Asked on Aug 09, 2013
Seeking Advice - Improper Installation of Vinyl Siding
by Archen
+5
Hi,
We bought a new construction townhouse 5 years ago. Last week, my neighbor told me a panel of my vinyl siding near the roof has a an opening and I intend to fix it asap. Four contractors showed up and gave their estimates. Three of them told my siding shouldn't have been installed parallel to the roof. Instead, it should be installed horizontally from bottom row all the way up. They said the builder took a shortcut to get things done quickly and showed me the 'correct' installation of my neighbors. I called builder and they said it's the installer who I should be contacting. Okay, so I contacted installation company and they said there's nothing wrong with my installation and claim "it's more waterproof". And they kept saying my house was out of warranty.
Their response certainly upsets me. I'm checking to see if they had violated some kind of construction code. If that's not the case, I'd appreciate some advice.
Thanks in advance,
We bought a new construction townhouse 5 years ago. Last week, my neighbor told me a panel of my vinyl siding near the roof has a an opening and I intend to fix it asap. Four contractors showed up and gave their estimates. Three of them told my siding shouldn't have been installed parallel to the roof. Instead, it should be installed horizontally from bottom row all the way up. They said the builder took a shortcut to get things done quickly and showed me the 'correct' installation of my neighbors. I called builder and they said it's the installer who I should be contacting. Okay, so I contacted installation company and they said there's nothing wrong with my installation and claim "it's more waterproof". And they kept saying my house was out of warranty.
Their response certainly upsets me. I'm checking to see if they had violated some kind of construction code. If that's not the case, I'd appreciate some advice.
Thanks in advance,
7 answers
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Part of this problem is the first pic shows a different roof pitch than the second one. It is obvious that they took the easier route...but if it was installed properly there should be no issues whether one is "better" than the other in term of keeping the rain out. Personally I not a fan of vinyl and would never own a home with it. I have been installing Hardiplank on my cabin...it is kick butt bomb proof, fire resistant, water proof, bug proof etc.
![KMS Woodworks]()
KMS Woodworks
on Aug 09, 2013
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The builder who hired the siding company is responsible for this error. Chase them down via certified letter letting them know that you want it fixed and its their issue to take up with siding contractor and that you will hold them liable for any water issues or damage that results because of this poor practice. Contact the HOA and get them involved in this as well. While it really is not an issue other then the siding is not properly secured behind the rake trim, it is simply poor quality workmanship that no one caught during the construction phase of the home.
![Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com]()
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Aug 09, 2013
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He is the one who paid the contractor who did the job. He is responsible for the outcome of their work. If he is not, he in an effort to keep his business name in good standing will go to bat for you to get the job done correctly. Putting pressure also on the HOA will get this done in no time.
![Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com]()
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Aug 09, 2013
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We all need to work together to put inept contractors out of business. We just recently added a room and the contractor messed things up so much we had to hire another contractor to fix it all. file a report to RIPOFFREPORT.COM
![Donna]()
Donna
on Jun 29, 2015
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And ALWAYS check their site online before hiring a contractor!
![Donna]()
Donna
on Jun 29, 2015
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IF they violated a construction code, you can file a complaint with the state licensing board to have them investigated.
![Donna]()
Donna
on Jun 29, 2015
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I have done a ton of siding. Yes, most times siding is done horizontally all the way up. It gets worked from both sides until you get to a common place where the siding goes all the way across which can be tough to get the sides to line up evenly and would involve a lot of small pieces in a small area. I can understand why they did it the way they did. It's not less effective and may actually be better the way they did it as you're dealing with solid pieces instead of many small ones. They should have installed J channel along the sofit to help hold the pieces across the top and for a more finished look. The top of the panel has nothing to lock into and is typically held in place with trim nails of the similar color to the siding. If you'r not afraid of heights and can't get help from your contractor, my advice would be to get some trim nails, take a utility knife and carefully make a small hole through the top of the siding to accept the nails without splitting the siding and renail in place, making sure there is a solid nailing surface behind the nail. You may need a nail set to gain access to hammer the nails in, aprox 8" apart. Make sure you don't drive the nails in really tightly... slightly loose to the siding as the siding expands and contracts with heat and cold. It's maybe a 5 to 10 minute fix. I also saw the pics you showed of the neighbors house and that is the typical way to do it but it also appears that there is more room in that space between the lower roof and the sofit above which is why I say I can understand why the installers chose to do it the way they did. Many small cut pieces stand a chance of coming loose faster than the solid pieces you currently have and the lack of siding locks in such a short space will be a major issue.
![Cathy C]()
Cathy C
on Sep 21, 2015
KMS Woodworks
on Aug 09, 2013
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