Many industries offer independent testing and certification of their products--Underwriter's Laboratories for electrical safety, the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval, and product and services tested by Consumer's Union, to name just a few.

Surprise--Vinyl Siding Is Independently Tested!

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) is an international standards organization with representatives from 135 countries. They create test standards for wide-ranging global industries from concrete and petroleum-based products to amusement park rides to health care and home service products. In the case of vinyl siding, international standards include:

• ASTM D3679 for performance, created by each product undergoing series of rigorous tests and manufacturing plant inspections.
• ASTM D6864 or D7251 for additional standards regarding siding colors. Not all vinyl siding products that are ASTM D3679 rated are also rated for siding colors standards.

Vinyl siding products with any of the above ratings undergo compliance checks for ongoing adherence to ASTM standards. Twice a year, the manufacturing facilities undergo unannounced inspections by a third-party control agency that inspects for:

• Weatherability, including impact resistance and wind load
• Color retention
• Expansion and contraction due to temperature
• Distortion of the siding
• Verification of the length, width, and thickness of the vinyl siding

As long as a siding product continues to pass these tests, it may display the Vinyl Siding Institute's membership label. Builders and homeowners can go to the Vinyl Siding Institute's website for a list of manufacturers and specific products that meet ASTM qualifications. Keep in mind, some products have only the ASTM D3679 label.

Vinyl siding clads more than 50% of U.S. homes. And, since ASTM publishes additional standards for many products each year, today's vinyl siding is a better product than the vinyl siding of 15 or 20 years ago. So, pay attention to labels, and choose vinyl siding for your home with confidence and enthusiasm.