Is Vinyl Siding Fire Resistant?

Is vinyl siding fire resistant?

When it comes to siding, vinyl is about as low maintenance as it gets. Vinyl siding is an exceptionally versatile and high-performing choice for exterior cladding, which is why it’s the most common wall material used in today’s new home construction. This popular choice for cladding is virtually indestructible—It’s weather and insect proof, fade-resistant, and energy efficient—but is vinyl siding fire resistant?

Vinyl siding is fire resistant, harder to ignite, and easier to extinguish.

Facts about vinyl siding according to Fire Rescue

• Vinyl siding is more difficult than many other building materials to ignite because it is composed mainly of PVC, which is inherently flame retardant due to its chlorine base.
• PVC has one of the lowest flame spread ratings, meaning that it won’t typically contribute to the spread of a fire.
• Vinyl cladded homes extinguishes relatively easily due its low concentration of oxygen
• Vinyl siding is not a contributing factor in the vast majority of residential fires. Only 4 percent of all residential fires start on the outside of the structure.
• The National Fire Protection Association does not cite any exterior wall coverings (including vinyl siding, brick and stucco) as the cause of residential fires.
• The National Fire Protection Association’s National Electrical Code recognizes the strong fire-safe characteristics of vinyl through its approved use as a residential wiring insulator.
• Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., includes certain vinyl siding as accepted products in fire-resistive construction.

Prevent a Home Fire Before It Happens.

House fires occur even with Fire Resistant Vinyl Siding.

• Install smoke alarms inside each bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. On levels without bedrooms, install alarms in the living room (or den or family room) or near the stairway to the upper level, or in both locations.
• Anything that is combustible should be stored in well-ventilated areas and in the proper container.
• Inspect your chimney regularly, and clean them before “fire season” each year to prevent creosote buildup. Keep your wood stoves, pellet stoves, and fireplaces clean and in good repair for optimum safety and efficiency.
• Did you know that if a fire starts in your home you may have as little as two minutes to escape? During a fire, early warning from a working smoke alarm plus a fire escape plan that has been practiced regularly can save lives. Learn what else to do to keep your loved ones safe!

Upgrade your exterior cladding with fire resistant vinyl siding

Are you looking to improve your home in Muncie, Indiana and surrounding areas? Consider new siding from Clemens Home Solutions. Reliable siding solutions offer performance, efficiency, and beauty to your home. Don’t worry about whether vinyl siding is fire resident, our experienced team works with you to answer all your questions, and will help you find the perfect siding for your home.  Give us a call, or schedule a free estimate!