The Vinyl Siding Institute began its evolution this year into the Polymeric Exterior Products Association (PEPA) not only because the product category now extends way beyond PVC but also to encompass the other building products installed along with it.
PEPA represents manufacturers of decking, fencing, roofing, windows, railing, doors, gutters and downspouts in addition to cladding and trim.
The timing of VSI's transformation from a singular-focused siding association to a more holistic one is twofold, according to PEPA President and CEO Kate Offringa. The industry, construction practices and products used on homes are changing, and manufacturers of polymeric exterior building products face common challenges that can be tackled together, Offringa said in an email.
"By uniting members across our category, we can help promote the benefits of polymeric products to the homebuilding industry, deliver more success on our common issues and drive a greater impact than ever before," Offringa said.
As PEPA, members will be able to show their relevance in the industry, Offringa said, and unite to protect and open key markets at a time of skyrocketing prices for new and existing homes.
"With the rising costs of housing in general, polymeric exterior claddings can offer alternatives to some other higher-cost options, especially as builders and consumers look for solutions during this inflationary period," Offringa said.
PEPA members also can tout advantages regarding energy efficiency, she added.
"Polymeric claddings, such as vinyl siding, insulated vinyl siding and polypropylene siding, are well suited for building envelopes incorporating continuous insulation," Offringa said. "This compatibility is particularly relevant in meeting newer, more stringent wall insulation requirements set forth by the International Energy Conservation Code."
The trade group recently published a new energy efficiency resource for homebuilders to install continuous insulation on new home projects. Called "Polymeric Cladding Over Continuous Insulation: Construction Details for Energy Code Compliance," the guide covers installing insulated vinyl siding, polypropylene siding and all vinyl siding products to achieve continuous insulation code requirements.
PEPA members that manufacture polypropylene products include American Original Building Products, CertainTeed Corp., Cornerstone Building Brands and Derby Building Products Inc.
For now, vinyl siding is the main product in polymeric types of cladding, Offringa said.
"Vinyl siding continues to hold at about 25-30 percent market share, according to the Census data, with stronger markets in the Northeast and Midwest. The product continues to hold a much stronger market share in the remodeling sector than any other product, and consumer preference still drives towards vinyl especially when it comes to remodeling," Offringa said.
When it comes to recycling used products, PEPA is becoming more active. The trade group recently paid for social media campaigns on Facebook and Instagram to boost participation in the Revinylize Recycling Collaborative. The initiative aims to build a national recycling infrastructure for exterior polymeric home products at the end of their life cycle.
The pilot program in Northeast Ohio recycled more than 500,000 pounds of aftermarket residential vinyl siding from 2021-23.