When it come to Vinyl Siding, what does Lifetime Warranty mean? How long is that?

Question

Residing my house and I want the best for it.

Answer 1

Different manufacturers have different fine print on their warranty, and there's no way to find out really what it means until you read it all. There are clauses concerning weather like hurricanes and the like, as well as to protect them from liability should someone decide it's a good idea to spray paint some nasty slogan on the side of your house. The manufacturers are of course free from liability if they suspect faulty or even non-professional installation, or if the siding is damaged by fire.

"Lifetime warranty" is often a misleading terminology, because many warranty cards clearly state something to the effect of "for the lifetime of the product as long as the original purchaser of the product owns the home". In other words, the warranty may not be transferable should you ever sell your home.

Unfortunately sometimes you get better value and long-term service from companies offering a shorter warranty period. You have to ask around and do your homework. Good luck.

Answer 2

Normally it means that the material has a rated lifetime (perhaps 25 years) and if it fails before that time they'll refund a certain proportion of what you paid for the material. So if 17 vinyl "planks" with a guaranteed 25 year lifetime fail after 24 years they'll pay you the value of 1/25 x17 x the cost of one plank at the time they were purchased. Not worth having. If they're feeling very generous they might give you 17 new planks, but the planks won't match and you'd still have to pay to fix them into position.

Answer 3

It's supposed to we warranted as long as the house stands but wait, these companies come and go like the weather. The warranty is worthless if they go belly up or is bought up by another company. I was burned badly with vinyl windows in my home. My advice to you is apply Certainteed Products only. In or on your home. They have been around forever. They are in great financial shape and you'll not find a better product anywhere. If your ever interested in a certain company finantional standing, go on line an run a Dunn and Bradstreet (detailed finanational report) on any company. It tells if they pay their bills on time finanational stability, profits, expendatures, taxes and many other facts. There is a charge for the service but its so complete you'll know how many cars park in their parking lot. Good Luck!

Answer 4

a life time warranty for vinyl siding is to the original purchaser for as long as they own the home. most are transferable but become prorated when the house is sold. if you want the best, i would recommend mastic, their design was so good that alcoa bought them to get it. so either alcoa or mastic would be fine as long as you get the best grade of panels. which ever brand and style you buy, get the thickest that they make. with alcoa/mastic that would be .048 thickness, or no less than .044. there are thinner panels of .042 and .040 and they are made for builders to keep their costs down. unless you have a very large house, they aren't worth the savings, i won't even sell them. a thin panel is harder to work with, doesn't lay as flat, and doesn't look as good when hung. and of course, the job will only look as good as the installation, so be sure to check out the siders other jobs to see how well he hangs it. good luck, hope this helps.

Answer 5

Good question.! Usually for the life of the siding. Now that's about as ambiguous as you can get..Ask the manufacturer or the guy who sold it to you..You should have a warranty in your hand...Call the manufacturer and ask the same question, Who's life.???? They will most likely have some bogus beating around the bush B/S. Be very emphatic, get an answer..If you can't get an answer call the Attorney General in your state. They will get you an answer. Or in the Boston,Mass. area call Susan Wornick at Channel "5". She loves this kind of stuff..Consumer Advocate.

Answer 6

Well if your wanting the best for your house like you say...its not vinyl siding. Go with hardie board siding from James Hardie. Many styles to choose from. Also do not skimp on paint, get top quality that will last for years and years. I know vinyl is easy, you don't have to paint it, etc., etc., To me..its poor quality and ugly. Reminds me of mobile homes. Once the color is picked, thats it for good. Anyway, those are just some of my thoughts. good luck.

Answer 7

Just what is says lifetime. As long as the house is standing. There may be some small print. Like if you damage it, or tornadoes, etc. it may not cover it. If it falls apart itself it will. Read all the print to find out exactly what there contracts says about their warranties.