When ethylene and chlorine gases are mixed, they create a white powder called vinyl resin. The resin can be melted and blended with different additives to create products ranging from shower curtains to PVC pipe. Vinyl is also a popular material for siding, and today’s virgin vinyl siding’s additives make it more UV resistant than products that came before. Below, you’ll find out more about this popular type of siding, and you’ll learn how to choose the right siding for your home.
How Realistic of a Look do you Want?
Most of today’s vinyl siding is die-extruded, and panels fabricated in such a manner can be made in any length. The panels look great, but if you want deeper patterns and crisper edges, it should be molded from polypropylene vinyl. These panels are usually four feet or less in length.
What Level of Stiffness do you Need in Siding?
Unsupported or thin Vinyl Siding in Connecticut is more likely to droop or sag over time. The thinnest panels that are up to code are .035″ thick; premium siding ranges from .044-.048″ thick, and some makers sell .055″ siding. Thicker panels are more resistant to sagging, but stiffness is dependent on other characteristics as well.
The biggest reason to get stiff siding is its wind resistance. If you live in a location prone to heavy winds and strong storms, be sure to carefully read the manufacturer’s warranty. This information will give you an idea of how wind-resistant your siding is; some panels comply with the strictest wind codes (such as Miami’s, which is 148 mph).
Moisture Resistance
Every type of vinyl siding is unique, but all have one thing in common. Contrary to popular belief, Vinyl Siding in Connecticut is less prone to moisture retention than its wooden counterparts are. The reason for this is that the panel butts have built-in weep holes. For proper contraction and expansion, vinyl siding has to be loosely hung, and air can flow freely around it.
Just as is true with a wooden siding installation, you should ask your siding contractor to install flashing, builder’s felt and/or housewrap before hanging the siding. A top-quality installation depends mostly on the quality of the workmanship; before hiring a contractor from website be sure to ask for credentials, certifications and references from satisfied customers.
