- How does vinyl siding hold up against wind?
The strength of vinyl siding directly relates to the quality of the brand, and the application of the siding itself. While it may not be cheapest option, middle tier to upper tier brands of vinyl siding offer the best options available for proper installation and durability. Not to knock on the big chain stores, but your best option for the absolute best choice in vinyl siding is a dedicated business that deals directly with the vinyl manufacturers themselves.
Below is a brief rundown of the parts of vinyl siding that affect the durability the most.
When it comes to wind, you have to consider that wind either "blows" or "sucks". In the South we get strong thunderstorms, as well as gulf hurricanes that create a volatile environment for the weather. Properly installed, contractor quality vinyl siding can withstand up to 110-150 mph wind loads, and the premium brands can even go as high as 190 mph. Tests are done by the Vinyl Siding Institute, http://www.vinylsiding.org/, and most brands have to adhere to strict standards and requirements. Always look for VSI http://www.vinylsiding.org/ certification, and make sure to hire contractors that use VSI certified products.
Will the color fade?
Is it truly maintenance-free?
Vinyl siding will not rot, flake, peel, get termite damage, or ever need painting. It is a plastic resin, made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride), and is engineered to be very durable and long lasting. Although, vinyl siding is not fully resistant to cracking; too close with the weed eater, or hale damage and broken tree limbs. But again, even your roof is susceptible to two of those, and wood is susceptible to all the above damage risks.
Lastly, the possible issue as it concerns fire. I will simply give you the explanation directly from VSI's website, http://www.vinylsiding.org/professional/resources/caring-for-vinyl-siding/. "Vinyl siding is made from organic materials and can melt when exposed to a significant heat source. Vinyl is a combustible material, but will not readily ignite unless exposed to flames from an existing fire. Home and building owners with all types of siding should always take precautions to keep heat sources such as barbeque grills, and readily ignitable materials such as dry leaves, mulch, and trash away from the structure".
Hopefully, this has answered some of your questions concerning the application of, durability, and maintenance of vinyl siding. At Jack Ray Siding, we only use top quality VSI http://www.vinylsiding.org/, certified vinyl siding. We only buy from established, trusted manufacturers and wholesalers, and we only use top quality brand name products. With over 30 years of experience in installation, maintenance, and repair, Jack Ray Siding has a proven and verifiable history of delivering high caliber workmanship at affordable prices.