For many homeowners, vinyl siding is a popular option for protecting the exterior of the house. The reason behind your vinyl siding warping can come from a myriad of reasons, and figuring out which one is paramount in getting it fixed correctly. Not only is it incredibly affordable, but it is also versatile and very easy to maintain. However, even though it is relatively weather resistant, it can be warped over time.
It is important to understand what can cause siding to warp to know how to prevent it. This will save you money and time in the long run!
Improper Siding Installation
Improper installation is one of the reasons vinyl siding may begin to warp. When siding installers set the vinyl, they may nail it down too tightly. When this happens, bulging can occur. Siding tends to fluctuate with changing temperatures making it prone to becoming damaged. While some siding professionals may believe that nailing it down tightly will make it last longer, it can ultimately have the opposite effect.
Vinyl siding is designed to be installed so it can move and adjust to the weather and external conditions. To check to see if your siding is nailed down too tightly, try moving it slightly. If installed appropriately, it should be able to shift around half an inch from side to side.
The nail placement can also affect the vinyl and warping. Typically, the nails should be placed in the middle of the oval-shaped openings. This will be at the top of the panels. This portion is designed for nails, ensuring they are not too close to each other. In the end, this allows for the vinyl to shift slightly.
In addition, it is also important to keep shutters separate from the vinyl. Shutters are not meaning they are not nailed directly to siding.
Temperature Changes
Heat is another culprit of warping vinyl. Since vinyl is plastic, it can melt if the external temperature is too high. Furthermore, vinyl that is naturally darker or painted in darker colors is more prone to warping because they tend to absorb more heat.
If you live somewhere relatively warm where temperatures are a concern, consider a lighter color vinyl that will reflect heat instead of absorbing it. Placing a gas grill near your home is also not advisable due to its high temperatures when in use.
Siding Alignment
Poor alignment is another leading cause of vinyl warping. If the ends of the panels are too close to the trim of the windows or the corners of the house, the vinyl cannot move. It may warp if the vinyl cannot naturally shift (expand or contract) with the temperature.
Pests
While this is not a common source of vinyl warping, it can occur. Some pests could cause distortion when they burrow underneath the house siding. One of the most common types of pests that do this is termites. They may even consume part of the siding if not taken care of. This damage can affect the house’s structure, causing the panels to warp. The gaps can widen if your siding begins to warp, allowing more pests to get in.
Reflections
One cause of warping that often surprises people is the reflection from Low-E glass nearby. Whether it is a part of your home or someone else’s, this material can cause warping. This type of glass is an energy-efficient material that diffuses UV rays to prevent them from entering the home. However, that can make UV rays reflect off the house and onto the vinyl, causing it to warp.
Luckily, this is easily preventable. An external screen attached to the window helps prevent that reflection back onto the home. Vegetation like a plant or tree can also help block this light.
Low-Quality Siding
While vinyl is very affordable, homeowners should know what they are getting. When buying parts for a home, many people want to save as much money as possible. However, consider choosing reasonably thick and durable vinyl siding. Cheaper panels are typically much thinner and potentially wavy, which can cause issues once installed. Thicker ones will be more durable and last longer.
What Causes Siding to Bubble?
Bubbling siding is another common issue that homeowners may face. Some of the primary causes include:
Trapped Moisture
When moisture becomes trapped behind the siding, it creates bubbles as the water tries to escape. This issue is often due to poor installation, lack of proper ventilation, or damaged underlayment.
Excessive Heat Exposure
Similar to warping, extreme heat can also cause siding to bubble. If the siding is exposed to direct sunlight or reflected heat from Low-E windows, the heat can cause the vinyl to soften and form bubbles.
Painting Over Vinyl Siding
Some homeowners attempt to change the color of their siding by painting it. However, using a dark-colored paint or applying paint not specifically designed for vinyl can lead to excessive heat absorption, causing the siding to bubble or warp.
Chemical Reactions from Cleaning Products
Using harsh chemicals or improper cleaning solutions on vinyl siding can cause a chemical reaction, leading to bubbling. Homeowners should always use manufacturer-recommended cleaning solutions to prevent this issue.
Replace Your Warped Siding Today!
If you notice any of these signs that your siding is warping, it is probably time for siding replacement. Contact the experts at Will County Siding and Windows for a free estimate. Once you have selected suitable siding for your home, our professionals will carefully install it and ensure it is done properly to prolong your siding’s lifespan (and your home’s). Und