Truth, Lies, and Vinyl Siding: 4 Old Wives’ Tales

Although vinyl is an extremely popular siding material, a number of widespread misconceptions about it have led some homeowners to reject it in favor of other materials. In today’s post, Vinylume separates fact from fiction:

1. It Is a Major Dioxin Producer

Dioxin is a toxic product of combustion. Yes, it’s true that the production of vinyl siding does create dioxide. However, it represents less than 0.05% of the total amount the gas released into the atmosphere. Most of the dioxin in the atmosphere comes from natural sources, such as volcanoes, forest fires, and the burning of wood at home.

2. It Is Bad for the Environment Because It’s Synthetic

Although vinyl is a man-made material, vinyl siding can last for decades, which makes it a sustainable choice. In fact, it never requires painting throughout its service life, which eliminates the need to use contaminants. Although wood is a natural material, it is actually worse for the environment due to its constant need for repainting.

3. It Is Not Recyclable

This is perhaps the biggest baloney ever said about shake, shingle, scallop, lap, vertical, and horizontal vinyl siding systems. Old vinyl materials are completely reusable as new products. In fact, our CertainTeed vinyl siding solutions are made of 80% post-consumer or recycled content. When it comes to NAHB and LEED guidelines for sustainability, our products are up to snuff.

4. It Spreads Fire Easily

On the contrary, vinyl is actually a fire-retardant. Compared with other organic materials, vinyl building products are hard to ignite, requiring about 730°F and resisting self-ignition until about 850°F. In contrast, common wood ignites from a flame at about 500°F and self-ignites at 770°F.

CertainTeed vinyl gives you the best of both worlds: it has the same appearance as real wood, but doesn’t burn like real wood. Furthermore, ASTM D2863 tests reveal that polyvinyl chloride, vinyl’s main component, needs extraordinarily high concentrations of oxygen to sustain combustion. When exposed to air with a normal amount of oxygen (about 21%), burning vinyl would extinguish quickly.

Of all the siding materials on the market today, vinyl offers the best trade-offs among beauty, durability, energy efficiency, affordability, sustainability, and maintenance. Let us talk about your vinyl re-siding project in Connecticut. Call Vinylume now at (866) 244-8029 for your FREE, no-obligation consultation and estimate.