Vinyl siding is the most popular siding choice among homeowners. Affordability and ease of maintenance are the primary reasons it is such a popular choice.
According to the Vinyl Siding Institute, the durability of vinyl siding continually improves over time. Color retention is a major area of improvement. The result is less need for painting especially compared to wood and other types of siding. Less painting can mean less lead and other additives from paint which can contaminate the environment.
The life span for vinyl has been increasing as well. Because of it’s durability coupled with color retention, there is less turnover of siding materials. No replacement means less manufacturing of replacement siding and less energy expended.
Vinyl siding is also recyclable. No Landfills. No Dumps. What could be better than the combination of affordability, long life and being recycled at the end of its service life.
Proper Disposal of Used Vinyl Siding Important
It is important to know vinyl siding is composed mainly of polyvinyl chloride, or PVC. When burned,
it can emit dioxin and chlorine gas. Dioxin is a known carcinogen and chlorine gas was actually weaponized in World War I. Chlorine gas can be a respiratory irritant and with extremely high levels can lead to death by asphyxiation. On occasion, with house fires, the gasses released by vinyl siding can harm occupants before the fire reaches them. For perspective, consider that the production of concrete, which is used in fiber cement siding and masonry siding, creates more dioxin than the PVC used in siding.
Despite concerns about the gases emitted by vinyl siding when it is burned, many experts believe the risks are exaggerated and it also comes with certain environmental benefits relative to other siding types. For example –
In 2008 and 2009, Newport Ventures, an independent energy consulting firm, conducted a study to determine if insulated vinyl siding keeps homes warmer in winter than other siding choices. Done in the state New York, the study demonstrated insulated vinyl siding keeps homes significantly warmer during the winter months than the standard fiber cement siding products. The study also showed insulated vinyl siding would save homeowners in the state of New York an average of $56 per year in reduced energy consumption.
Vinyl Used for Siding And Much More in Madison WI
Vinyl is often referred to as the “infrastructure plastic,” and with good reason. Approximately 76 percent of al PVC is used in building and construction applications. Vinyl is used so widely in the construction industry because of its durability, easy installation and cost-effectiveness. In the construction market, vinyl is used for:
- siding
- irrigation & sewer
- electrical conduit
- window frames
- single-ply roofing
- water distribution
- wire and cable insulation
- floor and wallcoverings
- fencing
- gutters and downspouts
- landfill liners
- fire-sprinkler piping
- piping used in food processing
- piping used in chemical processing & other manufacturing
Throughout all facets of construction, PVC’s durability provides an important environmental benefit, because the longer a product lasts, the less energy and other resources must be expended to make and install replacement products. PVC also conserves energy in manufacture and more importantly in use.
Vinyl Siding A Green Solution In Its Own Way
With continued improvements, vinyl siding will continue to offer more options and increased durability. For homeowners looking for easier and greener home exterior options, today’s products make sense.
As professional siding contractors, Sims Exteriors and Sims Remodeling, Inc. has helped homeowners in the Madison WI area and all of Southern Wisconsin with siding, roofing and replacement windows in their homes and businesses for years.
Sims Exterior and Remodeling’s siding experts serve the greater Madison WI area, including Middleton, Waunakee, Fitchburg, Oregon, Verona, McFarland, Stoughton, Cottage Grove, Sun Prairie, DeForest and all of Dane County.
Call or email Sims Exteriors and Remodeling today for more information and help with your vinyl siding project in Madison WI.
Vinyl Siding Zone – Certainteed