Why Is My Vinyl Siding Warping?

Vinyl has long been the most popular choice for new siding as it has generated more sales than any other version of siding for well over two decades now. The benefits of going with vinyl siding are obvious, and its affordability makes it practically a given that the material is your best choice.


Even though vinyl siding is advertised to withstand moisture much better than wood, there are still problems that can happen with it. The dilemma is frustrating for homeowners that installed new vinyl with the promise that it would not warp. What causes warping or other issues with vinyl siding? No material is perfect, so even the highly durable and hardy vinyl can warp. In many cases, it is not so much the product as the installation was not done correctly and is leading to the current problem. In other cases, the vinyl siding may have been neglected for years and without a little careful inspection, a few panels got exposed and the problem is growing because it was neglected for years.

The Problem with Warped Siding 

Your siding is one of the most important aspects of your home’s appearance. It's one of the first things that people notice when they drive by and can be a definite eye sore for your neighbors. Good siding goes unnoticed, while bad siding immediately stands out. In order to maintain a strong “curb appeal,” especially if you're looking to sell a home, your siding must get replaced if it's rotting or warping. It just looks bad and immediately sets a bad example for the rest of the house, regardless of how beautiful it's inside.

How to Look for Warped Siding

Warped siding is a result of a number of different reasons. There is no black and white, all or nothing answer for it. When left unfixed, warp siding can cause significant structural issues. It can easily lead to mold and vermin infestation. One problem with warped siding is it can go unnoticed for quite some time to the untrained eye. However, it becomes incredibly noticeable as the problem gets worse. When you do your periodic inspection, you should check for bulges in the siding. The panels will look pushed out, especially in the middle of the piece. You may also notice that some panels stick out more than others.

Poor Installation

One of the first red flags is because the siding was installed improperly. One example is when the installer nails the siding too tightly, which causes it to immediately (or shortly thereafter) bulge. When the temperature fluctuates again, the warping gets worse. In fact, vinyl siding is designed to get fastened somewhat loosely so it can move and adjust when the material expands or contracts. Therefore, nailing the material too firmly to the structure is actually not beneficial. The good news is that if you bought the vinyl siding from a reputable brand, many of them are backed by a lifetime guarantee so you can get them replaced at no cost to you as long as you hired a professional contractor. It gets a little more tricky if you decided to install them yourself, which is why most recommend that you leave the installation to the pros.

Water Damage Can Cause Warped Siding

Water exposure is a major issue with wood siding which is why so many homeowners prefer vinyl siding over wood siding. Wood can only withstand so much of a beating from a combination of sun, wind, rain and snow before it starts to fall apart. Vinyl, meanwhile, is far more durable. While it's designed to block all moisture, it does still happen. Sometimes it's a construction flaw or the siding was not properly installed and has a point of access for exposure. Sometimes it's a preventive issue like standing water that sits right next to the structure due to poor drainage. Water leakage leads to many unpleasant scenarios like mold and musty odors that actually penetrate the interior of the structure. Some telling signs that your place is exposed isn't from the outside, but the inside. In fact, peeling paint or loose wallpaper is an indication that water is leaking in from the exterior. Though vinyl requires little maintenance, it's a very good idea to do a regular inspection of the perimeter of the house in order to assess any damage and tackle warped siding before it gets out of control. Warped siding, like other damages that happen to panels, is usually a domino effect. If one piece gets exposed, more will follow. It won't just go away or stop on its own. So, you need to get to the heart of the issue.

Pest Infestations

No one wants little critters robbing their house but it does happen, though it is far from the most common explanation as to why your vinyl siding is warping. Termites and other pests can inflict an incredible amount of damage on a home given their tiny size. When they begin to eat away at the structure the siding can warp, allowing even more access for additional pests or small rodents to enter. It is not the first place to start but if the above suggestions have not concluded much, you may want to hire a pest control service to do an examination. When you choose Feldco, you'll have the peace of mind knowing your siding is backed with our ComfortWrap 365 that's resistant to termite and other pest infestations.

Preventive Management

Though vinyl is advertised to withstand a lot of wear and tear, pressure from both the elements and people, it's not perfect. There are a number of risks to your siding that cause basic yet noteworthy problems if left unchecked for years. While vinyl is much more hardy to weather-related issues than wood, those that live in particularly harsh climates with intense heat or chilly, snow-filled states must exercise special precaution. Poor drainage around a house can lead to mold and other dilemmas near the base of the siding. Similarly, sprinklers in the yard that are not positioned correctly can deliver an unnecessary beating to your siding. Both of these examples are preventive, meaning there are steps to take to avoid the abuse in the first place. The weather, meanwhile, isn't something you can do much about aside from relocating to another part of the country. Other preventive measures include simple and logical things like not placing grills too close to the exterior of the home, as the intense heat from the grill can cause melting on the siding.

Replacing Warped Vinyl Siding

The exterior of your house is the heart and soul of the foundation. Yes, you spend more of your time inside it and thus it seems like the interior takes more of a precedent, however, if the exterior gets exposed it all impacts the rest of your home. Water damage and pest infestations can cause problems within the structure. So the best thing you can do for siding is check it often to make sure it's not warped or cracking, and replace it quickly. Vinyl siding is extremely durable but it can still become a victim of warping. Do your part to prevent it from getting out of control as well as understanding the major contributors and warning signs. People who choose Feldco don't have to worry about warped siding because our siding is always installed correctly by factory trained and certified installers. Everything will go smoothly and your home will reap the great benefits that vinyl siding has to offer. Get a free quote now to start your siding replacement project with Feldco.