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UNIT 12
Warming Up
1. Which siding material is the most popular nowadays?
2. Do you like vinyl siding?
3. What is the synonym of "vinyl"?
4. What is vinyl made from?
5. Is this siding permanent? What do you think?
BUILDERS LOVE IT, ENVIRONMENTALISTS HATE IT.
WHAT IS THE TRUTH?
The advertisements seem so enticing. Install vinyl siding, they say, and you will never have to paint your
house again. Unlike wood or cedar, this durable plastic will not rot or flake. Vinyl is available in several dozen
colors, and can mimic architectural details that were once made from wood.
It is no wonder that vinyl has become the most popular siding material in the United States and is quickly
gaining momentum around the world. But wait! What the ads don't tell you can cost you dearly. Before you in-
stall vinyl siding over wood clapboard or cedar shingles, consider these important factors.
1. Health Concerns.
Vinyl is made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride), plastic resin that is known to cause cancer in humans. Al-
though vinyl may be safe while it is on your home, many scientists believe that manufacturing and disposing
vinyl is hazardous to our health and to the environment. Accidental fires in vinyl sided buildings are more dan-
gerous because vinyl produces toxic fumes when heated. In addition, doctors are reporting a high incidence of
neurological damage, respiratory problems, liver and kidney failure, birth defects, and cancer among people
who work in or live near factories where vinyl is produced.
2. Durability.
Advertisements often imply that vinyl siding is permanent. It is true that vinyl will last a very long time. In
extreme weather, however, vinyl is less durable than wood and masonry. Violent wind can get underneath the
thin sheets of vinyl siding and lift a panel from the wall. Windblown debris and strong hail can puncture vinyl.
New developments are making vinyl is stronger and less brittle, but the thin plastic sheets will still crack or
break if struck by a lawn mower or snow blower. Damage cannot be patched; you will need to replace a panel.
3. Maintenance.
Wood must be painted or stained, but vinyl siding needs only a yearly washing to maintain its fresh ap-
pearance. Keep in mind, however, that window sashes and wooden trim will still require routine painting, and
ladders leaning against the house can scuff or crack the vinyl siding. Any moisture trapped beneath the vinyl
siding will accelerate rot, promote mold and mildew, and invite insect infestations. Left uncorrected, dampness
in the walls will cause wallpaper and paint inside the house to blister and peel. Roof leaks, faulty gutters, or
other sources of moisture should be repaired immediately. Vinyl siding may not be a wise option for an older
home with a chronically damp cellar.
4. Energy Conservation.
Be wary of a vinyl salesperson who promises lower energy bills. A thin vinyl panel cannot provide signifi-
cant insulation. Regardless of the type of siding you choose, you may want to install additional insulation inside
the walls.
5. Color.
Vinyl is available in more colors than ever before, and new vinyl siding does not fade as quickly as older
vinyl. Also, the pigmentation is baked through instead of applied to the surface, so vinyl will not show
scratches. Nevertheless, depending on the quality of vinyl you buy, expect some fading after five years or so. If
a panel is damaged, the replacement panel might not match. For most homeowners, this is not a practical op-
tion. If you grow weary of the color, you will need to install new siding.
6. Historic Preservation.
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