"Melting" Siding Question

[John Overholser]

A woman contacted me in regards to her siding. She said that last spring some new townhouses were put up directly behind her, and ever since then, her siding has "melted". It's on the North face of the house, and it covers a large portion of the wall. She seems to think it's from the windows on the new houses reflecting light. I'm wondering if it could be overly-tight fasteners causing buckling when it heats up? What are your thoughts -- see pic.

She said she's out of warranty and that the builder is only willing to replace the windows in the house behind her with ones that have "capillary tubes" in them to prevent reflection? I've never heard of this, but please enlighten me.

I haven't done an inspection for her or anything...she's just looking for some direction because she's thinking this will end up in a legal battle.

[Joseph Hagarty, CMI]

It is caused by the sun reflection from other windows directing light to this area.
Dual paned windows can act as a prism and cause damage to to siding in other reflected areas (same home or neighboring home).
It is not uncommon. I see it often.

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

Vinyl siding sux to begin with (IMO). This is just another reason why

[Joseph Hagarty, CMI]

Originally Posted by jpope

Vinyl siding sux to begin with (IMO). This is just another reason why

Better than Stucco (your market may vary).

[Roy D. Cooke, Sr]

http://www.lbmjournal.com/article/438

http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/blogs/dept/musings/window-reflections-can-melt-vinyl-siding

http://wolpertinsurance.wordpress.com/2010/12/05/so-your-vinyl-siding-is-melting-but-the-neighbors-house-isnt-on-fire-whats-the-deal/

[Brian E. Kelly]

Originally Posted by jpope

Vinyl siding sux to begin with (IMO). This is just another reason why

Ditto.

[Gary Farnsworth]

Roy, you are the info guru. Keep it up.

What Jeffery said.

[Carl A. Brown]

Originally Posted by jhagarty

Better than Stucco (your market may vary).

No

although there is some stucco that is worse than plastic siding

in my humble opinion

[Roy D. Cooke, Sr]

Originally Posted by cbrown1

No

although there is some stucco that is worse than plastic siding

in my humble opinion

I agree In Canada any way. Never seen a proper stucco Installation .

[John Overholser]

Thank you for all of your responses, and thank you, Roy, for the links.

[Joseph Hagarty, CMI]

Originally Posted by cbrown1

No

although there is some stucco that is worse than plastic siding

in my humble opinion

???
Better than Stucco
???

[John Gromkoski]

Interesting subject. I have never personally come across this, but now know what it is if I ever do. Thanks guys.

[Wayne B. Wilson]

Joseph
How close does the neighbor house have to be to do this , I never seen either, Very interesting indeed

[Jeffrey R. Jonas]

Originally Posted by jgromkoski

Interesting subject. I have never personally come across this, but now know what it is if I ever do. Thanks guys.

Just never forget the number one cause of melted siding...

[Carl A. Brown]

Originally Posted by jjonas

Just never forget the number one cause of melted siding...

where's the Beef/Pork/Poultry?

oops and baked beans