Even before your siding shows signs of damage, you can determine if it was properly installed if you know what to look for. Signs of bad siding installation include:
- Rusty Nails
Stainless steel nails are the ideal fasteners for siding installation because they won’t rust even when constantly exposed to water and moisture. Whether you have vinyl or fiber cement siding, it is necessary to use such rust-resistant nails. Rusty nails can quickly deteriorate, leaving gaps around them where water and moisture can penetrate through. They can also leave an ugly reddish brown stain on your siding. If you see rusty nails, you can automatically conclude that your previous contractor didn’t do so well.
- Ripple Effect
Another telltale sign of bad siding installation is when the siding panels dips and rises at some parts. This means that the contractor did not check and double-check for levelness, resulting in the buckled or rippled appearance of the siding. To check for this, look from the side instead of the front.
- Siding Panels Nailed Too Tight
This is a big no-no especially for vinyl siding. Materials expand and contract due to weather and temperature changes, so they require space to move. Otherwise, the panels will bulge or warp because they have no room for expansion and contraction. However, they should not be nailed too loosely either. Ideally, nail heads must not touch the hem of the siding, leaving an allowance of about 1/32 inch.
To know if the siding panels were nailed too tight, take a look at the parts where the nails are. Are there missing nails or exposed nail heads? If so, this means that some expansion and contraction have already happened, and the nails weren’t able to handle the movement so they popped out.
Now, What to Do About Bad Siding Installation?
The answer is actually quite simple: get an experienced, certified and reliable siding professional and contractor to fix the problems or install a new set of siding for you. If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, do not attempt to fix the problems yourself. Enlist the aid of a professional, and you can ensure your siding will last as it should, saving you time and money in the long run.
