can last up to 20 (or even 40) years with maintenance. Yet, how long your vinyl house siding lasts depends on several factors. For example, the quality of installation affects how vinyl siding expands and contracts. If contractors fasten down vinyl siding too tightly, the boards will buckle in the summer.
Continue reading to learn what factors affect the lifespan of vinyl siding. Call our siding contractors in Grand Rapids, MI to get started with your design consultation.
Maximizing the Life of Your Vinly Siding
Your vinyl siding will last longer if you:
- Hire our experienced siding contractors for installation
- Buy quality siding products
- Grill at least 10 feet from vinyl siding
- Trim branches that are close to vinyl siding
- Schedule repairs as needed
Grill at Least 10 Feet from Vinyl Siding
Vinyl house siding will melt if it’s too close to your grill or other heat sources. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends you grill at least 10 feet away from your home to avoid melting vinyl siding or even starting a fire. Your vinyl house siding will last much longer when it doesn’t have to withstand the heat from your next backyard barbeque.
While it’s rare, vinyl siding can also melt if your neighbors have high efficiency windows. This is because the UV rays bounce off their windows only to blast your vinyl siding with the sun’s heat. If this is the case, ask your neighbor if they could install window screens or awnings to help diffuse the reflected sunlight.
Trim Branches That are Close to Vinyl Siding
Do you have shrubs or trees growing close to your home? If so, you’ll need to trim branches so they don’t scrape against your new vinyl siding. Even the will eventually wear from branches knocking against it in the wind. Fortunately, it’s easy enough to protect your vinyl siding from this type of damage by trimming errant branches.
Ants and other insects love to use branches like bridges to crawl underneath house siding. Your vinyl siding protects the exterior of your home from the elements, making it the perfect place for insects to burrow in and nest. While vinyl siding is resistant to insects, it’s not invincible. Trim branches as soon as possible before insects call your home theirs.
Schedule Repairs as Needed
As a homeowner, it’s your responsibility to schedule as soon as you notice something’s wrong. For example, you should call a contractor as soon as possible if you notice vinyl siding panels starting to melt, warp, or buckle.
Vinyl siding expands and contracts with temperature. For this reason, you should be able to move siding panels a little from side to side. That way, the material has enough room to expand in high temperatures without buckling. Leaving repairs to the future can cost you more money in the long run, which is why it’s important to schedule vinyl siding repair.
We look forward to helping you choose the right vinyl siding for your home! Our vinyl siding contractors in Grand Rapids, MI are ready to answer your call. To request a design consultation for vinyl siding installation, call Renaissance Exteriors & Remodeling at (616) 446-1248.