5 Most Common Vinyl Siding Problems

Vinyl siding has become a popular option for many homeowners because of its versatility and affordable cost. After installation, most vinyl siding will not need maintenance for a certain period of time. However, after this time has passed, vinyl siding may experience issues due to aging, weathering, and other factors. Before having vinyl siding installed, become familiar with these common problems it can become susceptible to:

• Warping and buckling. Vinyl siding will expand and contract slightly with changing temperatures. If not installed correctly, this movement can cause the siding to warp and buckle. There should be a slight give when you touch your siding to accommodate for this.
• Fading. Although most vinyl siding is produced with some sort of UV protection, it can begin to fade in time. Areas that receive more direct sunlight than others may become discolored, resulting in an inconsistent look for the home overall. Fading is mostly a cosmetic issue, but in certain circumstances, can lead to structural issues like cracking.
• Moisture issues. Because vinyl siding expands and contracts, it can’t provide a watertight seal like other types of siding can. Because of this, a waterproof barrier must be installed underneath the siding beforehand. If this protective barrier isn’t applied correctly, moisture can leak into the home causing both internal and external rotting, instability, mold growth, and more.
• Cracking. Vinyl siding has become more durable as technology has progressed, but may still experience cracking over time. Strong impacts, improper installation, and excessive exposure to sunlight can lead to cracking. If left unrepaired, these cracks can allow moisture to leak through and cause water damage.
• Noise. As we mentioned before, vinyl siding is not installed with a tight seal against the home. This can cause a rattling noise as the siding moves back and forth when strong wind is present.

It may seem like vinyl siding comes with a quite a few potential drawbacks, but almost all of these issues have one thing in common: they’re due to improper installation. Vinyl siding requires a special kind of installation that uses fasteners rather than nails. Some problems are inevitable, but most of them can be prevented with careful, skilled installation. Don’t let just anyone apply vinyl siding to your home, otherwise be prepared to face the consequences. At Blackstone Exteriors, we pride ourselves on experience and expertise in vinyl siding and all of our other home exterior services. Call us today for a consultation!