When it comes to replacing the siding on your home, the best time of year to tackle the job is in the spring. Just like any job, you want to make sure it is done correctly, to avoid any costly repairs down the road. Here are a few common mistakes to avoid:
Skipping the Paper Wrap or Foam Insulation
Paper Wrap is meant to protect your walls from any moisture. When installing siding, you want to make sure the surface is dry. To protect your siding from leaks, all windows and doors should have an extra layer of flashing tape. Foam insulation behind siding is another barrier for your home, which protects your home from damage, reduces noise, and minimizes seam issues.
Cheap, Low Quality Siding
Don’t settle for cheap siding. Siding can easily crack, sag or fade in a short amount of time. Spend a little more on a good quality siding that is going to last longer.
Improper Nailing
A common issue with siding is the nailing technique. As temperatures change, siding expands and contracts. When the siding is nailed too tight, it will restrict the movement, and the siding will eventually buckle or crack. On the other side, if the nailing is too loose, it will start to sag when temperatures increase during the summer months. You want a clearance of 1/32 between the siding and the nail heads. You also don’t want the nail heads to be visible after siding is installed. If you see nails, that can create holes for water vapor to get trapped, which will cause more issues down the road.
Improper Clearance
To avoid moisture from getting trapped, your siding should not touch the roof and trim, nor should it touch the ground. If moisture gets trapped behind the siding, this will cause rotting and mold problems. This eventually destroys your siding.
Joint Overlap
When 2 pieces of siding meet, you want an overlap of the ends, typically 1” to 1 ¼”. If you overlap more than that, this will cause a wavy appearance, because you are limiting the movement as it expands.
To avoid any mistakes when replacing your siding, we suggest hiring a licensed professional, like Crew. At Crew Construction and Restoration, our team has the expertise and knowledge to perform the job. Get in touch with a member of our team today for a free project estimate!
Menu
