How to Protect Vinyl Siding from Melting

Protecting vinyl siding from melting can be done easily.

Vinyl siding is a commonly used form of housing exterior that offers both durability and cost-effectiveness. Vinyl siding is cheaper to use than brick or wood, and it offers a good source of insulation. Vinyl siding can take years of sunlight, rain and snow without fading or requiring repainting. But excessive heat can cause vinyl siding to melt, such as when it is exposed to the heat from an outdoor grill that's too close to the house or sunlight that's reflected and focused on a specific area. Protecting vinyl siding from melting can be done simply with a little preparation.

Instructions

1. Keep any hot items such as grills at least 10 to 15 feet away from the house at all times when they are in use. This will help prevent the vinyl from absorbing too much heat in a short amount of time.

2. Plant trees or shrubs on the side of the house that receives the most sunlight. As the trees and shrubs grow, they help diffuse the sunlight and its heat energy. This helps keep the vinyl siding cooler.

3. Place screens over your windows. According to a National Association of Home Builders report, low-emittance windows can reflect sunlight onto vinyl siding, raising the temperature above its melting point and causing the siding to warp over time. Screens help diffuse the reflection and can prevent damage.

4. Use awnings to protect any highly reflective windows from direct sunlight. Awnings can be aesthetically pleasing, and they can block sunlight from directly hitting windows that would reflect it against other parts of the house.

References

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