Why heat can make siding buckle

By The Coffee Shops®. 

Learn how heat-related expansion, installation problems and storms can turn warped vinyl siding into a risk for your home. 

Storm preparation often begins with the roof, but siding also plays an important role in protecting a home’s walls, insulation and interior structure. According to this article by Henderson Roofing and Construction, extreme heat can expose installation problems that leave vinyl siding buckled, warped or vulnerable to water intrusion. 

Vinyl siding naturally expands in hot weather and contracts when temperatures cool. On sunny afternoons, surfaces on the west and south sides of a home can rise above 150 degrees, causing siding panels to expand by as much as half an inch across a long wall. 

Properly installed panels have enough space to move behind the trim. Nails should be driven straight while leaving a small gap between the nail head and siding. If nails are too tight, panels are cut too long or spacing at corners is inadequate, the siding cannot expand freely. Instead, it may push outward and develop a wavy appearance. 

Buckling is more than a cosmetic concern. Warped panels can create openings at overlaps, corners, windows and doors. During intense thunderstorms, wind-driven rain may enter those gaps and reach the house wrap, sheathing or insulation. Cracked caulking and warped flashing can also allow moisture into window frames and door jambs. 

A professional siding inspection can identify tight attachment points, panels rubbing against trim and damaged sealant. Inspectors can also examine soffits, fascia and gutters, since overflowing water may run down exterior walls and enter heat-related gaps. 

Addressing these concerns during warm weather can help homeowners correct vulnerable areas before additional storms arrive. Some openings may require fresh caulk, while damaged or improperly fitted panels may need adjustment or replacement. 

Read the full article to learn more about siding inspections.