Siding installation is often touted as a DIY job. But without proper tools, materials, and information, there is a high likelihood that the average homeowner will make a few mistakes. Some errors are evident (like crooked or sagging panels). However, others are hidden and will only become evident over time. By then, a lot of damage may have occurred. Here are 3 common mistakes the amateur siding installer tends to make.

Measuring Too Perfectly

Both vinyl and aluminum siding products expand in hot weather. This means there has to be a little room left for the material to increase in size. Otherwise, the siding may buckle where it presses into the wooden frame of a door or window.

Pounding Too Hard

It can be tempting to nail siding down as hard as you can. However, since the material expands and contracts it needs to have a little wiggle room. Leaving a tiny gap between the nail head and the aluminum or vinyl permits enough movement to protect the integrity of the siding.

Choosing Cheap Materials

The underlayment for siding needs to be high quality. Furring strips over a foam board is one combination that some siding installers recommend to make the job easier. The specific materials used are very important. For example, using moisture permeable insulation with vinyl siding is not a good plan. It may trap and hold moisture under the siding and permit mold to colonize the interior of the home.

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3. Aluminum Siding Painting Tips
4. Avoid These 3 Kitchen Remodeling Mistakes
5. Aluminum Siding Dent Repair Tutorial

Tags: Siding

This entry was posted on Wednesday, May 19th, 2010 at 5:10 pm and is filed under Siding. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.