dcsimg
Vinyl siding colors: what works best?

Vinyl siding colors: what works best?

Choosing the right color of new vinyl siding is just as important as picking the right gauge, or thickness. Homes with vinyl cladding that are located in extremely hot and arid climates that receive a great deal of direct sunlight could have problems with fading over time due to the high heat. Cladding your home with the correct color and thickness of material can help prevent fading or softening of the product and ensure its longevity.

Heat and vinyl siding colors

High heat can have adverse effects on lower-quality vinyl cladding, says the Vinyl Siding Institute, a Washington, D.C.-based advocacy group for the vinyl cladding industry. According to the VSI, temperatures between 160 and 165 degrees Fahrenheit begin to soften lower-gauge vinyl wall covering products. This is especially true for darker colors, which absorb more heat than lighter colors.

In case you think your home is never subject to those kinds of temperatures, understand that studies have found that reflected sunlight from double-paned low-e windows can exceed 200 degrees Fahrenheit, the National Association of Home Builders says. That's more than enough heat to damage most types of vinyl cladding.

Choosing the right vinyl siding colors

Much of the decision about color is based on personal preference. Color should not only accent the accessories of your home, such as trim and fascia, but also blend in well with surrounding homes.

Certain vinyl cladding colors such as Earth tones -- browns and tans -- lend themselves to desert regions such as Arizona and Nevada. Those colors also absorb less heat and can help avoid fading over time. Darker colors such as greens, or shades of grey, work well in forested areas such as the Pacific Northwest. White is always a popular choice for Colonial-style homes.

Vinyl siding manufacturers such as Georgia Pacific and CertainTeed have several dozen color choices for most types of new vinyl siding. If you have any questions about choosing the correct vinyl siding colors for your region, consult with a professional siding contractor, such as those found through this site. These professionals, who are licensed, bonded and insured*, have years of experience with all types of wall covering materials and can help steer you in the right direction.

*See terms and conditions on http://www.streetcertified.com/about/Terms.jsp

Featured Articles

advertisement.gif