Three Factors that Determine the Durability of Vinyl Cladding
Posted on: 10 September 2019
Cladding is quite common on homes. It is added to insulate the home from extreme weather, to create a different external appearance and to reinforce the walls.Vinyl is basically polyvinyl chloride or PVC. This is the toughest plastic grade in the market. The quality of vinyl has improved a lot over the years. The older models of the material were problematic and would need replacing a few years after installation. However, lots of technological improvements have been made on vinyl for durability. Today, the material offers almost the same efficiency as wood, but with fewer maintenance costs. Here are the factors that determine how long your house cladding will last.
The Manufacturer's Grade
The thickness of the vinyl is directly proportional to its durability. However, vinyl thickness is not graded in centimetres. Manufacturers have a grading system which they use. For instance, they have builder-grade vinyl which is 0.44 millimetres. This is the lowest grade of vinyl in the market. It was followed by the thin residential and the standard residential vinyls, which are 0.02 and 0.04 millimetres thicker than builder-grade vinyl. Super thick vinyl is 0.50mm while the high-end alternative is 0.54 millimetres. High-end vinyl tends to last the longest because of its thickness.
The Installation Quality
There are homeowners who decide to go all the way and get the high-end vinyl, but hire the wrong contractors for installation. It does not matter how good the vinyl is. As long as it is installed improperly, it will still fall apart before its time. The only solution to this problem is to get a competent contractor for installation.
The Climate
Vinyl, unlike wood, needs very little maintenance and infrequent repairs. However, the material does weaken with time, especially if it has been installed in an environment with extreme weather. It is advisable to have the siding cleaned regularly to get rid of dirt, which forms the starting point for corrosion. If you live in a place with tornadoes, hurricanes and extremely rainy weather, regular repainting will protect it from the elements.
Vinyl will keep your home warm in the winter, protect the walls from weather damage, and improve the resale value of the home. To achieve these benefits, you need a competent siding contractor to help you decide on the thickness and installation method that will maximise the efficiency of the cladding. Take time and choose a competent siding contractor, familiarise yourself with the product qualities available and get what is best for your home.
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