the United States since its invention in 1958, no doubt because it is very durable, maintenance free, rot-proof, termite-proof, and much more affordible than wood or aluminum siding. It's also easier to install than wood siding; installation is a manageable DIY project for moderate to expert experienced do it yourselfers. From a distance, it has the look of wood siding but, up close, is clearly an embossed vinyl product. Approximately 75%-85% of its weight is PVC resin, with the remaining +/-20 percent being composed of other ingredients that establish flexibility, gloss, color, opacity, impact resistance, and durability (which may vary by manufacturer.)
Extruded from polyvinyl chloride resin, vinyl siding is not popular with from an environmental standpoint because of concerns about its processing, manufacturing, and disposal. It is a petroleum-based product and the manufacture of polyvinyl chloride is known to produce dioxin and other known carcinogens.
So here's the basics of Vinyl Siding:
Durability: 35-45 years (or to life of structure).
Maintenance: Pressure wash or thorough hose washing every year.
Installation: 5 out of 10. Can be done with the proper tools and a little training. Can be cost worthy to call a Vinyl Siding Professional
Advantages & Disadvantages: Won't rot, rust, peel, or blister. Light colors only. Sun may cause fading.
