How to Fix Warped Siding on Your Home

The siding on your house is one of its most visible features – and when it starts warping, it affects more than just curb appeal. If you have warped wood or vinyl siding, it's important to fix it early. This can help prevent bigger problems later.

Let’s take a closer look at what causes siding to warp, the risks of leaving it untreated, and how to repair warped siding the right way.

What Causes Warped or Buckled Siding?

Warped siding can happen gradually or seemingly overnight, but it almost always traces back to a few common culprits. Whether your home has vinyl siding or wood siding, the material reacts to its environment, and certain conditions can push it past its limit. Understanding the root causes can help you prevent future damage or spot issues early.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding can bend a little with temperature changes. However, if it is not installed correctly or gets very hot, it can warp. Here’s what to watch for:

• Improper installation: vinyl must be hung loosely enough to expand and contract with temperature swings. When it's nailed too tightly, that movement is restricted, causing panels to bulge or ripple.
• Heat exposure: hot summer days, or even reflected sunlight bouncing off neighboring windows, can soften the vinyl and lead to distortion.
• Nearby heat sources: grills or fire pits placed too close to the house can melt and warp the siding surface, often beyond repair.

Wood Siding

Wood is naturally more vulnerable to the elements, especially moisture. If your home has wood siding, here are some common causes of warping:

• Moisture damage: frequent rain, snow, or poor drainage can cause wood to absorb water and swell. Over time, this leads to warping or bowing boards.
• Sprinklers: if a sprinkler repeatedly hits the same spot on your siding, it can wear down the material and cause it to weaken or bend.
• Pest infestations: insects such as termites can damage the structure under the siding. This can lead to uneven surfaces or warping.

Risks of Ignoring Warped Siding

What starts as a small warp in your siding can quickly turn into a much bigger problem. As panels pull away from your home, they create gaps that let in moisture and pests – both of which can lead to structural damage.

Moisture behind the siding often results in mold, mildew, and a musty smell indoors. You might also notice interior signs like peeling paint or warped drywall, caused by water making its way inside.

Over time, severely warped siding can come loose in strong winds, creating safety hazards and leaving your home exposed. That’s why it’s important to address the issue early, before it turns into a costly repair.

How to Fix Warped Vinyl Siding

If your warped vinyl siding is the result of tight installation, such as panels being nailed too firmly, contact your original installer. In many cases, they may be able to adjust the siding panels to correct the issue without requiring full replacement.

However, if the warped vinyl siding was caused by heat exposure, the affected sections will likely need to be replaced entirely.

How to Fix Warped Wood Siding

Repairing warped wood siding takes a bit more hands-on work. Start by carefully removing or cutting the nails holding the warped boards in place.

Then, slightly shorten the board, leaving about 1/16 of an inch of space, to reduce the chance of future buckling. Once adjusted, drill pilot holes and reattach the board using galvanized screws directly into the studs.

Repairing Small Damaged Areas

For smaller issues like gaps or cracks near windows and doors, apply a color-matched caulking compound to seal and protect the joints. If you notice holes in the wood, clean them thoroughly with a bristle brush before applying layers of stainable wood putty with a putty knife. Allow each layer to dry before sanding the surface smooth for a seamless finish.

Don’t Ignore Warped Siding

Warped siding can result from heat, moisture, pests, or poor installation – and it won’t get better on its own. If you notice signs of buckling or bulging, act fast to prevent greater damage.

Need a long-lasting solution? Feldco offers durable, high quality vinyl siding that won’t warp from moisture, sun exposure, or other weather conditions. Our trained installers ensure proper fit and finish, and we’ve helped over 500,000 homeowners in the Midwest improve their homes.

Get your free quote today and restore your siding with confidence.