Everything You Need to Know About Vinyl Siding

You’ve seen and heard the word ‘vinyl’ countless times, but how much do you actually know about this material? While it may be used in homes and products across the country, you may be surprised to learn what vinyl actually is and how it can affect your home and loved ones. Here’s a more in-depth look at what goes into your Vinyl Siding.

What is Vinyl?

‘Vinyl’ is actually short for polyvinyl chloride — more commonly known as PVC. This is a plastic resin, which is a compound that starts out at a syrupy consistency and hardens after specialized treatments. Since vinyl is nonporous and can keep air and moisture out, it’s an ideal choice for home siding. Aside from home exteriors, you can find vinyl in anything from water bottles and credit cards to flooring and even outdoor furniture.

Is Vinyl Safe?

Not all Vinyl Siding is created equally. Some types of vinyl contain compounds like phthalates, which have gained widespread notoriety for being dangerous to humans and animals. However, there are multiple types of phthalates and research is still being rigorously conducted to learn how phthalates in vinyl affect people. While vinyl products with phthalates have been safely used in siding for many years, phthalate-free options are becoming more readily available than ever.

Is Vinyl Expensive?

Vinyl is actually one of the most inexpensive products on the market, which makes it a popular material for home renovation. In fact, it’s is a great choice for anyone looking to have their siding redone at a very low cost — you can typically expect to pay as little as $1-$8 per square foot when you choose Vinyl Siding.

Whether you’re hoping to redo your siding or are just curious about the materials used in your home, being informed on vinyl can help you make the right decisions for yourself and your loved ones.