CertainTeed Corp. is targeting wood planks and the fast-growing fiber cement business for its new reinforced vinyl siding, Certaplank.
The vinyl cladding looks like hardwood, with a lightweight 7-inch slim profile that is rigid.
"Certaplank is the result of many years of research and product development," said Kara Radcliffe, director of vinyl siding product management at CertainTeed. "Fiber cement and wood planks are cumbersome and heavy, and they require special tools, extra crew and safety gear to install."
Ease of installation is a big issue on construction, and manufacturers of plastic building products are playing it up.
According to CertainTeed, because Certaplank is lighter and more flexible than fiber cement or natural wood siding, contractors can hand-unload the vinyl siding without any special equipment, storage or stacking requirements. Also, there are no restrictions from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration on handling or cutting the material outdoors.
CertainTeed is offering Certaplank in 18 colors with a wood grain finish.
CertainTeed, based in Malvern, Pa., ranks No. 5 in the latest Plastics News ranking of pipe, profile and tubing extruders.