Homeowners across the country love the cost-effective, attractive look of versatile vinyl and cement board siding. 

Unfortunately, these materials are prone to developing frustrating problems after your installation, including warping, buckling, or cracking. If your siding is already developing these concerning issues, it’s crucial to identify the source of the problem immediately so you can guard your home against further damage. 

Here’s a look at what causes vinyl and low-quality cement board siding damage—and how you can fix these problems with a durable, permanent solution: James Hardie Siding!

What Causes Vinyl and Cement Board Siding Problems?

Moisture Deterioration

Water damage is a prevalent cause of warping, buckling, or cracking siding. 

Unfortunately, if your home lacks proper waterproofing, wind-driven rain and heavy snow can sneak beneath your boards, causing both your home’s exterior and structure to deteriorate.

If you identify moisture infiltration as the cause of your siding deterioration, it’s crucial to act quickly to prevent further damage to your home. Find a trustworthy contractor who can help you remove the affected boards, install a weatherproof plastic house wrap, and guard your home with durable, lasting siding. 

Heat Exposure

The sun’s harmful rays can cause your vinyl siding boards to warp or melt. 

Of course, heat sources, like barbecue grills, stoves, and firepits, can melt your vinyl siding if they are placed too close to your exterior. However, if your home is located in a neighborhood where the lots are close together, sunlight reflecting off your neighbor’s window can also cause your siding to melt. 

If your siding becomes the victim of heat-related damage, repair the boards immediately. Then, relocate heat sources away from your exterior to prevent further deterioration. If you suspect your neighbor’s windows are to blame, you can kindly ask them to install window screens on their home, or you can install trees, shrubs, or other shade sources around your siding to block the sun’s rays.

Building Movement

Older, historic buildings can settle over time, which may cause your siding to crack or buckle.  

Fortunately, this isn’t a common problem, but if you notice loose panels, wavy siding, or large cracks, it’s of the utmost importance to call a contractor immediately. These signs often indicate a significant structural issue, which can put your family in danger if not addressed.

Weather Conditions

Kansas City has a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. While this means you get to enjoy the uniqueness of all four seasons—these weather conditions aren’t ideal for the longevity of your vinyl siding.

Vinyl contracts in cold weather and expands in warm weather. When temperatures begin to rise rapidly, your shrunken, brittle siding boards may crack, warp, or buckle.

Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do to control the weather. However, you can protect your home with a durable, weather-resistant siding alternative.

Pest Damage

Though uncommon, critters like termites, ants, or bees can cause your siding to buckle when they burrow into and damage your home’s structure.

Additionally, woodpeckers may drum on your vinyl siding or cement board siding, creating cracks, holes, and other types of damage to your exterior.

Poor Installation

Unfortunately, shoddy craftsmanship may be to blame for your siding damage.

Siding cracks can occur when the boards are nailed too tightly to your home’s exterior. Additionally, siding that was improperly placed on your exterior during your installation can begin to warp, ripple, or loosen over time.

Finally, if your contractor didn’t install a house wrap beneath your siding, your home may be suffering from water-related damage, which can cause your siding to develop cracks, leaks, and more.

Low-Quality Products

If your home is covered with a low-quality cement board siding, your exterior may be prone to cracking, shrinkage, buckling, warping, and delamination.

Additionally, some vinyl siding brands are better than others, and if your home is covered with a low-performance product, you may be more likely to develop issues with your siding.

A trustworthy contractor can guide you toward reliable, lasting brands you can count on to protect your home for a lifetime.

Old Age

As your siding ages, it will begin to warp, buckle, and crack. If you’ve had your siding for at least ten years and you’re starting to notice some damage, it may be time for a replacement. 

To save yourself from the problems listed above, steer clear of vinyl and low-quality cement board siding and choose a weatherproof, durable solution for your home’s exterior.

James Hardie: The Solution to Warped, Buckled, and Cracked Siding

Fortunately, there’s a solution to eliminating siding cracks and warps for good—James Hardie® fiber cement siding. 

Fiber cement siding is made from a combination of cement, sand, water, and cellulose fibers, making it durable, weatherproof, and pest-resistant. Hardie siding is also fire-resistant, so it won’t melt, and it can hold its own in fluctuating weather conditions. 

Plus, fiber cement siding is built to last. Hardie siding products come with an industry-leading 30-year, non-prorated warranty, so you can be confident in your investment.

Install Durable, Lasting James Hardie Siding with StateLine Exteriors 

You shouldn’t have to feel overwhelmed by an unattractive, faulty home exterior. Instead, replace your cracked, warped, or buckled siding boards with Hardie siding to experience a reliable, long-term solution. 

As Kansas City’s Award-Winning James Hardie Siding Contractor, you can trust StateLine Exteriors to adhere to the installation practices, customer service, and quality standards that the James Hardie company sets and maintains. Discover additional lasting benefits of James Hardie siding so that you can make the right decision for your home!