4 Common Exterior Siding Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Beyond the wealth of protection it offers, quality sidings can greatly improve your home's exterior appeal.

A good combination of quality siding material and flawless installation can be instrumental to creating the home you love. It can also contribute to improving your home's overall value. You can even give your old house a sweet revamp by installing new sidings. According to Bankrate, a home siding replacement can increase its sale value by up to 80%.

However, cutting corners during siding installation can have serious consequences. Improper techniques, for instance, can lead to water infiltration, causing moisture damage and mold growth. Structural issues may also arise and compromise the integrity of your walls, posing potential safety hazards in the long run.

In this post, we reveal 4 common siding installation mistakes and how to avoid them. Keep reading to see how you can ensure high-quality home siding installation and preserve your home value.

1. Opting for Low-quality Siding Materials

Low-quality materials seem cost-effective options, but they’re more likely to leave you with huge expenses. Low-quality sidings are often made with weak materials like thin vinyl or non-pressure-treated wood. These materials barely withstand challenging weather conditions like temperature fluctuations, moisture, or strong winds. 

Weak siding materials make your exterior walls more prone to cracks, fading, and stress wrinkling, leading to premature replacement or costly repairs.

Preferably, invest in durable siding materials like fiber cement siding, aluminum, or thick vinyl siding. Choose branded products that provide a warranty. Some products also offer an installation warranty which is an added benefit.

2. Employing Inexperienced Contractors

Inexperienced contractors often lack the needed expertise to carry out a proper siding installation process. This may cascade into issues that make it hard to enjoy your home.

For instance, inexperienced crews may not observe proper ventilation techniques when installing your sidings, leaving you to bear repercussions like rot or mold growth after a while. They may also neglect the need for flashing installations to prevent water from seeping into sidings and causing leaks.

Prioritize working with a reputable siding contractor. Ask for references, look at reviews, check licensing, and choose a contractor with a proven track record.

3. Driving Nails Too Tightly During Installation

Driving nails too tightly during siding installation might seem like a way to ensure a secure fit, but it can backfire. Overly tight nails prevent the siding from expanding and contracting naturally with temperature changes. This can cause the siding panels to buckle, warp, or even crack over time.

The ideal approach is to leave a slight space, about 1/32 inches, between the nail head and the siding. This allows the siding some wiggle room to adjust to seasonal fluctuations without compromising its integrity.  Think of it like leaving a little breathing room for your siding. 

4. Selecting the Wrong Color and Style Combination

Last on the list of siding installation mistakes to avoid. Mismatched siding styles and wrong color combinations can clash with your home's architecture and detract from its curb appeal. This may also make your house appear out of place in the neighborhood.

Always work with a combination that matches your home's architectural style and surrounding environment. For instance, a craftsman bungalow might benefit from warm earth tones and natural wood accents, while a mid-century modern home could rock clean lines and bold colors. Overall, aim for a cohesive look when considering color and style.

Bonus tip: In addition to the above, another critical mistake to avoid is trying to install your sidings yourself. Unless you’re a siding professional, self-installation is a big no. Siding is quite complex and a few do-it-yourself tricks could go wrong. There are safer ways to “get involved”— like reading this post to stay informed about common mistakes to avoid.

So, be willing to work with the experts and trust them to get the job done.

Conclusion

Proper siding installation is an investment in your home's well-being and aesthetic appeal. Unfortunately, if you take on a siding project while being uninformed, you may find yourself making avoidable mistakes and running into unnecessary costs. But, don't worry, we're on your side. 

This post revealed 4 crucial siding installation mistakes to avoid and how to address them. Let's do a quick recap.

Instead of settling for cheap siding materials, go for high-quality ones that are more durable. Avoid working with inexperienced contractors that may deliver little to no value for your money. Ensure that your siding nails are not screwed in too deep so they don't crack easily. Finally, avoid choosing the wrong color and style combination. Instead, go for one that syncs well with your environment— preferably, something easy on the eyes.

Now, you can put these tips to use as you aim for a successful siding project. Good luck!