WASHINGTON, June 30 /PRNewswire/ -- The Vinyl Siding Institute (VSI) has announced a new way for homeowners to be assured that the vinyl siding colors they choose meet the standard for color retention. VSI recently expanded its successful Vinyl Siding Product Certification Program to include certification based on the performance standard for color retention, ASTM D6864. To qualify, vinyl siding products must first receive certification for overall quality and performance based on the industry standard ASTM D3679, which covers criteria such as weatherability, wind load, and impact resistance, among others. "Since vinyl siding is a durable product that never needs painting, customers want to make sure their homes look beautiful after the passage of time and exposure to the elements," said VSI President Jery Y. Huntley. "Vinyl siding has always been available in a wide variety of attractive colors, and now there is a process to certify these colors for color retention." More than 1,000 products are currently certified for quality through VSI's program, and nearly 200 colors of those products have been certified for color retention as well. VSI's color retention certification process requires a two-year, outdoor weathering study conducted for each color being considered. Each certified color must demonstrate the ability to resist major changes in a variety of climates. All vinyl siding certified through VSI's program is verified to meet or exceed ASTM D3679 through twice yearly review and unannounced inspections by an independent, accredited quality control agency. Additionally, each color must undergo ongoing verification and a re-certification process for color retention, including a new two-year, outdoor weathering study, every six years. A complete, updated list of products and colors certified through VSI's Vinyl Siding Product Certification Program is available online at www.vinylsiding.org or by calling the Vinyl Siding Information Center toll-free at 1-888-FOR-VSI-1 (888-367-8471). The Vinyl Siding Institute, Inc., is located in Washington, D.C., and represents manufacturers of vinyl and polymeric siding and suppliers to the industry. VSI is the sponsor of the VSI Vinyl Siding Product Certification Program and the VSI Certified Installer Program.
