It’s natural to want to make sure that your home is attractive. After all, it is one of the most important investments you’ll make in your life. And with siding one of the first things anyone will see when they come to your property, it makes perfect sense to be concerned about yours.
Siding offers a number of benefits relating to both form and function but you’ll only be able to take advantage of these when your siding is properly installed. Spotting the signs of faulty siding installation early is important because it’s what will allow you to take the necessary steps right away to address the problem and prevent it from worsening.
You may be looking at faulty siding installation if you have:
• Panels that are too tight or too loose. Vinyl siding, for instance, needs to be firmly attached but it should also feature loose nailing to make room for the siding material to expand and contract with the changing temperature. If your siding is too tight, it will buckle on hot days. If it’s too loose, it runs the risk of letting in water when it rains, leading to potential moisture damage. Not to mention offering ineffective insulation.
• Improper nailing. Aside from using the right type of nails, properly installed siding will feature nails that are neither too deep nor left protruding from a panel. Nails should also be driven in straight and not at an angle. Improper nailing compromises structural integrity, preventing siding from performing as it should.
• Lack of flashing. Siding requires flashing at points it meets other parts of your home’s exterior, such as doors and roofing. As these points represent breaks in the siding material, they are vulnerable to water intrusion. Flashing takes care of this vulnerability by sealing the gap in the siding material. Without it, nothing will keep moisture from getting in and causing damage.
If you spot any of these signs, you shouldn’t be too far from needing siding replacement. But now that you know what faulty installation is, you can watch out for it and ensure your siding is installed right.
In Part 2, we’ll be helping you get siding installation done right from the very beginning by talking about the different factors that matter in the process. Read on to learn more!
