Vinyl siding is the form of exterior cladding that home inspectors are likely to encounter most frequently.  Homeowners, remodeling contractors and builders often choose vinyl siding as an alternative to wood and aluminum because it is attractive, durable, easy to maintain and cost-effective.  Vinyl siding is often textured to resemble wood or stone in a variety of colors. 

Although it is a very popular and well-regarded product, homeowners may want to be aware of some of the downsides of using vinyl siding if they are thinking about remodeling or building a new home.  Wolf Home Inspectors will likely examine many homes with vinyl siding and can benefit from knowing more about this most common type of exterior cladding, including what to look for during an inspection.
 
History and Manufacturing 

Vinyl siding came into use as an exterior cladding in the late 1950s and has grown steadily in popularity since its introduction, covering billions of square feet of exterior walls.  Vinyl siding is made with PVC (polyvinyl chloride).  In the beginning, vinyl siding was manufactured only by the process of mono-extrusion, whereby the elements of the PVC compound formed a single-layer product.  Initial methods of manufacturing lead to difficulty producing a consistently high-quality product, but they have since been corrected.  Vinyl siding is now typically manufactured using a co-extrusion process, which creates a product with two layers.  The outer layer contains pigment which adds color to the siding and resists breakdown from UV light.  The under-layer is its substrate.  Vinyl siding produced today is of a reliably higher quality than that produced years ago, which has led to it becoming the most common choice for exterior cladding. 






​Pros and Cons

Vinyl siding can provide advantages over other exterior cladding materials, but there are also some concerns to be aware of.  Here are some pros and cons related to its specific attributes and characteristics.

Advantages:

• Vinyl siding is very durable.
• It will last a long time when properly maintained.
• It will not fade. 
• It will not rust.
• It does not dent easily.
• Vinyl siding provides a supplemental rain screen.
• It is designated as a water-resistant barrier.  Properly installed vinyl siding is designed to let the material underneath it breathe.
• As long as the siding has been properly installed, maintenance is very simple, limited mostly to spray-washing once a year or whenever necessary. 

Disadvantages:

• In extreme weather conditions, vinyl siding is as susceptible to damage as any other siding. 
  • In severe cold, vinyl siding can become brittle and more susceptible to cracking if something impacts it. 
  • Extreme heat can also cause vinyl to melt or distort.  There have been cases reported of extremely hot reflections from nearby windows causing warping and melting.
• Vinyl siding is not a form of insulation.  It is simply an exterior cladding, but some salespeople misrepresent this fact with claims that new siding will aid energy efficiency.  This is only applicable for siding that includes special insulating inserts or backings, but not to the vinyl siding itself. 
• Vinyl siding is not a watertight covering.  
• If a fire occurs, vinyl siding will melt or burn and may release toxic chemicals, making the situation more dangerous for occupants.  Some groups believe PVC itself can have a negative impact on health and there is much debate about these claims.   
• Problems can occur if incorrect installation is allowing water to become trapped behind the siding, which would need to be addressed before water damage becomes an issue.
• In areas with a high concentration of historic buildings, the use of vinyl siding may be a controversial choice because of concerns regarding how its aesthetics may impact historical preservation and property values. 

Evidence has been presented that the production of vinyl may be hazardous to those in close proximity to production facilities. 
Recycling of vinyl siding is currently limited to unused scraps and pieces that have never been installed.

 Tips for Inspecting Vinyl Siding

Some of these details may be observed while inspecting the exterior of a house, depending on whether the vinyl siding has already been installed or is in the process of being installed:

• Ripples in the siding can result from stapling or nailing through the face of the siding, which is an incorrect installation.
• Caulk is not necessary in spots where panels meet the receiver of inside corners, outside corners or J-trim.  Caulk is also not needed at overlap joints.
• Normal expansion and retraction of the vinyl requires at least ¼-inch of clearance at all openings and stops.
• Distortion and buckling of panels may be caused by fasteners that were not driven straight and level.
• Correct installation requires that fastener heads not be driven too tightly against the siding’s nail hem, but should leave about 1/32-inch of clearance between the fastener head and siding panel.  This is about equal to the thickness of a dime.
• For a proper hold, fasteners are best driven at least ¾-inch into a surface meant to accept nails, such as substantial sheathing or furring strips.  A ½-inch gap should be left between nailing strips where two pieces overlap.
• Fasteners installed properly will be in the center of the nailing slot.
• Properly installed panels and accessories should move freely from side to side.
• Since wind-driven rain can easily get into the space behind the siding, building paper or housewrap should be installed behind the siding to protect against water damage.  Drainage holes or slots in horizontal vinyl siding allow water behind the siding to drain.
• It is best for lap joints to be staggered and not lined up vertically.
• When properly installed, surface-mounted fixtures, such as exterior lights, should not be mounted directly to vinyl siding.  They should be mounted on mounting blocks instead, since fasteners penetrating the siding will restrict the siding’s natural expansion and contraction, causing problems.
• Corrosion-resistant fasteners are always best for any outdoor installation.
• When properly installed, vinyl siding will terminate in J-molding around windows and doors.

 
While vinyl siding has become extremely popular due to the advantages it provides, in some instances, such as when historic preservation is of primary concern, it may not be the best choice.  Wolf Home Inspectors who know more about vinyl siding will be well-prepared to answer clients’ questions.  In general, proper installation is the main concern with this type of exterior cladding.  When correctly installed and maintained, vinyl siding is attractive and durable, and can last for many years.

"Aging in place" describes a senior citizen's ability to live independently in their home for as long as possible. Those who age in place will not have to move from their present residence to secure necessary support services in response to their changing needs.The Baby Boomers
As "baby boomers" age (the demographic of people born between 1946 and 1964), the 60+ population has spiked. In 2022, there were nearly 58 million people in the U.S. over the age of 65.  As of 2023, there were 1.3 million people residing in nursing homes.  Research shows that baby boomers’ expectations of how they will receive care differ from that of their parents’ generation.  Overwhelmingly, they will seek care in their own homes and will be less likely to move into congregate living settings.
Why do many senior citizens prefer to age in place? 
Nursing homes, to many, represent a loss of freedom and a reduced quality of life. Here are a few good reasons why these fears are justified:

• Between 2013 and 2017, the National Institutes of Health identified nearly half a million complaints containing nearly a million separate allegations of mismanagement, neglect, and/or abuse, resulting in the issuance of over 150,000 deficiency citations by the government agency. These complaints involve the abuse or neglect of patients, such as infected bedsores, medication mix-ups, poor nutrition, and other forms of neglect.
• A significant percentage of nursing homes were cited for deficiencies that caused immediate jeopardy or actual harm to patients, including physical and/or sexual abuse by nursing home staff.
• Many cases have been exposed in which nursing homes billed Medicare and Medicaid for services that were not provided.
  
  

Aging-in-Place Inspections  
Inspectors may recommend corrections and adaptations to the home to improve maneuverability, accessibility, and safety for elderly occupants and even non-elderly residents whose mobility is compromised.
Some such alterations and recommendations for a home include the following.

• Appliances:
  
  • microwave oven mounted in the wall or on the counter;
  • refrigerator and freezer side by side;
  • side-swing or wall oven;
  • controls that are easy to read;
  • raised washing machine and dryer;
  • front-loading washing machine;
  • raised dishwasher with push-button controls;
  • stove having an electric cooktop, with level burners for safely transferring between the burners; front controls and downdraft feature to pull heat away from the user; a light to indicate when surface is hot; and 
  • replace old stoves with induction cooktops to help prevent burns.
    
    
• Bathroom:
  
  • fold-down seat installed in the shower;
  • adjustable showerheads with 6-foot hose;
  • light in the shower stall;
  • wall support and provision for adjustable and/or varied-height counters and removable base cabinets;
  • contrasting color edge border at countertops;
  • at least one wheelchair-maneuverable bath on main level;
  • bracing in walls around tub, shower, shower seat and toilet for installation of grab bars;
  • if stand-up shower is used in main bath, it is curbless and wide;
  • low bathtub;
  • toilet higher than standard toilet, or height-adjustable;
  • design of the toilet paper holder allows rolls to be changed with one hand;
  • wall-hung sink with knee space and panel to protect user from pipes; and
  • slip-resistant flooring in bathroom and shower.
    
    
• Counters:
  
  • base cabinet with roll-out trays;
  • pull-down shelving;
  • wall support, and provision for adjustable and/or varied-height counters and removable base cabinets;
  • upper wall cabinetry lower than conventional height;
  • accented stripes on edge of countertops to provide visual orientation to the workspace;
  • counter space for dish landing adjacent to or opposite all appliances;
  • glass-front cabinet doors; and
  • open shelving for easy access to frequently used items.
    
    
• Exterior:
  
  • low-maintenance exterior (vinyl, brick, etc); and 
  • low-maintenance shrubs and plants.
    
    
• Entry:
  
  • sensor light at exterior no-step entry focusing on the front-door lock;
  • non-slip flooring in foyer;
  • accessible path of travel to the home;
  • at least one no-step entry with a cover;
  • entry door sidelight or high/low peep hole viewer; sidelight should provide both privacy and safety;
  • doorbell in accessible location; and
  • a surface on which to place packages while opening door.
    
    
• Electrical, Lighting, Safety and Security:
  
  • install new smoke and CO detectors;
  • install automated lighting, an emergency alert system, or a video-monitoring system;
  • easy-to-see and read thermostats;
  • light switches by each entrance to halls and rooms;
  • light receptacles with at least two bulbs in vital places (exits, bathroom);
  • light switches, thermostats and other environmental controls placed in accessible locations no higher than 48 inches from floor;
  • move electrical cords out of the flow of traffic;
  • replace standard light switches with rocker or touch-light switches; and
  • pre-programmed thermostats.

• Faucets:

• • thermostatic or anti-scald controls;
  • lever handles or pedal-controlled; and
  • pressure-balanced faucets.
• Flooring:
  
  • if carpeted, use low-density with firm pad;
  • smooth, non-glare, slip-resistant surfaces, interior and exterior; and
  • color and texture contrast to indicate change in surface levels.
    
    
• Hallways:
  
  • wide;
  • well-lit; and
  • fasten down rugs and floor runners, and remove any that are not necessary.
    
    
• Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning:
  
  • install energy-efficient units;
  • HVAC should be designed so filters are easily accessible; and 
  • windows that can be opened for cross-ventilation and fresh air.
    
    
• Miscellaneous:
  
  • 30-inch by 48-inch clear space at appliances, or 60-inch diameter clear space for turns;
  • multi-level work areas to accommodate cooks of different heights;
  • loop handles for easy grip and pull;
  • pull-out spray faucet;
  • levered handles;
  • in multi-story homes, laundry chute or laundry facilities in master bedroom;
  • open under-counter seated work areas; and
  • placement of task lighting in appropriate work areas.
    
    
• Overall Floor Plan:
  
  • main living on a single story, including full bath;
  • 5-foot by 5-foot clear turn space in living area, kitchen, a bedroom and a bathroom; and
  • no steps between rooms on a single level.
    
    
• Reduced Maintenance and Convenience Features:
  
  • easy-to-clean surfaces;
  • built-in recycling system;
  • video phones;
  • central vacuum;
  • built-in pet feeding system; and
  • intercom system.
    
    
• Stairways, Lifts and Elevators:
  
  • adequate hand rails on both sides of stairway;
  • residential elevator or lift; and
  • increased visibility of stairs through contrast strip on top and bottom stairs, and color contrast between treads and risers on stairs with use of lighting.
    
    
• Storage:
  
  • lighting in closets;
  • adjustable closet rods and shelves; and
  • easy-open doors that do not obstruct access.
    
    
• Windows:
  
  • plenty of windows for natural light;
  • low-maintenance exterior and interior finishes;
  • lowered windows, or taller windows with lower sill height; and
  • easy-to-operate hardware.
  
  

Advice for those who wish to age in place:

• Talk with family members about your long-term living preferences. Do you want to downsize to a smaller single-family home, or do you plan to stay put in your traditional family home?
• Take a look at your finances and retirement funds. With your current savings and assets, will you be able to pay for home maintenance? Consider starting a separate retirement savings account strictly for home maintenance.
• Remodel your home before your mobility becomes limited. As you age, changes in mobility, hearing, vision and overall health and flexibility will affect how easily you function in your home. Consider making your home “age-friendly” as a phased-in and budgeted home improvement, rather than waiting until you need many modifications at a time due to a health crisis.
• If you decide before you retire that you want to live in your current home through the remainder of life, consider paying for “big ticket – long life” home projects while you still have a healthy income. Such items may include having the roof assessed or replaced, replacing and upgrading the water heater or cooling unit, completing termite inspections and treatment, having a septic tank inspection and replacement, as needed, and purchasing a riding lawn mower.
• Most seniors leave their homes due to functional and mobility limitations that result from medical crises, and an inability to pay for support to stay with them in their home. Effectively managing health risks and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help you stay strong, age well, and live long at your own home.

In summary, aging in place is a way by which senior citizens can avoid being dependent on others due to declining health and mobility.