| Abstract: | The technology for extruding rigid cellular PVC has grown substantially over the past decade. Formulation additives, tooling, and processing expertise have made possible a variety of applications—relatively complex profiles, foam-core pipe, thermoformable foam sheet, and house siding. In the U.S. market, vinyl house siding is typically a relatively thin extrusion that is folded into a final shape that resembles wood cladding in appearance. An alternative to conventional form vinyl siding could be a foam structure that is thicker and stiffer than the solid form, and with a density similar to that of wood. This paper presents several performance advantages of rigid cellular PVC cladding in comparison to the current solid product, in addition to mentioning certain limitations that exist in the foam product that is produced with the technology available today. |
