InstaBidsWhat is vinyl siding?
Vinyl siding is an exterior wall covering made mainly from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It forms the visible outer layer of a wall; drainage behind the siding helps water that gets through escape.
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Does vinyl siding come in different colors or patterns?
Yes. The Polymeric Exterior Products Association describes over 400 styles and colors across vinyl siding products. That is an industry-wide range of appearances; the available choices depend on the particular product. Its current siding guide says: “Yes, vinyl siding comes in over 400 different styles and colors, and it’s growing every day.” Source: Polymeric Exterior Products Association, read 2026-10-31.
What is vinyl siding made of, according to the trade association?
Vinyl siding is exterior wall cladding made mainly from polyvinyl chloride, or PVC. The panels form the visible outer covering of a wall. The Polymeric Exterior Products Association identifies both the material and its use in its definition: “Vinyl siding is an exterior cladding made primarily from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and remains the most widely used cladding in North America.” Source: Polymeric Exterior Products Association, read 2026-10-31.
How durable is vinyl siding?
Vinyl siding performance depends on the hazard and the way the wall covering is installed. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory says vinyl can perform well in high winds when installed for those conditions, but some products can crack when hit by a fast-moving object. Its guidance does not establish one service life for every vinyl siding product: “All types of wall coverings including vinyl siding, brick veneer, fiber-cement siding, and wood and hardboard siding, can perform well in high winds if they are properly installed for high winds.” Source: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Building America Solution Center, read 2026-10-31. “Some vinyl siding products tend to crack and fracture when struck with a fast-moving object.” Source: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Building America Solution Center, read 2026-10-31.
How does vinyl siding perform in wet and humid climates?
The wall behind vinyl siding still needs a way to drain and dry. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory cautions that siding should not be treated as a waterproof layer. Its rainscreen guidance explains why water that gets behind the outer covering must be able to leave the wall: “Regardless of the material, siding should not be thought of as a waterproof layer.” Source: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Building America Solution Center, read 2026-10-31. “Thus, it is paramount for a wall to have adequate backside drainage and drying to allow water and moisture that gets behind the siding to come back out.” Source: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Building America Solution Center, read 2026-10-31.
Can vinyl siding be recycled?
Yes. The Polymeric Exterior Products Association says vinyl siding can be reprocessed into new vinyl products. Collection is a separate question: in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, the solid waste district directs residents away from curbside recycling and identifies clean vinyl siding among materials accepted through the specialized coalition program. Those local collection instructions apply to Cuyahoga County: “Vinyl siding is recyclable and can be reprocessed into new vinyl products.” Source: Polymeric Exterior Products Association, read 2026-10-31. “Do not place vinyl, vinyl siding, or PVC in curbside recycling.” Source: Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District, read 2026-10-31. “Materials that can be recycled through this coalition program include clean vinyl siding, soffit, and accessories used in residential applications plus vinyl downspouts, PVC pipe, and vinyl fencing.” Source: Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District, read 2026-10-31.
Sources
- Polymeric cladding categories and vinyl siding questions — Polymeric Exterior Products Association; read 2026-10-31.
- Moisture-, Impact-, Fire-, and Pest-Resistant Exterior Siding — Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Building America Solution Center; read 2026-10-31.
- Dispose of Vinyl and PVC Right — Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District; read 2026-10-31.