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Finding Better Windows For My Home

Perform This Quick Fix When You Have Loose Siding

13 September 2016

Michele Kuhn

If you notice one or more panels of loose siding on your house, it's a concern. Given the way that the siding panels are linked together, a heavy gust of wind could lift the loose panel away and possibly tear other panels off the house, too. The right thing to do is to call a siding contractor, but if you've just noticed this issue and heavy winds are imminent, it's a good idea to do what to can in the interim to reduce the likelihood of major damage. While you'll still need to have a professional fix the problem, here's how you can prevent further complications.

Buy The Right Supplies

This simply project involves securing the loose siding to the wood underneath with screws, but you don't want to use conventional screws. Instead, head to your local home improvement store and look for gasketed screws. They look similar to conventional screws, but have a rubber or foam gasket immediately under the head. These screws are ideal for this job because the gasket will prevent the head from digging into the siding and possibly cracking it. Gasketed screws are available in several colors, such as white, cream and gray, so you'll likely be able to find screws that closely resemble or completely match your siding.

Pick Your Areas

Stand back from the house and look at the siding to identify all the areas in which the ends are loose. It's advantageous to look at the house from several different angles, as doing so might reveal the presence of more loose areas. Likewise, it's useful to recruit someone to assist you, as he or she may spot areas that you overlook.

Get The Job Done

When you've identified each of the problem areas, simply drive one or more gasketed screws through the siding and into the wood underneath. Position the screws close to the ends of the siding panels. You might initially be concerned about the visual presence of the screws, but when you stand back, they'll be nearly invisible — provided that you bought screws that closely match the color of your siding. You may need to perform this job well above ground level. In this case, use an extension ladder and follow all the safety rules for ladder use, such as ensuring that the feet are stable, having a partner hold the base and working close to the ladder rather than reaching away from it. When you're done the job, you can be confident that the siding will hold until your contractor can arrive.

For more tips, contact a company like Cornerstone Home Improvement.

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