Vinyl siding is a popular choice for homeowners because it’s affordable, attractive, easy to maintain, and able to protect a house from a variety of weather conditions. One of the biggest reasons to shop for new siding for your home is damage. Water damage, in particular, tends to occur in a handful of specific areas.
Where Siding Can Leak and Why
Siding expands and contracts as the temperature changes. It needs to be installed in a way that allows for expansion and contraction. Although it may appear that vinyl siding is installed tightly, there are actually joints with tiny gaps between the sheets of siding. Over time, those gaps can become wider due to repeated expansion and contraction. Gaps can also start out larger than they should be and get bigger if the siding isn’t installed properly.
Like any product, siding is subject to wear and tear. After decades of being exposed to harsh weather conditions and the sun’s UV rays, siding can begin to crack. That can create small openings where water can get behind the siding.
If windows are installed after siding, the window installers may not be able to completely prevent gaps. They can install caulk around windows to prevent air and water leakage, but caulk can become damaged by exposure to changing weather conditions. That can allow water to leak into spaces around windows.
Gutters that are clogged, damaged, or angled incorrectly can’t do their job of carrying water away from the house. Instead, water can flow down to the vinyl siding, where it can enter gaps and cracks and leak underneath the siding.
Signs That Your Siding Is Damaged
You should periodically check your siding for signs of damage so you can spot a problem quickly and have it repaired before it gets worse. It’s also a good idea to have a professional check the siding for any issues you might have missed. Rotting, warping, holes, and bubbles in the siding; paint or wallpaper peeling inside the house, and higher utility bills may all be signs that your siding needs to be replaced.
If your home’s vinyl siding is showing signs of damage, or if you have another cause for concern, contact Aladdin. We can inspect your siding to figure out how serious the problem is. If necessary, we can remove the existing siding and install new vinyl siding. We use quality products from leading manufacturers, including Mastic and CertainTeed. Homeowners across Connecticut have trusted Aladdin for more than 70 years. Contact us today to have your siding inspected and to get a quote for new vinyl siding.