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Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Melted Siding?

  

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Recently, a client called to say that the siding was literally melting off their house and wanted to know if this was covered.  In the state of Massachusetts, most cases of melted siding are covered by homeowners insurance. 

The damage was apparently caused by sunlight bouncing off double-paned, energy efficient windows next door. And it turns out this same phenomena is happening with increasing frequency across much of the country.

The energy efficient windows -- called "LowE" or "low emittance" windows -- warp or bow inward, creating a concave shape, which focuses the sun's rays like a magnifying glass, reaching temperatures of over 200 degrees Fahrenheit in some cases and melting the siding.

Even though most homeowners insurance policies will cover the loss, what’s a homeowner to do to keep the problem from recurring?

• Screens.  Placing a screen over the window can help diffuse the reflected light.
• Trees or shrubs. Planting trees or shrubs between the offending windows can help reduce the heat. 
• Better windows.  Some double-pane "LowE" windows do not bow inward and thus do not focus the sun's light. Windows used above elevations of 5,000 feet above sea level use small tubes or capillaries to equalize the pressure so the windows do not warp. These windows cost virtually the same as LowE windows, which use a gas to fill the space between the panes. But the no-warp windows are not available in all regions of the country.
• Better siding.  You could replace your siding with a higher grade of vinyl siding or another exterior cladding.  Some siding contains an additive (one brand is Lubrizol), which raises the melting point to 220 degrees (normal grade vinyl siding begins to distort at 160-165 degrees). The better grade siding is more expensive, but it's also more durable.

As more builders and homeowners are trying to become more energy efficient, LowE windows are becoming more common. Some building codes call for them. The problem of melting siding will most likely increase so taking precautions to prevent recurrence is a wise course of action.