Vinyl siding is among the most popular exterior cladding materials in the United States, including in Southeastern states like the Carolinas. Although today’s vinyl siding boards are generally engineered to last for two decades or longer, they can sustain damage that causes them to require replacement faster.
If your region of the Carolinas has recently been through a severe storm or a hurricane, or if an isolated accident has occurred on your property, it’s important to be on the lookout for the following warning signs. The problems featured in this guide are all indicators that your siding should be inspected and possibly replaced, in the near future.
Rusty or missing nails – Reputable contractors generally use galvanized nails that won’t rust when they hang siding. If therefore, you notice rusty nailheads in your siding boards, the odds are good that the siding wasn’t installed correctly in the first place. This should definitely be addressed in case there is more serious damage lurking under the surface.
Missing nails are an indicator that your siding has moved over time. This could be due to a variety of factors, such as the nails not being tight enough in the first place, strong winds, or something hitting your siding. In any case, the siding needs to be professionally inspected to ensure that it can be repaired rather than replaced.
Cracked or crumbling caulk – All of the vertical joints and seams (namely corners) of your siding need to be caulked. As time goes by, caulk will start to crack or crumble after being exposed to the elements for an extended period. If you notice problems with your caulk, it is important to repair the damage right away. Re-caulking your siding on your own is very doable, especially with the help of online tutorials, but if you need professional assistance, you can hire a local contractor for the job.
Water staining or spotting – When vinyl siding becomes water damaged, it is likely to become water stained or water spotted. These streaks or spots are generally easy to see and indicate that water has seeped behind the siding boards. Water damage can cause a wide range of structural problems, such as dry rot and mold growth. Mold infestations can be especially problematic, as they spread quickly and can lead to health problems for your home’s inhabitants.
Most of the time, water staining on siding means that damage has already happened. You will need to have a professional inspection in order to uncover the extent of the damage. In some cases, water damage is minimal, but in other cases, your home might require costly renovations. Either way, it is better to know what your situation is than be left wondering what is lurking just behind your home’s drywall.
The Hatch Homes team is skilled at installing numerous siding materials, including James Hardie fiber cement boards and conventional vinyl siding. Call our office to schedule a no-obligation consultation and to get answers to any questions you have about your upcoming Carolina siding project.