When vinyl is placed upon a historic structure, it typically is a poor substitute for what had been on the structure before.  The building can be negatively affected if "the width of the clapboards is altered, shadow reveals are reduced, and molding or trim is changed or removed at the corners, at cornices, or around windows and doors" - Preservation Brief 8 (http://www.nps.gov/hps/tps/briefs/brief08.htm).  Siding such as this can also be placed on top of existing siding, reducing the depth and making features, such as windows, less distinct.