Steven L. Smith, Bellingham, WA Home Inspector (King of the House)

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King of the House (Bellingham Home Inspections) -- Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is a very common siding in my area. Some people love it, others hate it. I have found it on high-end homes and low-end homes. I knew one fellow who had it put on a very high-priced custom home because he never wanted to paint.

As the years go by, vinyl tends to get brittle. I think that the UV rays and hot and cold eventually take a toll. Below is a photo of a typical patio in front of a duplex. Many of the multi-unit homes and condos in this area have vinyl siding.

Normally a home inspector does not move furniture and belongings around. But, when the siding is vinyl, it is usually best to do at least a bit of poking around behind all the things on the patio. Especially if there are barbecues -- look for wavy and melted siding.

In this case, no melted siding, but look what I found behind all the stuff.

This kind of damage is common with vinyl siding. It is often a victim to weed eaters, barbecues, kids with balls and who knows what other abuses that might be inflicted by mankind and the elements.

Thanks for stopping by,

Steven L. Smith

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Comments

A few times a week, I will find cracked or melted siding.  Melting siding is one of those things that people do and after they have melted it arrive at the realization that heat and plastic don't mix!

Posted by Jay Markanich - Northern VA Home Inspector (Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC) about 2 years ago

Steve - Vinyl is very common here.  My husband learned the hard way and a few hundred dollars later not to barbeque too close to the house.  I see the cracks and I also see where UV has faded and discolored siding and the visible mold. Vinyl gets my "hate" vote.  

Posted by Carol Culkin, Dutchess County (Century 21 Alliance Realty Group ) about 2 years ago

I always wonder what people are thinking when they put vinyl on new houses.  On old houses, I really like to see what is under the vinyl.  It can hide a myriad of sins. 

Posted by David Helm, Bellingham, Wa. Licensed Home Insp (Helm Home Inspections) about 2 years ago

Vinyl siding gets my "no" vote as well----there are better choices.

Posted by Charles Buell, Seattle Home Inspector (Charles Buell Inspections.com) about 2 years ago

Hmmmm... really good reasons not to use it!

Posted by Shoshana Shay (St. Pete Realty) about 2 years ago

True enough but I have seen people crow about having it. The big selling point is not having to paint.

Posted by Steven L. Smith, Bellingham, Wa. Home Inspector (King of the House Home Inspection, Inc) about 2 years ago

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