Don’t Let Your Siding Melt Under Pressure

By Stephanie | November 26, 2024

Why Vinyl Siding Melts: Understanding the Causes and How to Protect Your Home

Burnt vinyl Siding — Burnt Siding from reflective Windows

As a homeowner, there are few things more frustrating than discovering damage to your home’s exterior. If you have vinyl siding, you may have noticed that over time, certain areas of the siding appear to have melted or become distorted. It’s a common issue, but one that many homeowners don’t fully understand. So, why does vinyl siding melt, and what can you do about it?

What is Vinyl Siding?

Vinyl siding is one of the most popular choices for home exteriors due to its affordability, low maintenance, and wide variety of colors and styles. It’s made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a type of plastic, which is durable and resistant to various elements like rain, wind, and snow. However, like all materials, vinyl siding is not immune to damage from extreme conditions.

Why Does Vinyl Siding Melt?

Direct Sunlight and High Heat
One of the most common reasons vinyl siding can melt or warp is exposure to high heat, particularly from concentrated sources like the sun. While vinyl siding is designed to withstand typical weather conditions, long-term exposure to intense heat can cause it to soften or deform. In some cases, this can result in a “melted” or warped appearance. Living in the Wilmington area, many homes are exposed to the direct reflective rays off the ocean.
Reflective Heat from Windows
Another significant cause of melting vinyl siding is reflective heat from nearby windows. High-efficiency windows or glass with low-emissivity coatings are designed to reduce heat transfer, but sometimes they can reflect excessive sunlight onto your neighbors home exterior. You might notice this in areas of your home that are directly opposite neighbors large windows or glass doors.
Outdoor Grills or Fire Pits
Grills and fire pits can generate extreme heat, and when placed too close to vinyl siding, they can cause damage. Although a fun experience, he intense heat from these outdoor appliances can soften or melt the vinyl, leaving unsightly marks or holes. This is especially problematic if your grill or fire pit is positioned near the side of the house or a deck with vinyl siding. If you own a beach home make sure you put your grill off the decking!

How to protect your home:

Provide Shade
To reduce the risk of direct sunlight causing your vinyl siding to melt, consider installing awnings or planting shade trees. These can help minimize the amount of direct heat hitting your home’s exterior. You might also opt for a more reflective, heat-resistant siding color, as lighter colors tend to absorb less heat than darker shades.
Adjust or Replace Reflective Windows
If you suspect your vinyl siding is melting due to heat reflection from nearby windows, you might want to have your windows inspected. Consider adding heat-reducing films or treatments to your windows to minimize reflective heat. Alternatively, repositioning plants or placing outdoor screens or blinds in front of the windows can help block the direct sunlight from reaching your siding.
Keep Grills and Fire Pits Away
Always keep grills, fire pits, and other high-heat sources at a safe distance from your home. A good rule of thumb is to place them at least 10 feet away from any vinyl siding. This will help prevent concentrated heat from causing damage.
Regular Inspections from Patriot Roofing and Exteriors
Lastly, having Project Specialists preform regular inspections on your vinyl siding can help you spot potential issues before they become serious. If you notice any warped or soft areas, it’s essential to address them quickly, as they could indicate that heat exposure has already begun to affect the material.