Vinyl siding is a popular siding and, as a home inspector, I see lots of it. In my book it is certainly not one of my favorite sidings in appearance or in performance.
It is established that vinyl siding will allow some water behind it. In theory, the water should be able to weep out at the bottom but, regardless, it is very important that the surface behind the vinyl is capable of withstanding some degree of dampness. I have seen vinyl removed, as part of a remodel, and the sheathing behind it was a fungal mess.
The more obvious problems with vinyl siding include damage from overheating, the barbecue by the siding, or plain old impact damage from weed-eaters, kids throwing balls.
And another common problem with it is when it is loose and hangs out from the exterior wall.
Even when it is not loose, it provides gaps that are very conducive to infestation by yellow jackets and aggressive insects. But, let it go, don't take care of it, and you are likely to have your siding on the front lawn after the first big wind.
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