Tag: vinyl siding

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Maximizing Energy & Style: Exploring the Benefits of Insulated Vinyl Siding

Not all vinyl siding is created equal. Depending on material, technology, manufacturing processes, and other factors, vinyl siding comes in a range options and price points that vary in both performance and aesthetics. Among those options is insulated vinyl siding, which, just as it sounds, is vinyl siding with a foam backing that can help enhance both the appearance and the thermal insulation value of the home.

What’s Unique About Insulated Vinyl Siding?

The insulation board on the back of CraneBoard® Solid Core Siding® from Westlake Royal Building Products™ is just 1-1/8-inch inch thick, but it packs quite a benefit punch.

High-End Aesthetics

You can notice the difference from the curb: Because the insulation backing provides for a more robust, stiff panel, CraneBoard comes in wide, architecturally correct 6-inch and 7-inch panels for a truly authentic cedar look and in 12-foot and 16-foot lengths for fewer seams. The rigid panel helps straighten walls for a clean, smooth finished appearance.

Along with the wider profiles, CraneBoard also is available in Quad 4.5-inch Dutchlap and Board & Batten styles to meet any design aesthetic.

CraneBoard Solid Core insulated vinyl siding

Improved Thermal Performance

Insulated vinyl siding wraps the home’s exterior in a layer of continuous insulation, helping to reduce what’s called “thermal bridging.” This phenomenon occurs when heat and energy escape the house through the pathway of the house framing, which, unlike a wall cavity, is not insulated. By collectively covering those framing studs with foam insulation, insulated vinyl siding helps dramatically reduce heat loss.

You can see how this works in this side-by-side comparison using a thermal imaging camera. On the left is a house without insulated vinyl siding. The yellow area shows how heat transfers through the studs. On the right is the same house with CraneBoard siding; CraneBoard, shown in blue, cuts down on the energy lost through the studs of the home’s walls.

Thermal bridging of regular siding vs. insulated siding

As a result, CraneBoard Solid Core Siding offers significantly more insulating power than fiber cement, wood, engineered wood, or brick.

Noise Reduction

The foam insulation backing on CraneBoard also helps reduce the transmission of external noise, contributing to a quieter interior.

Moisture Management

CraneBoard Solid Core Siding is the only insulated siding with the Smart Track™ system with moisture management ridges, which helps water that may be behind the siding (due to wind-driven rain or through vapor coming through the wall assembly) to escape.

CraneBoard Insulated Vinyl Siding Offers Color That Lasts

Along with the added value the insulation brings, CraneBoard Solid Core Siding offers a range of additional benefits that contribute to longevity in form and function.

Unlike wood, engineered wood, and fiber cement, CraneBoard siding doesn’t require periodic caulking or repainting. It features Chromatix® technology color protection to help

effortlessly maintain the original look. In fact, the use of Chromatix technology enables Westlake Royal to warranty fade to as low as 4 Hunter Units (a common measure of color difference). (Read more about this here.)

So whether your customers are seeking the richness of Lighthouse Red, the brilliant blue of Indigo, or the cozy appeal of Greystone, they can count on color the lasts, siding that is easy to maintain, curb appeal the endures—and the added power of insulation.

Learn more about CraneBoard here.

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How to Use Board-and-Batten Vinyl Siding

When it comes to siding trends, one of the biggest ongoing trends is vertical installations—and board-and-batten in particular. Whether a full façade for a Modern Farmhouse exterior or used in a gable accent, board-and-batten styles can add a traditional or contemporary touch and are an easy, eye-catching way to create popular multi-textured facades. And for ease and affordability, board-and-batten vinyl siding options are readily available.

In fact, board-and-batten vinyl siding offers some installation advantages over fiber cement board-and-batten: Namely, with full profiles and an integrated nailing hem, there’s no need to cut battens, no extra prep work to hide nails behind battens, and no worries about water getting behind the battens. Plus, you’ll have fewer penetrations into the wall envelope.

Board-and-Batten Vinyl Options

Westlake Royal Building Products™ offers board-and-batten vinyl siding options in two design options: a 7” o.c. batten and a 10” o.c. batten.

Exterior Portfolio® Board-and-Batten siding features a traditional 7” on-center vertical batten profile, with a low-gloss finish that replicates the look of cedar. It has a seamless appearance suitable for the full façade or an accent, and it is designed to withstand winds of up to 170 mph.

Exterior Portfolio Board-and-Batten vinyl siding
The gable of this home features Exterior Portfolio Board-and-Batten vinyl siding in Espresso

CraneBoard® Solid Core Siding® comes in a board-and-batten profile with a 10” on-center batten for a more robust look, and its Double 10” design means fewer panels to install. The wider batten is made possible by CraneBoard’s insulated backing, which adds greater rigidity, more thermal resistance, and a more robust appearance.

Both board-and-batten siding options feature Chromatix™ technology that helps keep colors from fading.

Accents include CraneBoard board-and-batten vinyl siding in Cypress.
Accents on this home include CraneBoard board-and-batten in Cypress.

Best Practices for Installing Board-and-Batten Vinyl Siding

Like any board-and-batten application, pre-planning your board-and-batten vinyl siding is critical to ensure an aesthetically pleasing result. Start by finding the center of your wall and planning outward in both horizontal directions to ensure your panels are even on either end and the overall look of the wall is balanced. Otherwise, you may end up with an asymmetrical appearance.

Unlike traditional vinyl siding installation, board-and-batten vinyl siding profiles install vertically. Requirements may vary from product to product, so be sure to follow all manufacturer instructions, including requirements or recommendations for water-resistant barriers.

CraneBoard board-and-batten vinyl siding in Lighthouse Red.
CraneBoard board-and-batten insulated siding in Lighthouse Red.

Vertical installation means you won’t nail into the studs, with nails 16” o.c., like horizontal applications. Because of this, be sure to use a sheathing rated as a nailable substrate. More nails also will be required—Westlake Royal, for example, recommends nails every 12” for board-and-batten vinyl siding instead of the typical 16”.

Like any vinyl siding application, the same principles apply to accommodate normal expansion and contraction: Nail loosely, not completely flush, and follow instructions for proper gaps at top and bottom (particularly at the bottom as vertically hung siding is likely to expand downward). Hang the siding from top to bottom, with the top nail in the top of the slot and the rest in the middle.

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What Does Low-Maintenance Siding Truly Mean?

Premium Pointe low-maintenance siding

These days, low-maintenance siding is one of the most popular trends in home exteriors. And nearly every siding manufacturer is touting the low-maintenance aspects of their cladding materials. Unfortunately, there are no industry standards around low-maintenance claims, and therefore no way for buyers to fully understand what “low maintenance” truly means when it comes to individual products.

The Challenge of “Low Maintenance” Siding

Without a universal approach or definition of low maintenance, it’s important for pros and DIYers to ask questions and understand how each manufacturer defines low-maintenance for their siding products.

Here are some areas to watch out for.

Low-maintenance siding means different things to different manufacturers

When trying a new material, always research a manufacturer’s maintenance claims, including reading the warranty, and compare it to other materials. Don’t take claims at face value without inquiring for greater detail.

This graphic from the Vinyl Siding Institute provides an example of how maintenance needs vary from material to material.

Vinyl Siding Institute graphic shows what defines low-maintenance siding across categories

Moisture resistance and its impact on low maintenance siding

Often seen in concert with low maintenance, moisture resistance is another term often used but not always defined clearly. For example, some fiber cement products claim to be “moisture resistant,” but also cannot be installed against moisture-prone areas like the masonry or the ground. Compare that to vinyl siding or TruExterior poly-ash siding, both of which can be installed directly against those elements.

Moisture is one of the biggest challenges homeowners face when it comes to siding performance and longevity, so understand how each siding material handles moisture and be sure to adjust installation practices and maintenance expectations accordingly.

Maintenance doesn’t just impact the material itself

When investigating low-maintenance siding, consider the other products used in its installation. For example, if a cladding requires caulking to prevent moisture from infiltrating the cladding layer, that caulk is a secondary maintenance liability, requiring regular inspection and replacement before the siding’s life span is complete. 

Read the fine print on painting

Some siding warranties are divided into categories, with different guarantees for product life span versus details like color and fading. For example, if you compare Royal’s and Exterior Portfolio’s surface finish coverage versus a fiber cement manufacturer’s prefinished offering, Royal and Exterior Portfolio both offer a Double Lifetime Warranty with fade coverage of 3 or 4 Hunter units, depending on the color, while the fiber cement product carries just a 15-year warranty for chipping and flaking, but only covers fade of up to 4 Delta E for only three years. This means homeowners may need to repaint their fiber cement in a few years if they wish to maintain a color close to what they purchased.

The Importance of Low-Maintenance Siding

Homeowners are increasingly seeking exterior cladding materials that don’t require frequent painting, caulking, and other maintenance. And for many, it’s worth additional upfront investment to avoid those hassles. That’s why it’s important to do your due diligence when considering new materials and truly understand what the manufacturer is claiming when they describe their product as low maintenance. Doing so can not only ensure that the siding meets customers’ expectations, but that they know what to expect for future maintenance expenses. This is particularly important for multifamily properties, where building management and HOAs need to prepare for future assessments for large-scale painting and exterior maintenance.

Have questions about the maintenance needs for Westlake Royal Building Products’ portfolio of siding materials? Contact us today.

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Siding Warranties: Always Understand the Fine Print

Royal Residential siding offers robust siding warranties

Among the many considerations when specifying building products is the robustness of warranties. After all, what better indicator of product quality and lifespan? Unfortunately, the language of siding warranties—and nearly every building product, for that matter—can vary greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer. If you don’t read the fine print, you and your customers may be left helpless in the face of fading and decaying products.

Here’s what to look out for.

Get to Know Your Siding Warranties

Warranties are notoriously hard to decipher—there’s a lot of jargon, legal speak, and fine print. But making sure you understand the meaning behind the warranty and what it actually covers can be key for your customers as well as your business.

When in doubt, ask your salesperson for a layman’s explanation for what the warranty covers and when. For siding, this not only means manufacturer defects and other obvious flaws, but also color and fading. For what length of time is fading covered? And how much is considered fading? 

Vinyl siding is one product category in which you might find some big differences if you dig into the fine print.

Exterior Portfolio carries Double Lifetime siding warranties

For example, our Royal® and Exterior Portfolio® siding lines with Chromatix Color Technology carry an industry-leading Double Lifetime Warranty. While most other vinyl companies prorate the coverage for the second owner of the house, Royal and Exterior Portfolio provide full coverage to the second owner. This additional coverage not only instills peace of mind, it can help increase resale value.

In addition to Double Lifetime coverage, the use of Chromatix technology enables us to warrant fade to as low as 3 Hunter Units (a common measure of color difference), while most other vinyl manufacturers only warrant a higher fade amount of 4 Hunter Units. The following image shows the approximate magnitude of 3 Hunter Units of fade with a typical gray color.

comparing Hunter Units for siding warranties

This also can be the case in considering vinyl siding to other materials. In comparing Royal’s and Exterior Portfolio’s surface finish coverage versus a fiber cement manufacturer’s prefinished offering, Royal and Exterior Portfolio both offer a Double Lifetime Warranty with fade coverage of 3 or 4 Hunter units, depending on the color, while the fiber cement product carries just a 15-year warranty for chipping and flaking, but only covers fade of up to 4 Delta E for only three years.

These are just two examples of why it’s incredibly important to read the fine print—not just the warranty claims in bold on manufacturers’ marketing materials. For further guidance, reach out to our customer service representatives to get more details and help break through the legalese.

To get more product insights, subscribe to our monthly enewsletter.

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25 Years of Vinyl Siding Certification

The Vinyl Siding Institute recently marked the 25th anniversary of its Product Certification Program, an important tool for buyers and specifiers to identify siding materials that are code compliant and high quality. Products listed under VSI’s Product Certification Program are tested and validated by an independent ISO/IEC 17065 accredited third-party certification body to deliver superior protection and meet and exceed international code standards.

“The program’s goal was standardizing the industry as a whole so that all manufacturers were on a level playing field and that products were consistently produced and distributed to the standards established,” explained Sara Krompholz, VSI’s senior director of technical and certification. “The program was also designed to achieve greater consumer confidence.”

VSI Certified Products provide quick, at-a-glance verification of code compliance, eliminating the need for specifiers to research manufacturer documentation. The products also are tested and proven to stand up to harsh conditions. The program certifies traditional vinyl siding, insulated vinyl siding, and polypropylene siding.

The Evolution of Vinyl Siding Certification

According to VSI, the organization has continued to expand and refine the Certified Products Program as the market has required. This includes adding standards for color in 2006 and adding wind-load testing in 2008. And in 2021, VSI relaunched the program as an independent third-party program with ISO/IEC 17065 accreditation, with Intertek as the certification body. With this change, products in the program must carry a Product Certification Listing (PCL) declaring that it complies with recognized standard. An optional Product Evaluation Report (PER), which denotes that a product meets recognized standards and requirements for building codes, is also available.

VSI says it will continue to evaluate, refine, and adapt the Product Certification Program as it moves forward. “The sky’s the limit,” said Krompholz. “We are continuing to evolve and expand our scope as evidenced by the addition of backed siding. We are working on recognizing Canadian certification to the National Building Code of Canada (NBC). In the future, we might consider adding accessories and other PVC-related materials, and a scheme has been written to allow us to include expansion opportunities, which could also expand membership.”

Westlake Royal Building Products Certified Under VSI’s Program

Nearly all vinyl siding products from Westlake Royal Building Products are certified under VSI’s Product Certification Program. These include:

For more details on Certified Products, visit the VSI certified products listing and search “Westlake.”

To view products, browse idea galleries, and order samples, visit Westlake Royal Siding Solutions™.

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Accommodating Expansion and Contraction in Vinyl Siding Installation

Exterior Portfolio siding creates a multi-textured facade

Vinyl siding is a fairly straightforward cladding to install, but, like any building material, it’s critical to follow proper vinyl siding installation procedures outlined by your manufacturer. And the No. 1 consideration to keep in mind? Managing expansion and contraction.

Nearly every material expands and contracts. And this phenomenon is one that’s easy to accommodate by following proper vinyl siding installation instructions. Vinyl siding manufacturers have designed their systems holistically to work well together, with a pocketed system design to hide any potential expansion and contraction of the materials.

The Potential Challenges of Expansion and Contraction

Like many PVC-based materials, vinyl siding will grow when it gets warm and shrink when it gets cold. A 12-foot vinyl siding panel could see a ½- to 5/8-inch difference in length between winter and summer. This basic principle drives nearly all installation guidelines for vinyl siding, and understanding the principle is important to ensure your exterior project looks as good as it should for years to come.

When you don’t accommodate for a siding panel’s potential movement, a number of things can happen. Nail the panel too tightly and it has no room to expand; this can result in rippling (also called oil canning) as the panel forces itself outward. A similar issue can occur if panels are too long on the ends. And if you  don’t trim the siding properly, visual gaps can appear as the panels contract.

Vinyl Siding Installation Strategies to Accommodate Expansion and Contraction

Avoiding these issues is fairly straightforward. Here are best practices to keep in mind:

• Nail vinyl siding panels properly: Most vinyl siding panels come with elongated nail slots. Drive the nail in the middle of the slot. Nail it loosely—leaving about a dime’s width between the fastener and the vinyl. Both of these practices will provide room for movement as the panel expands and contracts. Standard nail spacing is 16 inches on center, or 8 or 10 inches for high-wind areas; follow manufacturer instructions for nail type and spacing.

• Maintain a gap at ends: Vinyl siding should be installed with a gap at the end of the wall to accommodate expansion and contraction; make sure there is sufficient room to grow—a ¼-inch gap when installing in temperatures above 40 degrees F, and a 3/8-inch gap when installing in temperatures below 40 degrees F. Because of this, install J-channel trim to hide the gap as the panels contract.  

• Use care with top panels: It’s tempting to cut top panels to fit and then fasten them directly to the wall without the nailing hem. But this technique won’t leave room for expansion and contraction, and it also can trap water and block air movement that’s essential for keeping the wall cavity dry. Best practice is to install finish trim (also called sill trim or utility trim) at the top, cut the vinyl siding panel to height, and use a snap-lock tool to cut lugs to snap the panel into the trim. This holds the panel in place while still allowing for movement.

• Don’t ignore vertical installations: The use of vertically installed vinyl siding across the entire wall continues to grow. The same principles apply—nail loosely and leave proper gaps at top and bottom. Hang the siding from top to bottom, with the top nail in the top of the slot and the rest in the middle.

Following these simple steps, along with the other requirements in your vinyl siding installation instructions, can provide freedom of movement for the cladding, helping to ensure aesthetics and performance that last.

For more details, download the installation instructions for each of Westlake Royal Building Products’ siding brands, starting here. Also, check out the Vinyl Siding Institute’s Certified Installer program.

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Vinyl Siding vs. Fiber Cement Siding: Which Is Better for Your Project?

Housewrap, siding

The home’s exterior offers a host of product options, with one of the most important being which material to choose for the siding. The decision impacts not only the overall look of the house, but also its durability, upkeep, performance, and more.

Fiber cement has a reputation as a premium material, but there are many applications and situations in which vinyl is the ideal option for many homeowners.

Here are some considerations when weighing vinyl siding vs. fiber cement siding:

  • Moisture resistance: Though fiber cement is durable, it’s much more prone to moisture absorption than many people realize, and if it absorbs water, over time its matrix may expand and degrade, causing its paint to fail. To avoid wicking water, fiber cement can’t be installed in contact with a range of surfaces, including the ground and masonry. Vinyl, on the other hand, does not absorb moisture, and therefore does not have restrictions about installation against the ground and other materials.
  • Affordability: As a premium option, fiber cement often falls on the higher end of the siding cost spectrum, depending on brand and product. Vinyl siding has a much broader range of pricing options, offering some of the most affordable profiles on the market up to more premium options with more robust features or insulated backing. In other words, vinyl offers a little something for every budget.
  • Authentic looks: Vinyl siding also offers wood grains and shadow lines to evoke the look of cedar. More premium vinyl siding, such as Foundry Specialty Siding™ Grayne Shingle, for example, boasts even deeper grains and richer, weathered colors for increased curb appeal.
Foundry Grayne shingle in Aged Grey
  • Painting: Some fiber cement products come with factory-applied colors, but others only come primed for painting on site. Vinyl siding is manufactured with through-body color and requires no painting throughout its life.
  • Windload: Though lighter in weight, many vinyl siding options offer high windload resistance. Exterior Portfolio Siding™, for example, comes in options with wind resistance of up to 180 mph. Fiber cement may require face-nailing to achieve certain wind resistance ratings, taking away from the aesthetic.
  • Airflow: Vinyl siding sits off of the wall, so it allows for air movement between the siding and the wall sheathing, promoting drying and reducing the chance of mold and other moisture damage.
  • Warranty: Warranties are all about the fine print, so be sure to read them closely. For example, one fiber cement paint warranty is pro-rated and the fade coverage is for only three years. Vinyl siding warranties vary, but often surpass that of fiber cement. Exterior Portfolio comes with an industry-leading double lifetime warranty. 
  • Sustainability: Vinyl siding sometimes gets a bad rap in the green building community, but the numbers tell a very different story. Throughout its life cycle, vinyl releases significantly fewer toxic chemicals into the environment than other siding materials and has a lower overall environmental impact. Based on analysis using the BEES online software, vinyl siding has 79% less impact on global warming than fiber cement. (Learn more here.)
CraneBoard Solid Core Siding

One final consideration when it comes to comparing vinyl siding to fiber cement is simply versatility. Vinyl’s diverse range of profiles, colors, textures, and performance levels means there’s a little something for every home, no matter the location, style, or budget. To see this for yourself, browse the siding and trim brands from Westlake Royal Building Products here.

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Exterior Remodeling Projects Deliver Greatest Return on Investment, Study Says

Royal Siding, vinyl siding remodeling ROI

Before embarking on a remodeling project, whether large or small, most homeowners ponder not just their design preferences and lifestyle needs, but whether the renovation will add value to their home. Today’s Homeowner with Danny Lipford sought to bring clarity to the question with a recent study that looked into the return on investment of common remodeling projects. The data show that, resoundingly, exterior remodeling and renovation projects deliver the largest return, with garage doors leading the way.

Industry experts continue to tout the strength of the remodeling market, as homeowners elect to renovate their existing houses rather than navigate high interest rates and low inventory for new homes. “With Americans spending more time at home than ever, the total amount spent on renovations and upgrades soared by nearly 27% between 2020 and 2022,” Today’s Homeowner said.

But with material and labor costs also high, understanding which projects provide the most value is more important than ever.

The study examined data from 70,000 homes in more than 1,200 markets, analyzing the cost versus value recouped for 34 different project types. Today’s Homeowner found that the average return for all projects is 69%. But the average cost recovered for exterior remodeling projects is 23% higher than interior projects; in fact, the top 10 projects reaping the best ROI were on the exterior.

“Curb appeal really matters when selling your home,” Realtor Suzanne Coddington, of Dickens Mitchener, told Today’s Homeowner. “It’s difficult to get buyers to see a home that has little or no curb appeal.” 

Garage door replacement was the only project category to reap a full 100% return on investment, followed by wood window replacement (95.5% cost recovery), screened-in porch addition (92.9%), fiber cement replacement (92.7%), and vinyl siding replacement (91.0%) and vinyl window replacement (91.0%).

“When considering new siding, look for high-quality, low-maintenance materials,” Steve Booz, Vice President of Marketing & Product Management for Westlake Royal Building Products, advised the Today’s Homeowner audience. “Some products offer insulation or locking seams for increased energy efficiency. And don’t be afraid to play with color, texture, different profiles, and contrasting trim — siding can be beautiful as well as functional.”

The remaining projects in the top 10 comprised an in-ground pool (90.1%), composite deck addition (86.9%), concrete backyard patio (86.4%), and wood deck addition (80.1%).

To view the full study results and expert commentary, click here.

Looking to elevate your exteriors with high-ROI materials? Browse Westlake Royal Building Products’ extensive selection of vinyl siding and accessories.

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New Vinyl Siding EPDs Deliver Sustainability Transparency in User-Friendly Format

Three new EPDs from Vinyl Siding Institute

For building and design pros looking to maximize the sustainability of their homes, the Vinyl Siding Institute (VSI) has added another tool to help make greener product choices for the home exterior. VSI, of which Westlake Royal Building Products is a member, recently published three Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) outlining the life cycle story of polymeric siding. The EPDs’ user-friendly package makes it easier to understand the sustainability specifications of vinyl siding.

The three EPDs—covering industry-averaged vinyl siding, insulated vinyl siding, and polypropylene siding—were developed in accordance with standards developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Each outlines the environmental impact of the product over the course of its life, including raw material extraction and transport, manufacturing, and waste generation. By offering data in a transparent and standardized way, EPDs allow product specifiers to make apples-to-apples comparisons between different products and material types. This helps provide transparency and authenticity in sustainability research.

However, these newest EPDs forgo the typical numbers-heavy report that can feel too complex and unapproachable. Instead, VSI says the marketing-style guides feature easy-to-read text and graphics, along with an organized chronology of features and benefits that make the data more accessible and understandable for both pros and their customers.

Each EPD includes:

• A summary of vinyl siding advantages

• Detailed measurements outlining the siding’s carbon footprint, from the efficient manufacturing process to end-of-life recyclability

• A look at vinyl siding’s recyclability

• An overview of vinyl siding’s 50+-year life span

• Material elements

• A list of green building programs offering credits for vinyl siding

• Accessible metrics outlining environmental data and life cycle

Though vinyl siding has sometimes been overlooked for green buildings in the past, data reveal that vinyl outperforms almost all other common cladding materials in total environmental impact. This includes in the areas of waste, toxic chemicals, overall environmental impact, recyclability, and longevity. (Read more about vinyl siding’s green attributes.)

Download the new EPDs from VSI here:

• Vinyl siding EPD

• Insulated Vinyl Siding EPD

• Polypropylene Siding EPD

Ready to explore vinyl siding options for your next green-built home? Check out the options from Royal® Vinyl Siding, Exterior Portfolio® Vinyl, and Foundry™ Specialty Siding.

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Vinyl Siding: A Surprising Way to Go Green

Exterior Portfolio vinyl siding

Most people don’t consider vinyl an eco-friendly building product, but data show it actually is. There are misconceptions that vinyl siding doesn’t have sustainable design, production, or operations. But vinyl outperforms almost all other common cladding materials, including fiber cement and brick, in total environmental impact.

While the classic look of wood is forever timeless, new developments in design allow vinyl siding to look and feel like real wood, down to the actual grain. With vinyl, you can eliminate the cost and maintenance of wood and choose a sustainable, durable, and affordable alternative. If you, your company, or your customers are dedicated to greener construction and building practices, then vinyl siding is for you.

Less Waste

From production to construction, vinyl siding produces less waste than other building materials, such as brick and cement. Vinyl siding products require minimal raw material and produce virtually no waste. They also require less water and energy to produce than other building materials.

Lower Impact

Vinyl siding also maintains a low environmental impact over its lifespan. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) developed Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability (BEES) software to measure specific environmental concerns such as air pollution, acidification, and global warming potential in the environmental life cycle of products.

Throughout its life cycle, vinyl releases significantly fewer toxic chemicals into the environment than other siding materials and has a lower overall environmental impact.

Compared to vinyl siding, construction materials like fiber cement contribute 4x to global warming potential, 2x times to acidification, and over 3x to air pollution. Compared to other common sidings, vinyl performs amazingly well. According to the NIST, vinyl has a lower environmental impact than brick, and even rivals some wood siding.

Infographic courtesy Vinyl Siding Institute

Westlake Royal Building Products uses PVC resin as the backbone of Royal and Exterior Portfolio vinyl siding. This is derived from components in nature, such as common salt and natural gas, that make PVC weather-resistant, chemically stable, and lightweight.

Recyclable

While some argue that wood is a more eco-friendly siding option because it is biodegradable, vinyl siding lasts longer and is recyclable. Vinyl siding is recycled with post-consumer recycling, post-industrial recycling, and closed-loop recycling, meaning every part of its production and lifespan lends it to being easily reused.

Recycling reduces waste disposal and extraction of new materials while reducing landfill accumulation and incineration. Both lead to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions. Because of the nature of PVC, vinyl is a thermoplastic that can be ground up repeatedly, re-melted and formed into various new products even after the life expiration of the original product.

According to the Vinyl Siding Institute, 99% of scrap in manufacturing is recycled into other products rather than being sent to the landfill.

Longevity

The longevity of vinyl siding is part of what makes it so eco-friendly. Although recycling is an important component of sustainability, vinyl lasts such a long time it is unlikely to end up in the waste stream anytime soon. Many warranties on vinyl siding last for 40 years or more, meaning it doesn’t have to be ripped out and replaced very often.

Not only is vinyl long-lasting, but it’s low maintenance. Exterior siding that requires less care saves resources and reduces emissions and chemicals.

Thanks to innovative technology and sustainable practices, PVC vinyl siding is perfect for giving homeowners the aesthetic and performance they are looking for, while offering the peace of mind that our products were purpose-built to support a sustainable alternative and future.

Learn more about vinyl siding’s sustainability properties on the Vinyl Siding Institute’s website.

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The Business Case for Vinyl Siding

Foundry siding

For your homeowner customers, Foundry siding offers the ideal combination of features: The authentic look of cedar without high maintenance. That means years of curb appeal without worry or hassle. But along with these features that make Foundry an easy sell, vinyl siding also offers a host of benefits directly for you, thanks to easy installation, light weight, and low waste.

Here’s a look at the business benefits of vinyl siding, courtesy of the Vinyl Siding Institute.

Trouble viewing? Download the PDF from VSI here.

Ready to get started? Get inspired by Foundry Siding in our Idea Gallery.

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Census: Vinyl Siding One of Leading Residential Cladding Materials

Foundry siding, vinyl siding

As first reported in Eye on Housing, data from the Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction indicate stucco and vinyl were the most common siding material for new single-family homes in 2019, accounting for 27% and 25% of the total, respectively. Stucco was installed on 245,000 home starts and vinyl on 228,000 home starts last year.

Digging deeper into the four regional sectors of the Census data, vinyl siding was far and away the leading material in two regions—the Northeast, at 46,000 homes (74%), and the Midwest, at 71,000 homes (59%). Not surprisingly, stucco and brick were the most-used material in the south, though vinyl still captured 21% of the market there.

Further analysis of nine submarkets by Eye on Housing finds that vinyl was the leading material in four submarkets and the second-leading material in two submarkets. In the Mid-Atlantic region encompassing New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, vinyl accounted for 75% of housing starts, with the next most-used material, brick, at just 9%. In New England, 68% of new homes in 2019 used vinyl, with wood as the secondary material at 19%.

It’s no wonder vinyl siding is the go-to option for new homes—for most products, it offers low maintenance and optimal durability. Foundry Specialty Siding takes those advantages even further, offering the warm, rich look of shake or shingle cedar along with an extensive palette of standard and custom colors. Plus, its profiles virtually eliminate visible seams, furthering the authenticity and enhancing aesthetics versus similar products.

Get inspired in our Idea Gallery or find your local supplier here.

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In Life Cycle Analysis, Vinyl Siding Outperforms Fiber Cement

Foundry staggered shake siding, vinyl siding

Vinyl siding is a go-to product for many builders and remodelers, thanks to its affordability, durability, and eye-catching aesthetics. And pros concerned about sustainability can rest assured that vinyl ticks that box, as well.

According to the Vinyl Siding Institute (VSI), analysis by BEES, a tool from the National Institute of Standards and Technology that measures the environmental performance of building products using life-cycle assessment, vinyl siding’s life cycle outperforms that of fiber cement by two times and also has lower global warming impact and ecological toxicity ratings. In addition, fiber cement is responsible for more than 200 times the human health impact, while vinyl creates virtually no manufacturing waste, has significantly lower toxic emissions, and has only 19% of fiber cement’s ozone depletion impact.

These and other findings in the report support the vinyl siding industry’s long-held assertions about the sustainability attributes of vinyl, VSI says, including lighter weight for increased fuel efficiency during shipping, minimal material waste from installation, and durability, as well as the fact that vinyl doesn’t need paint, stain, or caulk. 

These advantages don’t come with sacrifice to aesthetics, which remains a top priority for most consumers. Foundry siding profiles capture the warm look and sought-after curb appeal of cedar. Choose from the charm and custom sophistication of shingles or the bold statement of staggered or split shakes, all with low maintenance and long-term durability.

Dive deeper into the BEES findings in a second report by VSI here.