Are you having trouble snapping your vinyl siding together? If you live in a windy area, then this can be a recurring issue. We have researched the best method and tools on the market to help you fix this problem.
The main reason why a vinyl siding won't snap together is either the buttlock is badly warped, or it's forcibly knocked out of position from the track. The buttlock is the bottom edge that locks onto the track (J-channel). Sometimes, it can be caused by poor installation too.
You can use a paint can opener or a vinyl siding removal tool to snap the vinyl siding back into its track. Here's how you do it:
1. Simply slide and hook the paint can opener or vinyl siding removal tool into the buttlock.
2. Pull it down and push the siding at the same time until you feel it snap into the track.
3. Work your way along the entire length of the vinyl siding until you have it all snapped back.
Other factors could cause your vinyl siding to come loose and pop out, like kids playing with it, improper installation, weather conditions, or just plain age of the vinyl siding. We will be going through all those possible scenarios and what you should do in each case, so keep reading!
Reasons Why Your Vinyl Siding Comes Loose
Vinyl siding has become the standard exterior material for many homeowners, especially because of its long lifespan. However, while it is one of the most affordable siding options available, it does require maintenance and upkeep.
Knowing the reasons why your vinyl siding might come loose can help you prevent this problem in the future. The following are the most common reasons why your vinyl siding comes loose:
1. The Neighborhood Kids
The neighborhood kids (and yours as well!) can be a big problem for any homeowner, but when it comes to vinyl siding, they are even worse. These little rascals like to play with things and this includes your vinyl siding.
They are not careful about where they put their hands and they can cause serious damage to your vinyl siding. They might even pull it off the house entirely! So if you want to keep your vinyl siding in one piece, make sure you keep a close watch on the kids.
2. Improper Installation
Vinyl siding installation requires not only skill and experience to ensure the integrity of the siding, but also requires patience on the part of the installer.
Snapping vinyl siding together is much easier than it look, but a few careless mistakes (or deliberate ones!) because the installer got impatient can end up costing you hundreds of dollars.
3. Weather Conditions
Windy conditions are known to cause vinyl siding to come loose. This is not good news for those who live in areas where the weather is prone to frequent rain and heavy winds. The vibrations caused by the wind can weaken the panel.
You may not see any noticeable difference immediately, but over time, the problem will become more apparent as your home’s siding becomes looser and begins to come off.
4. Aging Vinyl Sidings
The age of the vinyl siding you have on your home is the number one cause of it coming off. If you feel that your vinyl siding have seen better days, then it might be time to replace it.
When your vinyl siding gets old and starts peeling off, it might look like a minor cosmetic issue. But if you look at it carefully, you might find that your siding is actually starting to crumble away. When this happens, it's important to know that you can't just use a new coat of paint to fix it.
The video below shows how to fix a loose vinyl siding using a paint can opener.
Can You Use Glue To Secure Loose Vinyl Siding?
The best way to fix loose siding is to apply the appropriate amount of silicone caulk along the J-channel or the trim and then press the bottom edge to lock the two sections together.
Afterward, drive corrosion-resistant screws or nails through the boards and into the siding to hold it in place. This is optional but will help prevent future problems with the siding coming loose.
When nailing the sidings, make sure you allow a clearance that's about the thickness of a penny between the head of the nail or screw and the siding itself.
Vinyl expands and contracts during extreme weather conditions. The clearance should give the vinyl siding enough room for expansion and contraction without breaking through.
Check out this silicone caulk on Amazon.
How Thick Should A Vinyl Siding Be?
When choosing the thickness of your vinyl siding, you need to consider the weather conditions of your region and your budget. However, the standard set by the American Society of Testing and Materials is 0.09 to 0.10 centimeters.
Is It Okay To Have Seams On Vinyl Siding?
Some contractors believe that seams on vinyl sidings allow for expansion and contraction of the material while others believe that it's an excuse for a lousy job.
In most cases, vinyl siding contractors will use longer siding panels to avoid seams so that they don't have to redo the job when the client finds them unsightly.
What Material Is Behind Vinyl Siding?
You'll find a weather-resistant barrier behind each vinyl siding. This barrier is a sheet of moisture-repelling material that is designed to protect the interior of the house against the elements especially ultraviolet rays, rainwater, and moisture from condensation.
Weather-resistant barriers are usually made of either tar paper or a house wrap. If you are noticing a lot of water seeping into the inside of your home, it may not be your vinyl siding.
A damaged barrier, no matter how small, can allow moisture to penetrate the house. Small leaks can add up to big problems over time, so you may want to check if the barrier is defective.
Check out this weather-resistant house wrap on Amazon.
How Much Does It Cost To Have A Contractor Install Vinyl Siding?
As a general rule, $3.70 per square foot is a reasonable price for vinyl siding. This is for labor costs alone.
The material costs depend on the area of coverage, which determines how many layers of siding you need. Additionally, your choice of vinyl siding material, brand, style, size, and color will affect the overall cost of installation.
If you’ve decided to install vinyl siding on your home, the first thing to consider is how much you want to spend. Regardless, you can expect to pay anywhere between $2 to $12 per square foot for the materials.
Does Vinyl Siding Increase Home Value?
Vinyl siding is a great choice when you are looking to enhance the curb appeal of your home. This alone is enough to make vinyl siding a worthwhile investment, but there are many other benefits to vinyl siding that can’t be overlooked.
Vinyl siding is resistant to fading, cracking, termites, insects, and the elements. It can also withstand extreme temperatures and can last for many years (20 to 40 years) in most weather conditions.
In addition, vinyl siding is also easy to install and requires very little maintenance. Vinyl siding is also durable and flexible at the same time. You don’t need to worry about replacing it every few years as with wood siding.
All these factors justify why vinyl siding can increase the value of a property by 76%, according to Remodelling Magazine.
Aluminum Siding Or Vinyl Siding: Which Is Better?
Aluminum siding was once the choice of homeowners everywhere. While it's still a great option for most homes, it's time to put an end to aluminum siding. Why? This is because aluminum is a major contributor to the effects of acid rain.
With that said, vinyl siding has taken the nation by storm in recent years. Vinyl siding offers homeowners numerous benefits, including:
Durability
Vinyl siding is extremely durable and can withstand extreme weather conditions. In fact, it's more durable than aluminum siding. It's also easily repairable and can last for decades without needing extensive maintenance.
Versatility
Vinyl siding comes in a wide range of colors, styles, and shapes. You don't have to worry about bending it out of shape as you can easily snap it back into place, unlike aluminum.
Affordability
Vinyl siding is a very affordable option, making it a great option for any homeowner. Aluminum may be cheaper than vinyl, but there's always a price to pay when you go for the cheaper alternative. This makes you spend more money in the long run.
Easy installation
Vinyl siding can be installed quickly and efficiently. It also can be installed in just about any home style.
Vinyl siding is a great choice for anyone looking for a long-lasting and reasonably affordable alternative to aluminum siding.
Does A White Colored Vinyl Siding Make Your House Look Cheaper Than If It Were Colored?
The color of a house's vinyl siding doesn't really make a difference when it comes to calculating a home's resale value, but it can have a big impact on the appearance of your home.
There are a couple of reasons why homeowners should consider choosing white-colored siding. First, white is a neutral color. It's the best option for those who want to make their home look more inviting. Second, white is a timeless color that will never go out of style.
In Closing
When trying to snap a loose vinyl siding back into the track, it's important to make sure that the buttlock is still in good physical condition so you can realign it with no problem back into the track.
Check for warpage of the buttlock by looking for unevenness along its length. If you can see a bulge or indentation along the length, that's a clear sign of warpage. You might have to replace the entire vinyl siding panel in this case.
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