4 Causes of Common Siding Problems

Siding is more than just decorative cladding: it provides a layer of protection against impact and moisture, and a layer of insulation that helps keep your home comfortable. During its service life, siding can develop problems that are, fortunately, preventable if you know what caused them. In today’s post, local home improvement company Up and Above Contractors, LLC shares some of the causes of common siding problems.

1. Poor installation. Siding failure is often rooted in poor installation methods rather than a factory defect. Like most other parts of your home’s exterior, siding is designed to be installed under certain specifications, which tend to be overlooked by untrained installers, likewise with installers who take the “seen once, seen them all” approach. Hiring professionals with a workmanship guarantee or warranty remains the best way to reduce the likelihood of siding failure.
2. Local climate. Homes located in harsh climates are exposed to a greater degree of wear, which can contribute to early onset of wear-related problems like warping, cracking or fading. While climate-related causes are not preventable, they can be mitigated by regular maintenance and timely repairs, as well as choosing climate-appropriate siding. An example of the latter is siding manufacturer James Hardie®’s HardieZone™ System, which lets them match their products to climatic zones.
3. Low-quality materials. The saying “you get what you pay for” holds true with building materials — that is, the cheaper the material, the sooner it will fail. Low-quality siding is prone to fading, delaminating and cracking, as well as warping from exposure to heat. When planning a siding replacement, doing research on siding materials and weighing their pros and cons can help you find ones that strike a good balance between cost and quality.
4. Lack of maintenance. The scope of proper maintenance is to look out for signs of damage and wear, then have them fixed by a professional before it can get worse. This is why maintenance needs to be done on a regular basis — since siding is constantly exposed to outdoor conditions, daily wear can only be expected.

Up and Above Contractors, LLC is one of the most trusted siding companies in Northern New Jersey, serving communities in Sparta, Andover, Hackettstown and Wantage, NJ. If you need help with your siding, give us a call at (973) 300-0636. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.