When it comes to home improvement and maintenance projects such as siding installation, not all contractors are created equal. To cut down on costs, some homeowners will choose an inexperienced but cheaper contractor or install siding by themselves. However, a shoddy installation can pose safety risks and could also incur higher costs in the future. Here are three signs that your siding has been poorly installed.

3 Vinyl Siding Mistakes Made by Inexperienced Installers

1. Visible Seams

Visible siding seams are an eyesore, and they reduce the overall aesthetic appeal of a house. Seams in vinyl siding are sometimes unavoidable, but a meticulous contractor will hide them whenever possible. One way to do this is to install longer panels measuring 16 feet or more. Planning around the home’s layout can also help, as wall interruptions such as doors or windows can help disguise seams.

2. Overly Tight Panels

When attached too tightly, vinyl panels won’t have enough room to contract and expand during temperature changes. When nailed too close together, they can trap moisture and cause the underlying wood to rot. Experienced professionals know that leaving a 1/32-inch space between the vinyl and the fastener head is ideal for a sturdy siding that could last for generations.

3. Too Much Overlap

Leaving too much overlap between panels can make the siding look shabby and untidy. Aside from aesthetics, too much overlap can limit the panels’ allowance to move and adjust, eventually resulting in waves on the wall panels caused by stress. Experienced contractors know that the universal standard for overlap should not exceed 1.25 inches.

If you need an experienced contractor to fix a shoddily installed siding, hire Home Works Home Improvement in Ronkonkoma, NY. Serving clients in Long Island, NY, and surrounding areas for ten years, this company has extensive experience in home siding installation, gutters and leaders, and other home improvement projects. They’ve also received an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Call (631) 218-0241 or visit their website to view their gallery of completed works.