The quality of today’s siding products have progressed leaps and bounds compared to when they first came out. But as with any product, their quality can still suffer when subjected to extreme conditions.
So what about the siding you have on your home? If you’ve noticed melted portions on your home’s exterior vinyl siding, that could mean they’re experiencing extreme heat. Check the surrounding area for windows that reflect sunlight. Most likely, either you or your next-door neighbor is using low-E windows that create a laser-beam effect, warping the siding on an adjacent or opposite wall. Check out the information below to learn how it happens.
How does low-E windows melt siding?
Vinyl is the most common siding material used in homes in the U.S. and homes in Schaumburg are no different. Vinyl siding is affordable, low-maintenance, beautiful and durable—that is, unless it’s subjected to extreme heat. Unfortunately, this is what happens when low-E windows reflect light onto your home’s siding. Low-E windows can have an effect similar to a magnifying glass, where it focuses the sun’s rays like a laser beam onto any surface. The time of day and the angle of the sun can worsen the effects.
What makes low-E different than other windows?
Low-E windows reflect more of the sun’s energy compared to other traditional forms of window glass. Some studies say that the heat reflected can reach up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Considering that vinyl will warp at around 165 degrees, it’s easy to see how such temperatures can prove disastrous to the material.
How can you keep your vinyl siding from melting?
There are a few ways to protect your vinyl siding from melting under the intense heat of low-E windows. Here are six examples:
- Place a full-screen over the windows – covering low-E windows with a screen is the easiest and most cost-effective solution to keep vinyl siding from melting. Screens can help diffuse the sun’s rays so they don’t reflect directly to your siding. If your neighbor’s windows are the culprit, you’ll need to discuss your siding problem with them. Talk to your neighbors and see if they’re willing to compromise to have screens installed on their low-E windows.
- Use PTI screens or films – PTI is a material that can help you deal with solar glare and reflectance on your low-E windows. They work just like traditional full screens, except they are installed on the window panes and not the frames. PTI is highly recommended if the type of window causing your siding to melt is of the casement variety. With PTI, your casement window can still swing outward because the screen is attached to the glass and not the frame.
- Install awnings – prevent your siding from melting by preventing the sun from hitting your windows in the first place. Cover low-E windows with awnings to prevent solar reflectance.
- Replace low-E glass. Low-E glass is not the only type of energy efficient window glass in the market. There are many other different glass package options available. Contractors with a comprehensive list of services, such as Muller Exteriors Inc., can recommend window alternatives that are better for your situation.
- Replace your siding – you may want to replace your vinyl siding with those that are more resistant to higher temperatures. Top-of-the-line vinyl siding products are capable of handling temperatures in excess of 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Or perhaps you would like another type of siding material and use aluminum instead. Aluminum has a higher temperature tolerance than regular vinyl, and won’t distort form the sun’s rays.
Aluminum, Cedar and Vinyl Siding in Schaumburg
Roofing and exterior systems contractors in Schaumburg, IL such as Muller Exteriors Inc. carry aluminum, cedar and vinyl siding to suit homeowners’ needs and personal preferences. Contact them to find the best solution for your melted vinyl siding problem.
