3 Comments

1. 
   Annette Stelmack | Jan 19, 2009 07:18pm | #1

   Vinyl is Toxic
   AWESOME!! Thank you for a clear and concise reflection on the toxicity of vinyl products. For over a decade, I have been on my soapbox taking a stand against the use of vinyl products for interior finishes and furnishings of any kind. As Bill stated, PVC-products poison the air, water, and soil with dioxins – from birth to grave. Indoor air quality is profoundly affected by the out gassing of the hazardous chemicals during manufacturing and during/after installation of the products. If a fire should breakout, the fumes are deadly. Additionally, vinyl does not breath – moisture is trapped between the sub-flooring, wall board or upholstery leading to the macrobiotic formation of mold.
   In 2002, after viewing the movie ‘Blue Vinyl’ I went cold turkey and took a personal stand - no more vinyl for any of my projects and clients – why would we select a known carcinogen for the interior and exterior finishes when there are equal and superiors products that perform the same, or even better.
   I’d love to hear your comments – Annette Stelmack – Sustainable Interior Designer

2. 
   Bo Marley | Sep 07, 2010 01:19am | #2

   Replacing very old siding
   I am restoring a 110+ year old house in Helena, Arkansas... It has 11 ft ceilings throughout and most of the heavy timbers (joists, rafters, etc) were shaped & finished by hand... Part of the outside was covered 50+ years ago with a product that appears to be heavy shingles but makes up most of the siding on both sides of the house & back of the house. It is getting worn in spots and is not very attractive. The roof is a thick tin material and is original to the house and has a scalloped finish to it.

   I am at a loss on what to replace this old shingle-like siding with. Any suggestions? (Also, there is minimal insulation to be found anywhere in the house.)

   Thanks,

   Bo Marley, MD
   Helena, Arkansas
   662-902-4135 cell
   [email protected]

3. GBA Editor
   Martin Holladay | Sep 07, 2010 05:16am | #3

   Resonse to Bo Marley
   Bo Marley,
   It should go without saying, but you can install any type of siding you want.

   If you are looking for an overview of siding types, you might want to read the GBA Encyclopedia:

   https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/green-basics/siding-choices