Can sun damage vinyl siding?

Vinyl siding has long been the choice of Edmonton and Sherwood Park homeowners due to its durability, low maintenance requirements, and affordability. But, Can sun damage vinyl siding?

The answer is Yes, solar exposure impacts can manifest themselves both directly and through reflection on vinyl siding surfaces. We’ll cover both scenarios here at A2Z Roofing: your trusted partner for roofers serving Sherwood Park and Edmonton alike.

Direct Sun Exposure Causes a Gradual Fade

Over time, direct sunlight exposure will cause vinyl siding to gradually fade. While this process is natural, its speed depends upon several factors including lighter colors fading faster than darker hues as well as quality factors and the presence or absence of UV protectants in material that provides protection.

Fading is typically just an aesthetic issue; it doesn’t threaten the structural integrity of your siding. However severe cases could decrease the curb appeal of your home and hinder saleability.

Reflected Sunlight Is The Primary Threat

Can sun damage vinyl siding? – Direct sunlight causes gradual fading; however, reflected sunlight poses more of a serious threat. Here is why:

Certain windows, especially low-emissivity ones, can act like magnifying glasses by focusing sunlight onto specific parts of your siding and creating concentrated heat pockets in certain locations – leading to melting vinyl siding or warp and buckle issues.

Sun damage to vinyl siding siding is more likely in certain situations, for instance when Low-E windows are placed near reflective surfaces like water and glass or receiving long stretches of direct afternoon sun exposure. 

Protect Your Vinyl Siding From Sun Damage

There are ways you can protect both direct and reflected sunlight exposure with vinyl siding:

• Select High-Quality Vinyl with UV Protection: When replacing your siding, opt for durable vinyl options with UV protectors suited for Edmonton and Sherwood Park’s harsh sunlight – A2Z Roofing has many available to meet this goal! We carry many vinyl options specifically customized for your weather.
• Strategic Landscaping: Planting trees and shrubs around your home can provide shade from direct sun exposure on vulnerable areas of the exterior walls, and installing awnings over south-facing windows will drastically decrease sun penetration onto siding surfaces.
• Window Coverings: Consider exterior window shades or awnings designed specifically to block sunlight and minimize heat build-up, and prevent excess solar radiation from entering a room.
• Consult a Window Specialist: A2Z Roofing window specialists have solutions available that may reduce risks related to sunlight damage caused by reflection on windows by suggesting treatments or films which mitigate risks related to reflection on glass surfaces.

The Bottom Line

Can sun damage vinyl siding? – Sun exposure can have two detrimental effects on vinyl siding: gradual fading and, more significantly, warping or melting due to reflected sunlight. By taking appropriate precautions such as selecting high-quality UV-protected siding products and planning landscaping in ways to mitigate reflective windows’ effect, however, your vinyl siding is likely to remain beautiful and functional for many years ahead.Remember A2Z Roofing is here to assist! Whether it is new vinyl siding in Edmonton that you need to be installed or expert advice from Sherwood Park Roofers on how to protect existing siding, our team of specialists are more than willing to offer their assistance. Reach out now for your complimentary consultation session!