Why Is Your House Siding Melting This Summer? Expert Insights for Oklahoma Homeowners

If you walked outside this summer and noticed warping or bubbling on your home's siding, you're not alone. More Oklahoma homeowners are seeing their vinyl siding literally melt off their homes during the hottest months. At AR Exteriors, we've helped many clients fix this issue, and we're here to explain exactly what's going on.

Extreme Summer Weather in Oklahoma

Let’s start with the obvious: Oklahoma summers are brutally hot. In fact, according to the National Weather Service, Tulsa averages over 10 days in a row each summer with temperatures above 100°F in recent years. That's enough heat to do serious damage to your home exterior remodeling projects.

Vinyl siding is one of the most common materials used in Oklahoma homes. It’s affordable, low-maintenance, and easy to install. But vinyl has a weakness: it begins to soften and deform at around 165°F to 170°F. In extreme heat and certain lighting conditions, the surface temperature of your siding goes even higher.

Why Is My Vinyl Siding Melting?

It’s not just the sun. While direct sunlight certainly contributes, melting siding usually comes down to one sneaky factor: window reflection.

Here’s how it works:

• Low-E windows (energy-efficient windows found in many modern homes) reflect sunlight away from your home to keep it cooler inside.

• The reflective coating on these windows concentrates sunlight into a laser-like beam.

• If your neighbor has Low-E windows facing your home, that reflected light may be hitting your siding at just the right angle to spike its surface temperature.

This reflection pushes your siding's surface temperature past its melting point, causing visible warping, bubbling, or fading. It's not a manufacturing defect. It's a real-world clash between modern energy efficiency and older building materials.

How to Prevent Your Siding from Melting

Melting siding isn’t something you just have to accept. There are ways to protect your home, especially if you’re considering home exterior remodeling in Oklahoma.

Here are a few expert solutions:

• Install Heat-Resistant Siding: Consider switching to more durable siding like LP SmartSide siding. This engineered wood option is treated to withstand extreme weather, resist impact, and won’t melt under summer heat.

• Window Screens or Films: Ask your neighbor (or install on your own home) window screens or anti-reflective film to diffuse sunlight and reduce heat reflection.

• Siding Shields: Install a small protective shield or awning where the reflection hits your siding.

• Smart Landscaping: Strategically planting trees or shrubs blocks direct reflective paths between windows and siding.

Why LP SmartSide Siding Is a Good Choice

LP SmartSide siding is growing in popularity with Oklahoma homeowners. It looks like real wood but resists heat, moisture, and termites. Unlike vinyl, it won't melt or warp from reflected sunlight. It also stands up better to Oklahoma's high winds and hail.

At AR Exteriors, we recommend LP SmartSide for many of our clients looking for longer-lasting solutions that won’t crack under pressure or heat.

Choose Experienced Siding Contractors Near Me

The key to preventing siding problems is working with professionals who know the climate, materials, and common issues in Oklahoma. Our team at AR Exteriors has years of experience helping families find siding that holds up in extreme summer weather and keeps their homes looking great.

Whether you're dealing with warped vinyl or starting a full home exterior remodeling, we guide you to the best solution. When you search for siding contractors near me in Oklahoma, look for trusted local experts who understand how our environment impacts your home.

FAQ: Melting Siding in Oklahoma

Q: Does vinyl siding really melt just from sunlight?A: Yes. Especially when sunlight is reflected off Low-E windows. It heats the surface past 170°F, which causes the vinyl to warp or bubble.

Q: Is this a problem with the siding product itself?A: Not usually. It’s more about the environment and reflected heat. Vinyl siding is a good product, but it's vulnerable to this kind of heat exposure.

Q: What’s the best siding to avoid melting?A: Engineered wood products like LP SmartSide siding are far more resistant to heat and are a great upgrade in Oklahoma's climate.

Q: Do I have to replace all my siding?A: Not always. If the damage is isolated, it may be possible to replace just the affected areas. We assess your home and help you decide.

If your siding is showing signs of heat damage, don’t wait. Reach out to AR Exteriors today for a free consultation and discover siding options built to last. We’re proud to serve Oklahoma with reliable solutions, expert craftsmanship, and the kind of customer service you trust.