Your exterior siding helps protect your home from impact, rain damage, and cold weather, which is why you might be more than a little concerned if you notice loose panels. Unfortunately, many homeowners make the mistake of doing too much—or too little—when they spot loose siding, which can cause problems in the long run. Here are three things you should do if you notice loose exterior siding and why.

Find the Cause of the Damage 

Loose siding can be caused by a variety of different factors, including curious pets, bad weather, pest infestations, and expanding and contracting materials. For example, vinyl exterior siding is designed to expand and contract slightly as the weather changes, which is why it can warp if you live in an area with stark temperature contrasts.

To prevent additional siding damage, try to determine its cause. Carefully analyze the area where the siding was damaged, and see if you can spot common denominators that could be causing trouble.

Repair or Remove Siding

Sometimes, a piece of loose siding can be popped back into place, while other times, it needs to be removed altogether to prevent additional problems. For example, if you have metal or vinyl siding, allowing the piece to hang loose could cause additional bending or breakage.

If you can’t move siding securely back into place, consider taking down the entire panel. Although it might make your home look bad for a time, it will be easier to let a professional reinstall the piece if it isn’t damaged.   

Contact a Siding Contractor

Whenever you are dealing with persistent problems, notify a siding contractor as soon as possible. In addition to finding the cause of the problem and helping you avoid future issues, these professionals can also offer bids for repairs and replacements.

If you are worried about loose siding on your home, talk with the contractors at R & R Construction & Roofing. In addition to repairing and replacing siding, these residential contractors can also help with new construction, home additions, decks, and insurance restorations. For more information about how they can help you, explore their website or call (334) 283-2129.