Nearly three-quarters of the homes in the United States have vinyl siding. This siding material is popular for a wide range of reasons, starting with the fact that it is typically quite affordable. Although many manufacturers are now making high-end vinyl siding boards that feature premium colors and textures, base model vinyl siding usually falls within even the most stringent renovation budgets. Furthermore, vinyl siding is incredibly durable for its price point. Most styles are rated to last about twenty-five years, which is longer than many families live in their homes.
Before you make a firm decision regarding whether or not vinyl siding is the right choice for your exterior remodel, though, it is important for you to understand both the pros and cons of this material. Here, you will discover four potential issues that can occur with vinyl siding. Keep in mind that all of these aren’t likely to impact you simultaneously, but it is still smart to be aware.
- Cracking – Vinyl siding generally starts to crack when it is exposed to extreme temperatures, such as serious heat in South Carolina or bitter cold in the mountains of North Carolina. If your siding does start to crack, it can cause several issues, mainly related to water damage. Once water seeps through cracked siding, it can lead to mold problems, wood rot inside your home’s walls, and even electrical issues. If you see cracks in any of your siding boards, make sure to call a professional to take a look right away.
- Fading – One of the primary problems with vinyl siding is that it does tend to fade over time no matter what homeowners do to try to stop this problem from occurring. It bears noting that modern vinyl siding boards retain their original color better than older styles, but fading can still happen. Fading can, in some cases, be indicative of the fact that siding is beginning to reach the end of its life and start cracking soon, so it is certainly something to keep an eye out for.
- Melting – Melting is one of the lesser-known issues that can occur with vinyl siding, but it is something that can affect homeowners who live throughout the Carolinas, especially in the warmest regions of these states. Siding usually starts to melt when it is directly in-line with the glare off of a nearby window, often installed in a neighbor’s house. The best way to prevent melted siding boards, which are an eyesore, is to install a hedge or a fence along that side of your property.
- Warping – Vinyl siding boards can begin to warp if it sits in direct sunlight day after day for an extended period of time. There are ways to prevent warping, such as creative landscaping on the sunniest side of your home. If you aren’t sure how to protect your siding, talk to your installation contractor, or hire a professional landscaper to assist you. You’ll be glad you sought expert help.
If your home’s vinyl siding has begun experiencing one or more of these issues, give the Hatch Homes crew a call at your earliest convenience. Our skilled siding contractors look forward to meeting you and hearing more about the ideas you have for your siding renovation. Whether you choose to stick with the same color or you want to change the look of your house totally, new siding can do wonders for curb appeal!