Common Siding Problems and How to Fix Them

Florida's climate puts tremendous stress on home siding. Heat, humidity, UV radiation, heavy rain, and the occasional hurricane create conditions that accelerate wear and cause problems you won't see in other regions. Recognizing siding issues early and knowing how to address them can save you thousands in repairs. Here are the most common siding problems Lake County homeowners encounter and how to fix them.

Problem 1: Warping and Buckling

Warped or buckled siding is one of the most visible problems, creating waves, bulges, or distorted panels that detract from your home's appearance.

What Causes Warping

• Heat expansion: Florida's intense sun heats siding to extreme temperatures
• Improper nailing: Nails driven too tight prevent thermal movement
• Direct heat sources: Grills, fire pits, or reflected heat from windows
• Dark colors: Absorb more heat and expand more than light colors
• Poor quality materials: Thin or cheap siding warps more easily

How to Identify It

• Visible waves or ripples in siding surface
• Panels pulling away at edges
• Gaps appearing and disappearing seasonally
• Bulging sections, especially on south and west-facing walls

How to Fix Warped Siding

Minor warping (isolated panels):

• Wait for cooler weather when panels relax
• Remove warped panel and check nail positions
• Reinstall with proper nailing (centered in slots, not too tight)
• Ensure 1/4" gap at ends for expansion

Extensive warping:

• May indicate systemic installation problems
• Consider replacing affected sections
• For severe cases, full replacement may be cost-effective

Heat source warping:

• Relocate grills and heat sources at least 10 feet from siding
• Install heat shields where applicable
• Consider heat-resistant siding materials near outdoor kitchens

Prevention Tips

• Choose lighter siding colors for sun-exposed walls
• Ensure proper installation with correct nailing technique
• Keep heat sources away from siding
• Select quality materials rated for high-heat environments

Problem 2: Fading and Discoloration

Florida's UV intensity is among the highest in the continental United States, causing rapid color degradation.

What Causes Fading

• UV radiation: Breaks down pigments in siding
• Inferior materials: Cheap siding fades faster
• Dark colors: Show fading more dramatically
• South/west exposure: Walls facing these directions fade first
• Age: All siding eventually loses some color

How to Identify It

• Uneven coloring across the home
• Dramatic difference between shaded and exposed areas
• Chalky residue on surface (especially aluminum)
• Colors looking washed out compared to original

How to Fix Faded Siding

Vinyl siding:

• Cannot be painted effectively (paint won't adhere long-term)
• Replace severely faded panels
• Match replacement panels from same production lot if possible
• Accept that some fading variation is normal over time

Aluminum siding:

• Can be repainted with proper preparation
• Clean and de-gloss surface
• Apply bonding primer
• Use 100% acrylic exterior paint
• Expect to repaint every 5-10 years

Fiber cement siding:

• Factory-finished (ColorPlus) siding rarely needs painting
• Field-finished can be repainted as needed
• Use quality exterior paint rated for fiber cement

Wood siding:

• Requires regular refinishing (every 3-5 years in Florida)
• Sand, prime damaged areas
• Apply quality exterior paint or stain

Prevention Tips

• Choose UV-resistant siding materials
• Select lighter colors that show fading less
• Consider fiber cement with ColorPlus technology
• Accept that some fading is inevitable in Florida

Problem 3: Moisture Damage and Rot

Florida's humidity and heavy rainfall create perfect conditions for moisture problems.

What Causes Moisture Damage

• Poor installation: Gaps allow water behind siding
• Failed caulking: Seals around windows and doors deteriorate
• Missing flashing: Water enters at transition points
• Ground contact: Siding too close to soil wicks moisture
• Trapped moisture: Inadequate moisture barriers
• Gutter overflow: Directs water behind siding

How to Identify It

• Soft, spongy spots when pressing on siding
• Visible mold or mildew growth
• Bubbling or peeling paint
• Musty odors near exterior walls
• Staining or discoloration
• Wood rot at trim or corners

How to Fix Moisture Damage

For affected siding:

• Remove damaged panels to assess extent of damage
• Check underlying sheathing and framing
• Replace any rotted sheathing or studs
• Install or repair moisture barrier
• Replace siding with proper installation techniques

For failed sealing:

• Remove old, cracked caulking completely
• Clean surfaces thoroughly
• Apply high-quality silicone or polyurethane caulk
• Check and recaulk annually

For ground contact issues:

• Siding should be at least 6-8 inches above ground level
• Remove soil, mulch, or landscaping touching siding
• Install proper base trim if needed
• Ensure proper grading directs water away from home

Prevention Tips

• Maintain 6-8 inch clearance between siding and ground
• Inspect and maintain caulking annually
• Ensure gutters drain properly away from home
• Address moisture issues immediately before they spread

Problem 4: Cracks and Holes

Physical damage to siding creates entry points for water and pests.

What Causes Cracks and Holes

• Impact damage: Hail, debris, lawn equipment
• Storm damage: Hurricane-driven debris
• Settling: House movement stresses siding
• Age and brittleness: Old vinyl becomes fragile
• Pest damage: Woodpeckers, insects
• Improper installation: Stress at corners and edges

How to Identify It

• Visible cracks, chips, or holes
• Missing pieces of siding
• Hairline cracks in corners
• Entry points for pests

How to Fix Cracks and Holes

Small cracks in vinyl:

• Clean the area thoroughly
• Apply vinyl siding repair caulk (color-matched)
• Smooth and allow to cure
• Works for cracks under 1/2 inch

Larger damage in vinyl:

• Individual panels can be replaced
• Use a siding removal tool to unlock damaged panel
• Slip new panel into place
• Match replacement to existing as closely as possible

Fiber cement damage:

• Small holes can be filled with exterior wood filler
• Sand, prime, and paint to match
• Larger damage requires panel replacement

Wood siding damage:

• Fill small holes with exterior wood filler
• Replace sections with significant damage
• Sand, prime, and paint repairs

Prevention Tips

• Keep lawn equipment away from siding
• Trim trees that could drop branches
• Consider impact-resistant siding in storm-prone areas
• Address pest problems promptly

Problem 5: Gaps and Separating Panels

Gaps between siding panels allow water, insects, and air infiltration.

What Causes Gaps

• Thermal expansion and contraction: Temperature changes
• Settling: Foundation or framing movement
• Failed fasteners: Nails pulling out
• Improper installation: Insufficient overlap
• Rotted substrates: Supporting material failing

How to Identify It

• Visible gaps between panels
• Daylight visible through siding (from inside)
• Increased insect activity inside
• Higher energy bills from air infiltration
• Water staining inside walls

How to Fix Gaps

Thermal movement gaps:

• Temporary gaps from temperature are normal
• If persistent, check for proper overlap (typically 1-1.25 inches)
• May need to adjust panel positions

Structural movement gaps:

• Assess foundation and framing for issues
• Address underlying structural problems first
• Then repair or replace affected siding

Failed fastener gaps:

• Re-secure panels with proper nailing
• Do not nail too tight (allows thermal movement)
• Use appropriate fasteners for siding type

Prevention Tips

• Ensure proper overlap during installation
• Use correct nailing techniques
• Address foundation issues promptly
• Schedule regular inspections to catch problems early

Problem 6: Mold and Mildew Growth

Florida's humidity makes mold and mildew a constant battle.

What Causes Mold and Mildew

• High humidity: Florida's year-round moisture
• Shade: North-facing walls and shaded areas
• Poor drainage: Water pooling near home
• Organic debris: Dirt and pollen feed growth
• Limited airflow: Overgrown landscaping blocks ventilation

How to Identify It

• Black, green, or gray streaking
• Fuzzy growth on siding surface
• Musty smell near affected areas
• Often worse in shaded areas

How to Clean Mold and Mildew

DIY cleaning solution:

• Mix 1 part bleach to 4 parts water
• Add a small amount of dish soap
• Apply with soft brush or low-pressure spray
• Let sit 10-15 minutes
• Rinse thoroughly with garden hose

Commercial cleaners:

• Many products designed for siding cleaning
• Follow manufacturer directions
• Test in inconspicuous area first

Pressure washing considerations:

• Use low pressure (under 1,500 PSI for vinyl)
• Keep nozzle at least 12 inches away
• Work from bottom up to prevent streaking
• Never force water up under siding panels
• Can damage some siding types if not careful

Prevention Tips

• Trim vegetation to improve airflow
• Clean gutters to prevent overflow near siding
• Clean siding annually before mold establishes
• Consider mold-resistant siding options

Problem 7: Storm and Hurricane Damage

Living in Florida means dealing with storm damage to siding.

Types of Storm Damage

• Wind damage: Panels blown off or lifted
• Impact damage: Flying debris strikes
• Water intrusion: Rain driven behind siding
• Fallen trees/branches: Major structural damage

How to Assess Storm Damage

• Walk entire perimeter after storms
• Look for missing, loose, or damaged panels
• Check corners and edges closely
• Inspect behind any lifted panels
• Document damage with photos for insurance

How to Address Storm Damage

Immediate steps:

• Cover exposed areas with tarps to prevent water intrusion
• Do not make permanent repairs until insurance adjuster visits
• Document everything with photos and notes
• Get professional assessment for major damage

Minor repairs:

• Replace individual damaged panels
• Re-secure loose panels
• Address any water that got behind siding

Major repairs:

• Work with insurance company
• Get multiple contractor estimates
• May require full replacement of affected sections
• Opportunity to upgrade to more storm-resistant materials

Insurance Considerations

• Most homeowner policies cover storm damage
• Document damage immediately
• File claims promptly
• Keep damaged materials until claim is settled
• Get contractor estimate before accepting settlement

Problem 8: Pest Damage

Florida's active pest population can damage certain siding types.

Common Pest Problems

• Termites: Devastating to wood siding
• Carpenter ants: Tunnel through wood
• Woodpeckers: Drill holes in wood and some composites
• Wasps and bees: Build nests behind siding
• Rodents: Can gnaw through some materials

How to Identify Pest Damage

• Visible holes or tunneling
• Sawdust or frass near siding
• Mud tubes (termites)
• Insect activity around siding edges
• Sounds of activity within walls

How to Address Pest Damage

• Identify the pest species
• Treat infestation (often requires professional pest control)
• Remove and replace damaged siding
• Replace damaged sheathing and framing
• Take preventive measures to avoid recurrence

Prevention Tips

• Choose pest-resistant siding (vinyl, fiber cement, aluminum)
• Maintain proper clearance from ground
• Eliminate wood-to-ground contact
• Address moisture issues (pests love damp wood)
• Schedule regular pest inspections

When to Call a Professional

Some siding problems require professional attention.

Signs You Need Expert Help

• Extensive damage across multiple areas
• Underlying structural damage suspected
• Moisture damage affecting sheathing or framing
• Storm damage requiring insurance claims
• Problems returning after DIY repairs
• Safety concerns (height, electrical proximity)

What Professionals Bring

• Experience identifying root causes
• Proper tools and equipment
• Knowledge of building codes and best practices
• Warranty on workmanship
• Insurance coverage
• Ability to handle permits if needed

Creating a Siding Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance prevents most siding problems.

Monthly

• Visual inspection from ground level
• Note any obvious damage or changes

Quarterly

• Walk perimeter and inspect more closely
• Check caulking around windows and doors
• Clear debris from base of siding

Annually

• Clean entire siding surface
• Inspect and recaulk as needed
• Check behind any loose panels
• Trim vegetation away from siding
• Address any minor issues found

After Major Storms

• Comprehensive damage inspection
• Document and photograph any issues
• Make temporary repairs as needed
• Schedule professional assessment for significant damage

Conclusion

Florida's climate creates unique challenges for home siding, but staying proactive about maintenance and repairs keeps problems manageable. Catching issues early, understanding your repair options, and knowing when to call professionals helps protect your home's exterior for years to come.

At Pro Specialty Services, we diagnose and repair all types of siding problems throughout Lake County. Whether you need minor repairs or complete replacement, our experienced team can help restore your home's protection and curb appeal. Contact us for a free assessment of your siding concerns.

For more exterior care guidance, explore our articles on comparing siding types, home maintenance checklist, and hurricane preparation. Also see our guide on hiring a contractor for your siding project.