What Is Polymer Siding?

If you’ve been researching siding options, you’ve no doubt come across a mention of polymer siding. Although polymer siding is not quite as well-known as other cladding options—in large part because it hasn’t been on the market for as long as those alternatives—it offers a number of benefits to today’s homeowners.

So, what is polymer siding, exactly? Polymer siding is made from polypropylene resin, a type of plastic. The chemical makeup of polypropylene resin contributes to polymer siding’s impressive durability, impact resistance, and heat resistance. What’s more, because polypropylene resin is quite flexible, polymer siding can easily be molded to resemble real wood.

Polymer Siding vs. Vinyl Siding

Whereas polymer siding is made from polypropylene resin, vinyl siding is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin. Between these two types of resin, polypropylene resin (the one used in polymer siding) is a more neutral plastic and better for the environment. It contains only two elements (hydrogen and carbon), while PVC resin (the one used in vinyl siding) also contains chlorine.

Another difference between polymer siding and vinyl siding lies in how each type of cladding is manufactured. While vinyl siding is typically produced in standard horizontal and vertical panels, polymer siding is made using an injection molding process in order to create a wider array of styles and textures (for example, polymer siding is often available in shake and shingle designs).

Custom Polymer Siding for Your Home

If you’re interested in having polymer siding installed on your home, you can turn to Continental Manufacturing, a trusted siding manufacturer serving a number of communities across Western Iowa and Eastern Nebraska. We’re a mom-and-pop business that’s been around since 1982, and we proudly manufacture industry-leading seamless polymer siding that is:

• Strong – It offers three times the impact resistance of vinyl siding, and is strong enough to remain attached even during severe wind storms. Also, polymer siding will never warp, crack, chip, fade, or peel.
• Energy efficient – All of our siding comes with a layer of form-fitted insulation that can reduce heat transfer. This helps to stabilize indoor temperatures and lessen the burden on your HVAC system.
• Completely customizable – Choose from a variety of styles, colors, sizes, panel thicknesses, and accessories to design siding that you’ll love for years to come. What’s more, because polymer can be easily molded, your new polymer siding can be made to look like just about any type of wood or stone.

But, that’s not all. At Continental Manufacturing, we aim to provide our customers with top value for their investment, which is why we’ve developed exclusive patented attaching systems that ensure our polymer siding will be a truly permanent solution (choose from the Perma-Strate^® system and the Shure-Strate^® system).

Alternatively, if you’re leaning toward vinyl siding, you’ll be glad to know that we also manufacture PVC siding that offers the look of wood without any of the tiresome maintenance requirements. Our vinyl siding is strong, energy efficient, and engineered to provide years of lasting performance.

Choosing the Color of Your Polymer Siding

No matter your neighborhood’s color scheme, neutral siding is a timeless choice. When considering a neutral siding color, you have a few great options: white, off-white, and gray. White siding is a classic choice that has the highest resale value, but it can be challenging to keep clean, as it shows dirt and grime easily. Off-white is popular because it helps reflect light and make rooms look larger. Gray is also a contemporary option that provides a calming effect and modern feel. To make a neutral siding color stand out, homeowners can pair it with contrasting trim, window frames, and doors. This can add visual interest to your home and set it apart from others on the block.

Contact Continental Manufacturing today to learn more about the polymer siding and vinyl siding we have available for homeowners in your area. We’ll be glad to provide you with additional information, answer your questions, and connect you with a local siding Certified Installation Professional.