Siding protects your home from the elements, like powerful wind, hail, and snowstorms. 

You should be able to trust your siding to do its job. Unfortunately, many homeowners suffer from the effects of improper siding installation, which can leave you with frustrating, costly exterior repairs. 

If you suspect your siding may be the victim of poor installation, you’ll need to act quickly. Here are the most common signs of improper siding application—and the steps to follow if you need your siding replaced.

Siding Problems Due to Improper Installation

1. Warping and Buckling

When siding boards aren’t cut to the correct length or are fastened to your home too tightly, they can rub against your window and door trim, causing the panels to warp or buckle.

Not only does this result in an unsightly exterior, but it prohibits your siding from protecting your home. Warped or buckled siding leads to more severe problems, like cracked boards or water damage.

Replace damaged panels as soon as possible to prevent further issues with your home.

2. Cracking

Your siding can crack due to various reasons, including the impact of heavy objects, moisture penetration, and weather damage, even when an expert installs it. 

However, poorly fitted siding is more prone to these types of damage. If the person who installed your siding did not correctly fasten each board to your exterior, they are more likely to break under impact. Poorly placed panels also offer crevices for rainwater and snow to sneak in during storms, resulting in water-related cracks.

3. Moisture Damage

One of the most critical components of your home is the waterproof barrier, also called a house wrap, that’s installed between your exterior walls and siding. 

This lightweight, synthetic covering protects your property from water damage if moisture finds its way past your siding, and it also gives your siding space to expand and contract as the outside temperatures change. 

Since waterproofing isn’t mandatory for all local building codes, your old contractor may not have known how to install it correctly, or skipped installing it altogether. Unfortunately, forgoing this important step can lead to trapped moisture that develops into mold, mildew, and even rot, resulting in serious health implications.

If you suspect your contractor didn’t install a water-resistant barrier, you should immediately invest in a siding replacement. You may also need to hire a mold remediation specialist to remove existing mold before your new installation.

4. Poor Insulation

Siding keeps your home safe from the elements, like wind, rain, and hail. However, it also serves as an insulator to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. 

Often, inexperienced siding contractors do not add enough insulation between your exterior walls and siding, which can minimize your home’s ability to maintain a consistent temperature. This costly error may cause your HVAC to work overtime, which can result in high energy bills. 

If your home is consistently drafty or humid, and you’ve noticed a spike in your utility costs, the culprit may be your siding. Contact a local contractor to evaluate your exterior. If you need a replacement, ensure the contractor you hire will add the proper amount and correct type of insulation during the process.

Benefits of Hiring a James Hardie Preferred Contractor

Although hiring a siding contractor may be more expensive than completing the process yourself, saving your home from costly damage is worth the investment. 

Skilled siding installation is critical when you choose to protect your home with fiber cement siding. Unlike vinyl siding, these boards are heavy, bulky, and more challenging to install without a team of skilled contractors. 

If you choose long-lasting, durable James Hardie® fiber cement siding for your replacement, it’s wise to hire a James Hardie Preferred Contractor who you can trust to do the job right. 

James Hardie Preferred Contractors: 

• Meet stringent standards set by the James Hardie company, like passing frequent audits, maintaining necessary accreditations and licensing, following the company’s best practices, and more. 
• Eliminate improper installation by paying close attention to details, like precise board placement, waterproofing and insulation, and proper hardware. 
• Give you peace of mind that your gorgeous, durable siding will last for decades and is protected by a 30-year, non-prorated, transferable warranty.

Invest in Reliable Siding Replacement with StateLine Exteriors

If your siding is suffering from the damaging effects of improper installation, invest in a top-notch replacement with a reliable local contractor to change the trajectory of your home’s future.

As a James Hardie Preferred Contractor, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners across the state of Kansas create a personalized plan to beautify their home’s exterior with durable, quality siding products.

Learn more about our siding services to discover how you can replace your faulty siding with beautiful, trusted products, like fiber cement siding and stone siding!