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Sun Exposure Can Take an Toll on Your Siding

When most homeowners decide to have new siding installed, they are often unaware that harsh weather can result in damage to siding over time. However, according to A.W. Ross, the controller of Lundberg Roofing, Windows & Siding, a multi-service company that has been serving the Charlotte, North Carolina area since 1979, sun exposure can end up damaging certain types of siding in the long run.

Author: Figowang

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The purpose of siding is to protect the exterior of a house and shield people from the elements of nature. When most people think about the benefits of siding, they tend to focus on the aesthetic appeal. After all, the right type of siding can transform a worn and tattered household exterior into an eye-catching example. The problem, however, is that over time siding can end up falling victim to outdoor conditions such as wind, hail and sun exposure, which often catches homeowners off-guard.

Aluminum Siding
When it comes to siding materials on a whole, perhaps the most sun-friendly option is none other than aluminum. Unlike wood and vinyl, aluminum is able to withstand temperature extremes and won’t easily rot, warp, or fade from extended sunlight exposure. But on the other hand, aluminum is expensive and doesn’t contain insulating properties, which makes it a less common choice among homeowners in general. Additionally, although aluminum is better equipped to handle the sun, it doesn’t mean that it won’t eventually fade, it just might take longer to reach that point than wood or vinyl.

Wood Siding
As a siding material, wood is more expensive than vinyl, but it won’t fare much better when faced with sun exposure. In fact, wood siding requires far more maintenance than vinyl. Although many homeowners happen to prefer the look of wood, its visual appeal is likely to diminish after years of sun exposure. Not only can UV rays cause wood siding to fade, they can also cause the material to expand and contract, putting it at risk for cracks and other structural damage. Even though sealing, staining, and repainting wood siding can all help protect it against sun exposure, homeowners should understand the amount of work involved in proper wood siding maintenance.

Vinyl Siding
Vinyl is becoming one of the most popular materials for household siding because it is attractive and relatively inexpensive to install. Vinyl also has built-in properties that allow it to insulate, thereby saving residents plenty of money on heating and cooling throughout the year. Though vinyl is considered a fairly low-maintenance form of siding, homeowners should be aware that prolonged sun exposure can still cause it to fade over time.

Some manufacturers of vinyl siding have taken steps to protect their products against sun damage, and even offer limited warranties. But, for the most part, the UV rays of the sun can eventually take their toll on vinyl siding also, causing it to become brittle and washed out. Unfortunately, from a maintenance perspective, there is really no way around this issue when it comes to vinyl siding. While some lighter vinyl colors may do a better job of masking the effects of sun damage, many medium and darker colors are doomed to an eventual degree of discoloration. And, since vinyl siding can’t be painted, homeowners should be aware of the potential for sun damage before they decide which type of siding to use.

If you’re in the market for new siding, you should know about the effects that prolonged sun exposure can have on the material. In some cases, you might have to commit to extra maintenance in order to ensure that your siding withstands the test of time. Ross recommends Alcoa Vinyl siding products. All of Lundberg’s siding projects provide the homeowner with a limited lifetime product warranty from the manufacturer, as well as their own five year installation guarantee. Choose your siding materials wisely to ensure that you truly get the best return on this rather significant investment.　

A.W. Ross is a writer for Yodle, a business directory and online advertising company. Find a roofer or more roofing articles at Yodle Consumer Guide.

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Sun Exposure Can Take an Toll on Your Siding