The range of vinyl siding and other polymeric siding, architectural trim, and accessories grows each day. The historic traditions of the clapboard style architecture, including classically influenced styles such as Georgian, Greek Revival, and Queen Anne, are easily and accurately specified using modern, low-maintenance technology – vinyl siding. Additionally, vinyl siding’s performance as a sustainable building material enables it to achieve points for certification in leading green building standard programs.
Photographer: Jim Kirby
NAHB conducted a survey last year that concluded that vinyl, including vinyl-covered aluminum, was the most common exterior wall material used in homes started in 2014. Twenty-nine percent of homes used vinyl, followed by stucco and brick or brick veneer, at 23% each, and fiber cement siding, such as Hardiplank or Hardiboard, at 18%. The principal exterior wall material for all the single-family homes started last year, wood or wood products, accounted for 5% and stone, rock or other rock materials registered at just 2%.
Photographer: Zan Maddox, Social Design House
There are many benefits to using vinyl siding. All certified vinyl siding is tested to withstand winds of 110 mph, and most achieve a wind rating higher than that. Vinyl siding will withstand the hottest summers and sub-zero winters. It is more energy efficient when you choose insulated siding because it blankets your home in continuous insulation which fight heat loss through the framing lumber. And, the online design gallery from the Vinyl Siding Institute shows that if your goal is architectural quality, vinyl is an excellent and affordable design option.
