Does Vinyl Siding Melt In Colorado?

Will Vinyl Siding Melt or Warp?

We get this question a lot from potential clients and the answer is–yes.  While vinyl siding is a great option for homes, especially those with a value of under $250,000 it does react differently to the extreme Colorado sun compared to other products like James Hardie Fiber Cement siding for example. As with any siding product on the market today there are pros and cons to vinyl. Although this article discusses the drawback of vinyl’s inability to stand up to extreme heat, one must keep in mind that it does have the benefit of being less expensive than alternative siding options and is much more energy efficient compared to the old wood and aluminum siding choices.  That being said,  it is true of vinyl siding that, with a perfect storm of variables, vinyl siding could be at risk for melting from a window reflection and gives virtually no resistance to fire of any sort.  Which in Colorado could be a factor. Older and normal grade types of vinyl siding are especially susceptible to these types of risks.

Why Does Vinyl Siding Melt And Warp?

Primarily you will see vinyl siding melting due to the reflection from energy efficient windows which have materials like titanium zinc dioxide and crystalline structures to help reflect sunlight from the windows.  The solar heat reflected off these window has to go somewhere and when it is reflected onto vinyl siding the resulting temperature melts the vinyl siding.

Can I stop my Vinyl Siding From Melting?

From our point of view the best way to avoid problems with vinyl siding melting from window reflection or warping with sun exposure is to replace the siding as soon as you can, or the next time you need to with James Hardie Fiber Cement siding which is arguably the best siding, dollar for dollar that money can buy.  However, replacing siding right away is obviously not something you can just do–in large part due to budget constraints.  If you find yourself in a position in which your siding is melting from solar heat reflection off windows or other reasons, here are a few ways you could potentially mitigate the damage:

  1.  Place a Full Screen over the window causing the reflection
  2. Use a PTI screen or film over the window causing the reflection
  3. Cover the Low-E windows with awnings
  4. Plant a landscape buffer between the reflecting window and the siding

If you have any questions about your vinyl siding or are considering upgrading to a stronger more durable siding like James Hardie Fiber Cement, contact us at Colorado Siding.  We can answer all your questions and help you make the best, most informed decisions about your home’s siding.

Martin Faith is a proud Scotsman, business owner, and home improvement expert. In 2002, after an unfortunate experience with a local contractor and a siding project gone wrong, Martin decided to start his own home improvements company. His goal was to help other homeowners avoid having to suffer through the same experience. He founded Scottish Home Improvements, a customer-focused siding company based in Denver. Martin's small business grew rapidly and today is the largest siding company in the state. With an A+ Rating from the BBB, recognition as a Preferred James Hardie Elite Contractor, and over fifteen years of experience, Scottish Home Improvements is the number one trusted source for residential and commercial siding in Colorado.

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