You can completely transform the look of your home with siding. Siding can also help protect your home and raise its value.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Installing New Siding

1. Choosing cheap or low-quality products

Your focus should be on getting high-quality products when purchasing siding material. High-quality materials will last longer than substandard ones. You will need to frequently do repairs if the material you buy is cheap or substandard, needing replacement in a short time.

Aluminum or vinyl siding are examples of products you as a homeowner should go for– these products have several advantages and are quite popular too. Make sure that the product you choose is branded and comes with a warranty. A warranty for home siding is available for both the product and the installation process.

Warranties on products depend on their performance characteristics and price points. Composite siding products have the best warranties because they are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions. An installation warranty ensures that the installation is done in a way that meets specifications set by the manufacturer.

2. Not making use of an underlay

Paper wrap is required to protect your walls from moisture. An extra layer of flashing tape must be put on all doors and windows to protect your home siding from leaks. Another barrier that you should not leave out is foam insulation. It helps to minimize seam issues, reduces noise, and protects your home from damage.

3. Improper nailing technique

siding installation

Nailing technique is an issue that’s common with siding. Nailing must be done accurately when installing your home siding. The entire process of installation can be ruined if someone is careless with their nailing technique. It can even lead to space between the siding surfaces. Nails must also be covered properly so they don’t trap moisture and cause damage.

Your nailing technique also depends on the weather. Siding contracts and expands as the temperature changes. Movement will be restricted when the siding is too tight, causing the siding to crack or buckle. By contrast, your siding can begin to sag during summer. There should be a clearance of 1/32” between the nail heads and the siding.
Depending on the siding, electroplated nails or hot-dipped galvanized nails should be used.

4. Improper clearance

Your home siding should not sit directly on the ground, trim, and roof. This will ensure that moisture does not get trapped at the back of your home siding. Trapped moisture behind the siding can cause mold problems and rot. Proper clearance was not used if issues with mold and rot are the case in your home.

5. Not following installation instructions

Installation guidelines change as the products produced by manufacturers evolve. At a certain point, installation guidelines are updated. It’s important to follow up-to-date installation instructions.

6. Joint overlaps

The overlap of two pieces of siding should end where they meet. Typically, it should end at 1 ¼” or 1”. There will be a wavy appearance if the overlap is more than this. This is because movement will be limited as it expands. You can avoid this mistake by hiring professionals to do the installation for you. Their experience and expertise will ensure that a good job is done.

7. Not hiring a siding professional

siding professional

Siding installation for your home is not easy work to do. The protection that your house gets is dependent on it. Therefore, you should make sure that the installation is properly done. For this reason and more, you should request the service of a professional and reputable siding contractor.

Professional and trusted contractors are specially trained to do the installation of siding. They are highly skilled. The responsibility of getting the job done in the stipulated time is on them. A mistake you can make is not having a professional to do the installation for you.

8. Rushing the project

Siding installation is a project that should not be rushed. Just like every home improvement, this process is exciting. However, you need not get carried away but, rather, focus on the details of the installation. Focus is crucial and it will ensure that you do not miss any important aspect(s) of installation.

Take your time to compare products and see which one will be most beneficial to your project. You should also ensure that you are satisfied with every aspect of the plan before you commit to it. Review all details and make all necessary corrections before proceeding with your installation.

Conclusion

It is important to pay attention to specific details when you are installing siding. Hire a professional contractor to avoid issues like premature siding failure. The quality of the company installing your siding is directly related to the quality of your siding installation.