Let's talk about Vinyl Siding. You are probably thinking about making your home look better, improving its curb appeal, and getting better protection from the weather here in Sevierville. That is a smart thing to do. But I have seen some common mistakes over the years when people are planning or hiring for a Vinyl Siding Installation. You do not want to make these mistakes.
I want to give you the real facts, from a contractor to a homeowner. Avoiding these mistakes can save you problems and money later on.
Ignoring the Foundation First
This is a very important point, and it is not just for Vinyl Siding. Before you even think about putting new Vinyl Siding on your home, you must look at what is underneath. This means checking your home's structure, especially the sheathing and any existing moisture problems. You would not paint a rusty car without fixing the rust first. It is the same idea here. If there is rot, water damage, or soft spots in the wood behind your old siding, new Vinyl Siding will not fix it. It will just cover it up. Hidden problems are usually the most expensive problems to fix.
I have seen many homes in Sevierville, especially some of the older homes in the foothills, where people just wanted to make the outside look better quickly. But if you have problems underneath, like a window frame that leaks or damaged sheathing, that new Vinyl Siding will trap the moisture inside. This creates a place for mold and more rot to grow. Always ask for a complete inspection of the wall surface once the old siding is removed. A good contractor, like Apex Siding, will always do this inspection and tell you about any issues before we continue with the Vinyl Siding Installation in Sevierville.
Forgetting Vinyl Needs to Breathe and Move
This is probably the most common mistake I see in Vinyl Siding Installation, and it causes many problems for Vinyl Siding: installing it too tightly. Vinyl Siding is not like wood siding. It expands and contracts a lot when the temperature changes. Think about our summers here in Sevierville. We have long, warm days with temperatures often in the mid-80s or even 90s. Then winter comes, and we see low temperatures in the 20s or 30s. That is a very big temperature change for the Vinyl Siding.
If your Vinyl Siding panels are nailed down too tight, they cannot move. When they get hot and try to expand, they will buckle, warp, or ripple. You will see wavy lines on your house. This will not just look bad; it will also damage the entire Vinyl Siding system. Nails need to be put into the center of the nailing slots, not too tight. There should be a small space, about 1/16 of an inch, between the nail head and the Vinyl Siding. This space allows the Vinyl Siding panels to slide freely. If a contractor is not paying attention to this detail during a Vinyl Siding Installation in Sevierville, that is a very important warning sign.
Skimping on the Weather Resistant Barrier and Flashing
Your Vinyl Siding is the main protection for your home, but it is not the only one. A proper weather resistant barrier (WRB), which is often called house wrap, is important. It goes between your sheathing and the Vinyl Siding. It acts as a second barrier against moisture. Without it, or if it is installed wrong, water can get behind your Vinyl Siding and cause serious damage. This is a key part of any Vinyl Siding Installation.
Then there is flashing. This is a thin material, usually made of metal or vinyl, that moves water away from places that are easily damaged, like windows, doors, and rooflines. I have seen problems around windows many times because flashing was either not used at all or installed incorrectly. Water is sneaky, and it will find any way it can to get into your home. Proper flashing and a good WRB are necessary for keeping your home dry and protected, especially with the amount of rain we get in Sevierville, particularly in the spring and summer months. Apex Siding makes sure these components are installed correctly during your Vinyl Siding Installation.
Ignoring Clearance from the Ground
This point might seem small, but it is very important. You need enough space between the bottom edge of your Vinyl Siding and the ground. We are talking about at least 6 to 8 inches. There are a few reasons for this. First, it stops moisture from coming up from the soil into your Vinyl Siding and the wall behind it. This moisture can cause rot and mold. Second, it helps keep pests like termites and ants from easily getting into your home. Third, it allows for better air flow and easier maintenance of your Vinyl Siding.
In areas where your landscaping might be close to the house, or if your home is on a slight slope, it is easy to miss this clearance. Make sure your contractor talks about this and gives advice on proper grading or landscaping changes if they are needed for your Vinyl Siding Installation in Sevierville. This will help your Vinyl Siding last for many years.
Choosing Price Over Proven Experience
I understand that everyone wants a good price. But when it comes to something as important as your home's exterior, the cheapest offer is not always the best. I have seen homeowners regret choosing a crew that did not have much experience just to save some money. A bad Vinyl Siding Installation can lead to gaps, panels that are not straight, warping, and water getting in. All of these problems will cost you more to fix later than you saved at the beginning.
Look for contractors who have a solid history, good references, and the correct licensing and insurance. Ask about their experience specifically with Vinyl Siding. A reputable company stands behind their work. Here at Apex Siding, we make sure to do things correctly the first time. We know the long-term value of a quality Vinyl Siding Installation. For homes and businesses in Sevierville, Apex Siding provides Vinyl Siding services.
Do not let these common mistakes make your Vinyl Siding project a problem. Do your research, ask the right questions, and make sure you are working with someone who knows what they are doing. Your home deserves a good Vinyl Siding Installation.