4 Tips to Avoid Siding Installation Glitches

Though not as sophisticated as a kitchen remodel or a brand-new deck, siding installation is one of the most critical renovations you may do for home improvement projects.  Your house’s siding is the skin as it helps in:

• Keeping moisture out 
• Maintaining energy efficiency 
• Granting your home that polished curb appeal

Not watching for typical mistakes, though, can cause the project to get sidetracked extremely quickly. These are four typical problems with siding installation—and tips on how to avoid them. It is important to work with local experts like Alipine Siding, because they are the best siding install Lynden contractors and are familiar with the code specifications, materials, and environment. With proper planning and top-quality craftsmanship, they have worked on houses all over the area and can help you avoid expensive errors. They are well-known for getting the jobs done perfectly the first time, whether you are replacing a broken section of your walls, or doing a complete home re-siding replacement.

1. Bad Preparation and Organization

Siding doesn’t mean slap-it-on-and-go kind of task. Serious planning will be needed. Later, bigger problems could result from skipping preparation like looking for moisture damage, damaged sheathing, or insect problems under your present siding. Beautiful new siding won’t rescue a house with damaged underlayers, no matter how great it is. Tip: Remember to have your installer examine the wall surface closely before starting the installation. A couple of extra minutes early on could spare much of a headache (and dollars) down the road!

2. Improper Nailing Techniques

The placement of the nails is critical, though. Driving them in too close would prohibit the siding from expanding or contracting with temperature changes, causing buckling. Miss the studs and you have panels that could sag or fall. Tip: Follow the manufacturer’s nailing method and spacing recommendations and use a level. Pros are familiar with these rules like the back of their palms.

3. Neglecting Expansion Space

Particularly in need of space to breathe is vinyl siding. It can warp, crack, or even completely pop off if it moves with temperature changes, should there be no correct expansion gaps at the ends and corners. This is among the most often seen do-it-your-home mistakes and is difficult to correct once the siding is installed. Tip: Leave the siding panels ¼ inch apart at each end. Cover these gaps with corner posts and J-channels for a clean, professional look that also functions as it should.

4. Bad Weather Timing

Trying to put siding up under a rainstorm or cold snap will be a disaster. Under the panels, moisture may become trapped; additionally, certain substances like vinyl become brittle in frigid conditions. This makes the work more difficult and can degrade your exterior. Tip: Plan your job during dry, moderate-weather months. Knowing Lynden’s weather, a local contractor can help plan the timing perfectly. Siding is not the most attractive house renovation project yet unquestionably among the most essential. By adequately preparing, using correct methods, accounting for expansion, and selecting the right timing, you avoid these four typical errors and save a lot of stress. When in doubt, however, consult the professionals. if you have the right team at your side your siding project will improve the security and look of your house for many years.