Where siding jobs go wrong
Siding installation problems are deceptive. The finished job looks good. You do not find out about the missing housewrap or improper flashing until moisture has been entering the wall for a year or two. By then you are looking at rotted sheathing, mold remediation, and insulation replacement in addition to new siding. Again.
The 10 pitfalls
Installing over rotted sheathing without inspection
New siding over rotted or moisture-damaged sheathing is new siding that will fail.
Skipping or poorly installing housewrap
Housewrap is not optional.
Improper window and door flashing
Every penetration is a water entry point.
Nailing vinyl too tight
Vinyl siding expands and contracts with temperature.
Color batch mismatch
Siding from different production runs has subtle color variation.
Skipping J-channel and proper trim
J-channel frames windows, doors, and corners.
No permit for full re-side
Full siding replacement typically requires a permit in most jurisdictions.
Paying in full before completion
Siding jobs have a clear completion point.
Choosing based on price alone
The difference between a quality siding installation and a poor one is almost entirely in the details: housewrap, flashing, nailing pattern, trim quality.
No written scope covering subsurface work
What happens when they find rotted sheathing? What is the cost per panel to replace? A good contractor specifies this in advance.
The bottom line
Siding is a moisture management system. Every decision the installer makes either keeps water out or lets it in. Ask about housewrap, flashing, and what happens if they find problems underneath. If those questions make the contractor uncomfortable, that is your answer.
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