| TYPES OF SIDING |  |
REVIEWS | |
MANUFACTURERS | |
COLORS | |
CALCULATORS |
Vinyl Siding Prices : Basics : Vinyl Siding Ratings
Vinyl Siding Ratings
Vinyl siding ratings are based on a number of factors including quality, durability and overall look of the product. There are a number of factors that are taken into consideration including fire resistance, color retention, thickness, wind resistance and profile. The factors are individually evaluated to offer a rating. The ratings are then used to assist you in finding the best vinyl siding for your project.
Send our site editor Bill your questions, and get personalized answers that can save you thousands of dollars on your new siding project!
Factors Of Vinyl Siding Ratings
The main factors that are taken into consideration include profile, thickness, fire resistance, wind resistance and color retention. Each one is taken into consideration to offer a final rating. One of the trusted sources includes Consumer Report siding ratings
Profile
The profile is what determines the durability and overall look of the siding. Basically it refers to the style. There are a number of options available including Dutch Lap (DL), 4 Star Double Course (D4), 5 Star Double Course (D5) and three course panels or T3. Bear in mind that the thicker the profile, the less likely it is you will get that wavy effect. The deeper the profile the more rigid the siding and therefore the better the rating.
Thickness
Siding that is durable and strong is usually thicker. The most common thickness is anywhere between .40mm and .45mm, but the thickness can go all the way up to .55mm. The thicker the material, the more expensive it will be, due to the higher quality they offer. You may find that when looking within a specific vinyl siding thickness range, the ratings will vary, this is based on the other factors which we mention on this page.
Fire resistance
Even though vinyl is a fire resistant material it must still meet minimum requirements. ASTM D3679 requires that specific fire resistant standards be met for vinyl cladding, while ASTM E119 shows that when compared to other cladding materials, vinyl is comparable.
Wind resistance
Wind resistance impacts the vinyl siding ratings. You find that the single-hem cladding don't offer as good a wind resistance as the double-hem products. Should you live in a windy location, this should be an important deciding factor when choosing your vinyl siding.
Color
The majority of vinyl products are made where the color lasts longer, as it is baked into the vinyl itself. An important consideration when choosing the color of your siding is to bear in mind that darker colors will fade over time, while lighter colors are less likely to have this problem. The vinyl siding rating is based on the color retention, which reduces the risk of fading, so your siding holds onto the color for a longer period of time. If you are looking at a dark color for your vinyl siding ensure it has a high rating and an ultraviolet coating to reduce the risk of fading.