8 Heartbreaking Problems With Vinyl Siding!

All of us are looking for materials with low maintenance and good property protection.
Nowadays, vinyl siding has become popular because of its versatility and affordability. Apart from that, the vinyl siding looks attractive and requires less maintenance than wood siding.
But unfortunately, there are several problems with vinyl siding that aren’t well known and are masked because of its attributes.
However, you don’t need to be anxious about them!
Because today, in this article, we will guide you through the most common problems with vinyl sidings and how you can avoid them.
So, without wasting any time, let’s get straight into it!

Problems With Vinyl Siding!

Following are the problems that you might face with vinyl siding.

1. Poor Maintenance Habits

Most vinyl sidings are marketed as “low maintenance,” but it doesn’t mean that you should neglect them completely.
Though vinyl sidings are fairly resistant to extreme weather conditions, it is still crucial to inspect them regularly, especially after severe weather conditions like hail or high winds. Make necessary repairs on time to avoid problems with your vinyl siding and do routine checkups to look for cracks, exposed nails, or other abnormalities in the siding.
Following this schedule, you will catch the small stuff before it can become a significant issue.

2. Warping and Buckling

Certainly, vinyl siding doesn’t peel; it still warps or buckles if exposed to hot or cold temperatures for extended periods. Therefore, it is not a good plan to install vinyl siding on the side of the house that faces hot summers or the cold winters.
That will lead to damaged siding in a few years!
If the vinyl siding isn’t installed correctly, it will expand without any appropriate room, causing it to warp or buckle. This problem is common in desert areas where trees can’t grow well—to provide enough shade, and the summer sun is hot enough to melt the siding.
Even if you replace the warped areas, the same thing will happen again unless you provide some shade to your house.

3. Cracking

Apart from warping, vinyl sidings also face another problem in colder climates.

1. When vinyl sidings get extremely cold, any impact can cause them to crack or get fractured.
2. Apart from that, any physical object that hits the siding can easily damage it.

Some cracks may not be visible unless you get close to your siding. But if left unrepaired, they may result in large pieces of siding going away and you’ll be left with a big hole in the siding.
It will allow moisture to infiltrate through the siding, which leads to:

1. Wood rot
2. Mold
3. Powdery mildew

Cracking is one of the most common problems you can face with your vinyl sidings if you live in an area with a cold climate.

4. Moisture

As you might already know that vinyl siding is itself waterproof.
When the vinyl siding is installed, it serves as a natural rain screen, allowing water to seep in and drain out easily. However, to prevent moisture from entering the walls of the house, a waterproof barrier is installed underneath the siding.
This process is called backing.
Most people install the siding with foam backing, which improves the energy efficiency of the home but ends up tapping the moisture behind the siding if not installed correctly.
But because the siding remains unaffected, you may not notice any issue until it’s too late.

5. Fading

Although most vinyl sidings are coated with some sort of UV protection, direct sunlight can still cause your vinyl siding to fade over time.

1. Prolonged exposures to direct sun greatly impact the appearance and durability of the siding.
2. It can weaken the siding, making it more susceptible to cracking and other types of damage.
3. If some part of your vinyl siding receives more direct sun, it leads to uneven discoloration—giving your siding an unattractive look.

Fading may not directly impact the performance of your vinyl siding; it is more or less than just a visual issue, it may indicate that the UV protection of your siding has been compromised, which can affect the durability of the siding over time.
Therefore, it’s important to take care of your siding to maintain its longevity.

6. Noise

Vinyl sidings don’t make noises if installed properly.
If they are not installed correctly, they will make irritating noises when there are wind or temperature changes and the siding expands or contracts.
You will hear cracking or popping sounds if your siding is too tight.
Contrarily, if your siding is too loose, it can cause a rattling noise as the siding moves back and forth in the presence of strong winds.

7. Pests

Any type of siding, when supported by wood, can be susceptible to pest damage—wood siding is particularly vulnerable.
There are a variety of pests that tunnel through and damage your siding in search of food.
To prevent this issue, you can use insecticides or hot water streaming through a spray nozzle. It is necessary to use eco-friendly products in this regard to protect nearby plants while cleaning your house.

8. Roof Issues

Well, it is a different topic, but still somewhat related to vinyl sidings.
The quality of your roof affects many aspects of your house, including the stability of the sidings. 

1. If the damaged part of your roof allows moisture to come in, it can eventually affect the durability of your siding. (While your siding might look fine, a lot is happening underneath, leading to significant issues later on.)
2. Routine maintenance and frequent repairs on your roof are essential for keeping your house protected from such elements and also to help ensure your siding does its job perfectly.

I know it seems like vinyl siding has a lot of potential drawbacks.
But one thing you might have noticed is that all of these problems have something in common—they are due to poor installation.
Vinyl sidings require a special kind of installation; therefore, always seek professional help while installing vinyl siding in your home!
That said, let’s now see how to fix these problems.

How to Fix Vinyl Siding Problems?

Listen! If your vinyl siding looks fine to you, it doesn’t necessarily mean it is.
There might be some damage present on the inside.
Moisture penetrating the walls is usually a problem that often goes unnoticed until it has caused a lot of damage to your house. Hence, the vinyl siding is installed with an air-tight seal—it is important to invest in high-quality waterproof material for exterior use.
Doing so stops moisture from entering the walls and keeps your house more stable in the long run.
If your house receives plenty of direct sunlight, it would be best to invest in good-quality vinyl siding. Because once the vinyl siding has faded, there is not much you can do about it.
Then, the only options you’ll have would be to:

• Repaint your vinyl siding, or 
• Replace it with a new one.

While hail and wind damage couldn’t be avoided, it is best to repair it as soon as possible—it is the same for roof damage.
Install your vinyl sidings with the help of professionals to minimize the damage you are going to encounter in the future.
Experts know the best way to install vinyl sidings.

Cost of Vinyl Siding!

The cost of vinyl siding can vary depending on several factors, such as

1. The quality of the material
2. The size of the area to be covered
3. Location, and
4. The cost of labor

Generally speaking, the cost can range from $3 to $8 per square foot installed.
For example, if you have a 200 square feet wall, vinyl siding will cost anywhere around $600 to $1600. Keep in mind that this is just an estimate and the actual cost might vary according to the factors mentioned above.
Additionally, the cost of the installation may also include additional expenses, such as

• Removing old siding
• Repairing damaged areas and 
• Adding insulation

It’s recommended to get multiple quotes from licensed and insured contractors to compare prices and find the best deal according to your budget.

Impact of Vinyl Siding on Resale Value of Home?

Vinyl siding can have a positive impact on the resale value of a home.
Usually, vinyl siding replacement has a return on investment (ROI) of around 75%, meaning homeowners can expect to recover around 75% of the project cost when they sell their homes.
The actual ROI can vary based on several factors, such as:

1. The quality of the installation
2. The curb appeal of the home, and 
3. The local real estate market

In general, homes with updated exterior finishes, including vinyl siding, can attract more buyers and sell for a higher price than homes with outdated or damaged exteriors.