One design issue that historic preservation commissions must address is requests to apply vinyl and aluminum siding to historic houses. Some commissions in Wisconsin have banned these siding materials, while others allow their application with some considerations.

Courts across America have recognized the right of commissions to ban vinyl siding. A relevant case (1999) on this issue is Church of Christ, Scientist v. Historic District Commission of the Town of Ridgefield, Connecticut. In this case, the Connecticut Appeals Court stated that:

1. Commissions have the authority to require applications for vinyl siding, and
2. Adding vinyl siding is more than just typical maintenance.

The court also ruled that the commission's standard for denying vinyl siding based on aesthetic qualities alone was a proper exercise of its authority.

Homeowner Questions About Synthetic Siding for Historic Properties

Listed below are some typical questions about synthetic siding that commissions get from homeowners, along with some suggested responses:

Doesn't vinyl or aluminum siding save me money?

In the short run, vinyl or aluminum siding might save you money, but not necessarily in the long run. No studies have clearly shown that these siding materials are economical. Synthetic siding certainly will not pay you back when you sell your house. Remodeling Magazine looked at the most popular types of remodeling jobs to determine how much money was lost at resale. The magazine calculated that property owners got back only two out of every three dollars for a typical aluminum siding job. This means that one-third of an owner's siding investment was lost when the house was sold. For more details, view the full Cost vs Value Remodeling Report from the Remodeling Magazine website.

Won't vinyl or aluminum siding save on energy costs?

Not really. In one- and two-story frame dwellings, very little heat is lost through the walls. Most heat loss is through the roof, basement, windows, or doors. Any savings on energy costs after applying vinyl or aluminum siding will hardly be noticed.

Won't vinyl or aluminum siding save me from ever painting my house again?

All materials have a limited lifespan. By applying vinyl or aluminum siding over wood siding, you may not have to paint the wood again, but you may have to paint or replace your vinyl or aluminum siding in 15 to 20 years. Sales of paint for vinyl and aluminum siding have risen dramatically due, in part, to these materials fading, chipping, or cracking over time.

Aluminum siding was once touted as a "maintenance-free" material that would last forever, but these claims have not held up over time. The same claims are now being made for vinyl siding, but it too is showing signs of not living up to expectations. A flyer from a major company selling "maintenance-free" vinyl siding states:

Aluminum siding just doesn't stand the test of time. It dents, shows scratches and corrodes.

Will vinyl or aluminum siding harm my house?

Not necessarily. One problem with synthetic siding is that it can trap moisture and condensation in the wood underneath. This can lead to rotted siding and structural problems. Wood siding does not trap moisture. Instead, it expands and contracts with the seasons.

Another issue with synthetic siding is that it can hide water damage from gutter or downspout failures. This could allow the problem to go untreated until major damage is done. If the exterior siding masks the problem, the first chance to notice the failure could be when water pours down from the interior walls.

How can I maintain the "historic" look of my house when applying new vinyl or aluminum siding?

While vinyl or aluminum siding isn't perfect, some historic districts allow vinyl or aluminum siding applications if certain considerations are met, such as these:

• Do not remove or conceal historic features such as eave brackets, "gingerbread," fanciful hand-carved wooden latticework, or decorative trims.
• Keep original window and door surrounds exposed.
• Match the original dimensions of the wood siding as closely as possible.
• Vent the siding as much as possible to avoid condensation.

Additional Resources

A summary argument on vinyl siding issues titled "Vinyl Siding: The Real Issues" is available from the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation.

• Landscaping Design Guidelines
• Window Replacement Guidelines