
Prevention of vinyl siding problems
Vinyl siding has come a long way since the 1950s. Early siding didn't age as well as modern siding does and sometimes had issues such as sagging, chipping, denting and fading. Vinyl siding problems were frequently weather-related, including:
- Yellowing and buckling in extreme heat
- Cracking or brittleness in extreme cold
- Loosening during strong winds
By and large, those vinyl siding problems are a thing of the past. Thanks to research, testing and advances in manufacturing processes, modern vinyl siding is much more durable, more resistant to extremes of weather and more stable in high winds. Still, as a savvy buyer, you may want to check that you are purchasing vinyl siding that passes industry tests and incorporates the following features which might keep your home's exterior trouble-free:
- Fade-resistant coating
- Premium thickness
- High wind resistance rating
Just as crucial in preventing vinyl siding problems is proper installation. Whether you do-it-yourself or hire an installer, you will want to read installation manuals and solicit tips from experienced installers who know the importance of details:
- Locking each siding panel firmly into place
- Leaving expansion space while nailing panels
- Overlapping edges of panels
- Trimming securely at corners and around doors and windows
Preventive measures during installation
To provide expansion space for this unique siding material and to prevent buckling, installers should position each nail in the center of the top nailing slot, leaving a space about the width of a dime between the nail head and the panel. They should also allow about one-quarter inch of space between the edge of any panel and a corner post or trim piece.
Leak prevention is key with vinyl siding, which generally won't show external evidence of underlying moisture problems. Siding panels are overlapped to guard against gaps that would allow water entry. J-channel or utility trim is used around windows and doors to seal against water seepage. Trim pieces should be installed snug to the frame, can be seated in a bed of caulking for extra insurance, and should have neat mitered corners.
Featured Articles
- Vinyl siding cost: Is spring the cheapest time for installation?
- Things to do this winter: Skiing, ice skating, and a siding installation?
- Thermal bridging: another reason to choose insulated vinyl siding
- DIY exterior siding: Setting higher goals
- Planning a siding installation? Sooner may be better than later
- It may be time to install new siding if…
- Vinyl siding: top choice for your region?
- House wrap: what qualities are important?
- FEMA advice for vinyl siding installation
- Winter siding installation: Which materials are feasible?
- Your siding installation and the new insulation code requirements
- 3 exterior siding myths you should not believe
- Vinyl siding vs. hurricane-force winds
- Double-pane windows: trouble for vinyl siding?
- Could your home be America's Best Siding Makeover?
- Installing new siding: what to expect if you DIY
- Why use a certified vinyl siding installer?
- Weather matters when installing vinyl siding
- Installing vinyl siding: get your quote right
- When installing vinyl siding, local notions matter
- Tis the season for installing vinyl siding?
- Vinyl Siding: New Jersey Homeowners Pay for Quality
- Coordinating Siding Installation with other Exterior Projects
- Avoid Dreaded Ripples In Vinyl Siding
- Install House Wrap Before Starting Your Do It Yourself Siding Project
- Exterior Siding Installation and Summer Heat
- Install Vinyl Siding Yourself and Save Money
- Installing Vinyl Siding - Cost to DIY