Vinyl Siding Advantages and Disadvantages

Jan 14
09:15

2011

Aaliyah Arthur

Aaliyah Arthur

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This article cites the advantages and disadvantages of vinyl siding. It also lists down some of the uses of this material in modern applications.

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Vinyl siding is an exterior cladding that is commonly used instead of traditional wood and other materials. It basically looks like several planks of wood that have been arranged in such a way that they overlap each other horizontally and create a sort of protection for the house. This kind of exterior is commonly made of polyvinyl chloride plastic which can expand and shrink just like real wood as the seasons change. There are a variety of colors,Vinyl Siding Advantages and Disadvantages Articles designs and other details that enable it to look wooden enough. These are installed in panels which can be replaced one at a time if and when there is damage to one.

Advantages

Vinyl siding has been touted as a very useful architectural tool. The reasons behind the praise is the fact that it is hardy and durable enough to last several decades when cared for properly. These panels actually help to protect the home from the weather and reduce the need for repainting when wear and tear set in. They can also help to reduce the attacks of insects on the wood because they basically coat it. 

Another advantage is the array of colors available for the homeowners. Since these panels come in their respective colors, one can expect that these would be uniformly colored. This means that there will be some satisfaction when it comes to expectations being met. While it may not exactly be maintenance free, vinyl siding can be less of a hassle to maintain than wood and other materials. The panels will need to be washed at least once in a year’s time to maintain their cleanliness.

Disadvantages

The disadvantages of vinyl siding are quite numerous compared to its advantages but these do not impact the popularity of the product. One of the major disadvantages of the product is the many concerns about its impact on the environment and the health of people. This material does not degrade so well and its effects can last in the environment for a long time. Since it is a form of plastic, there are many concerns regarding its impact on the environment. 

The material can last up to a very long time but as paneling, which is stretched over a firm surface there is inevitable risk of damage. Once a panel is damaged from an impact or a sharp stab the panel will need to be replaced as a whole. Hits from large objects such as lawnmowers or vehicles can cause the material to crack and lead to water seepage. 

Weather can also affect the durability of the paneling and cause it to become brittle and dry. This makes it prone to cracks even without it getting hit. Once there are cracks or splits on the panel, water can seep in and make the area conducive to molds, mildew, rotting and infestations from insects. The gloss of the material can also fade in time. This means that if a panel needs to be replaced, the current faded color or the entire side might not actually match the color of the new replacement panel. 

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