7 Reasons Siding Warps, Buckles, and Cracks

While vinyl siding is popular due to its affordability, its lack of durability can be frustrating. When vinyl siding buckles, warps, or cracks, you may have more than just a cosmetic problem on your hands. You may have moisture intrusion, building movement, or costly structural defects. Compromised vinyl siding can even become a heat or fire hazard.

Poor quality cement board siding can also develop problems such as warping, buckling, and cracking, leaving you with not only the need for siding replacement, but also essential repairs. High-quality fiber cement siding, like James Hardie, doesn't have these issues.

Don’t risk the possibility of damaging moisture intrusion that invites rot, insect infestation, and unhealthy mold intrusion. If you notice your siding is compromised, have it inspected promptly by a contractor to minimize any additional costly damage.

Why Siding Warps, Cracks, and Buckles

At least twice a year, and after any major storms, inspect your home siding for damage. And while you’re at it, inspect your interior walls. If you smell mold, see paint peeling away from interior walls, or notice your wallpaper bubbling up, these may indicate problems with your home siding.

Here are some common causes of damaged siding:

1. Poor siding installation

Amazingly, you may have fabulous siding material on your home exterior, but if it’s installed improperly, you’re going to have problems with it. Siding hangs from metal fasteners in such a way that it can easily expand and contract when temperatures change. If your vinyl siding is nailed to fasteners too tightly, it won’t be able to move, nails will pop, and bulges will form — or your siding will buckle and warp.

2. Moisture intrusion

When water penetrates your home siding, it warps. And unless it is addressed promptly, it becomes vulnerable to additional damage like rot and mold. Water can infiltrate your siding due to improper flashing around windows and doors as well as cracked siding.

3. Insect damage

If termites are feasting on your home’s structure, it may cause your siding to warp or buckle. Be extra vigilant in looking for warped or buckled boards due to insect damage when inspecting your siding at ground level. If you don’t address insect infestation, your home’s protective layer will be compromised, opening it up to even more damage.

4. Building movement

Warped siding may indicate structural problems with your home. Older homes may experience building movement because when a home settles, it sometimes causes siding to buckle or bulge.

5. Siding age

The lifespan of your current siding is nearing its end if you see cracks in it. Have your home inspected promptly by a reputable contractor.

6. Heat

If you keep your grill too close to your home exterior, it can cause your vinyl siding to melt. And surprisingly, the sunlight’s reflection off your neighbor’s windows can also warp vinyl siding.

7. Extreme temperatures

Vinyl is sensitive to temperature changes. When the weather turns extremely hot or cold, it can cause your vinyl siding to warp, crack, or buckle.

Siding Solutions

Unfortunately, there isn’t a way to fix warped, buckled or cracked siding. It simply needs to be replaced. So if you’re tired of dealing with the vulnerabilities of vinyl or low-quality cement board, consider investing in your home with the most popular siding product in America — James Hardie siding.

James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding

By joining over 8,000,000 homeowners across America and choosing Hardie siding, you can avoid the hassles involved in repairing or replacing siding due to buckling, warping, or cracking. Hardie’s climate-specific, weather-resistant qualities ensure you get the best overall protection particularly for your region of the country.

The James Hardie Warranty

All James Hardie siding comes with an outstanding 30-year, non-prorated, transferable warranty. HardieTrim® products and ColorPlus® technology come with a 15-year warranty.

Durable Hardie Cement Siding for Your Dayton Home

At American Way Exteriors, we understand how overwhelming it can feel to have compromised siding that needs to be replaced to avoid even more costly damage to your biggest investment. As a James Hardie Elite Preferred contractor, we install your siding the right way to ensure you get optimal performance and your warranty is honored.

Take a moment to learn more about James Hardie Siding. You’re going to love its looks, how it safeguards your home from damage and more.