Recognizing the signs of poorly installed siding can help you take action to protect your home. Siding enhances your home’s curb appeal, protection, and energy efficiency.
However, the quality of the installation can significantly impact the performance and longevity of your siding. Poorly installed siding not only detracts from your home’s appearance but can also lead to a host of issues, from energy loss to moisture infiltration and structural damage.
Major Signs of Poorly Installed Siding
Buckling or Warping
If the siding panels aren’t properly secured or installed too tightly, they may buckle, warp, or bulge. This is because they need space to expand and contract with fluctuating temperatures. When your siding warps, it looks uneven and attractive. Compromised areas can also lead to increased susceptibility to moisture infiltration.
Gaps, Overlaps, and Loose Installation
When your siding panels aren’t correctly aligned, there will be visible gaps or overlaps between the boards. Siding not installed correctly can also become loose or detach over time or in harsh weather. Your siding is the outermost layer of protection for your house. If it isn’t water and airtight, the underlying structures can be damaged.
Aesthetics
If siding lines aren’t straight and level, it can make the exterior of your home look sloppy. Skew siding is definitely one of the signs of poorly installed siding. Another is mismatched colors or textures. Your siding panels should be uniform.
If your siding is cracking or fading prematurely, it could be from improper installation or low-quality materials.
Water Damage
Mold growth and rot on the siding or around the windows are clear signs of poorly installed siding. When poorly installed, siding panels allow moisture to infiltrate behind the boards, damaging the underlying structures.
If you use an unprofessional installation company, they may not use a waterproof barrier, called a house wrap, under the siding. Unfortunately, it’s not mandatory for all building codes. A professional company, however, understands the importance of making your siding watertight.
Peeling paint or caulk is another sign of moisture damage that shows your siding hasn’t been installed correctly.
Visible Nails or Fasteners
Not only do visible nails look bad, but they are also potential entry points for water, which can cause them to rust and corrode. A professional team will use the right nails and fasteners for your siding material. Often, they will choose stainless steel nails that don’t deteriorate.
Poor Water Management
Your siding should have a proper overhang to prevent water from running down the surface of the wall. If the overhang is inadequate, water can splash back onto the siding and damage it.
Flashing is another key component in extending your siding’s lifespan. Flashing directs water away from vulnerable areas like windows, doors, and corners. When flashing is incorrectly installed or neglected, it can affect the longevity of your siding.
High Energy Bill
If your energy bill is higher than usual, your siding may be failing and compromising your home’s insulation. When your siding is warped or allows in air and moisture, you will have energy leaks that make heating and cooling your home more difficult and costly.
Choose a Professional to Avoid Signs of Poorly Installed Siding
If you have noticed signs of poorly installed siding, it may be time for a replacement. When you choose a professional company like Kentucky Home Exteriors, you get a customer-focused approach and installers trained directly by the manufacturers. We specialize in James Hardie Siding and recommend it for Kentucky homes.
We offer a lifetime workmanship warranty on top of the manufacturer’s warranty to ensure our customers have the best siding installation possible. We are so committed to quality service that we will only accept final payment once the homeowner is 100% happy with the result.
Trust Kentucky Home Exteriors With Your Siding Replacement
Don’t settle for less than the best when it comes to your home siding. Always choose a professional company to guide you through the process and help you create a safe, secure, and beautiful home.
If you have noticed signs of poorly installed siding and want to learn more about a replacement, contact us for a free in-person consultation.
