The list of positive reasons why you should select vinyl siding for a home’s exterior is straightforward: It’s durable, it’s low maintenance, and it costs less. While these benefits are fairly well known, what many homeowners may not be aware of are the environmental advantages to vinyl siding. Since the 1970s, the vinyl siding industry has used in-house recycling techniques to eliminate waste. This means less material headed to landfills and a cleaner planet.
Siding Myths
Too many people still view siding as a “throw-away” plastic. Vinyl is a durable thermoplastic, which is very different. Thermoplastic is actually meant to be recycled. That is what “thermo” means — that this type of plastic was made with materials that are intended to be reground and reprocessed into another thermoplastic.
What’s more, this regrinding of any unused or old vinyl siding has been happening for 40 years. According to the Vinyl Siding Institute (VSI), little to no post-manufacturing waste comes from the manufacturing of vinyl siding. In fact, the VSI shared that of all the municipal solid waste in the U.S. in 2012, less than 1% came from the vinyl industry.
Vinyl Lasts
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has software, Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability (BEES), that measures the life cycles of different types of exterior home cladding. Based on their analysis, the life cycle of vinyl siding is three times longer than brick and two times longer than fiber cement. Additionally, vinyl’s ecological toxicity rating and impact on global warming are rated even lower than those two materials.
The environmental argument for vinyl siding also includes the fact that the material has much less of an impact on human health than brick and mortar or fiber cement. The manufacturing process for vinyl siding also admits far fewer levels of toxins than other cladding options as well.
Longer lasting, excellent curb appeal, and better for the planet — when it comes time to spruce up the exterior of your home, vinyl siding is a winning and smart choice.
Trust Beyond Exteriors to Install Vinyl Siding on Your Virginia Home
Beyond Exteriors understands how your choice of siding — whether vinyl or wood siding — enhances your home’s curb appeal. So do the trim and shutters. That’s why we also offer shutter installation and trimming, as well, to ensure the appearance and comfort of your home.
Based in Chantilly, Virginia, and serving all of Northern Virginia, including Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, and Loudon counties, Beyond Exteriors can help with all of your siding needs — from contractors to a range of choices for materials. Locally owned and operated, we take great pride in our reputation for outstanding workmanship, longevity of our products, and reliability. Contact us about your vinyl siding needs at (703) 830-0863. We put the customer first: always.