When problems like leaks, drafts, or warping appear, it’s often a sign that the siding on your home was improperly installed. Even high-quality materials can fail if the installation doesn’t meet manufacturer standards or building codes.
This article covers key warning signs your siding was improperly installed, how poor workmanship can affect warranties, and why working with certified installers like Energy Pro is the best way to protect your home from long-term damage.
Common Signs Your Siding Was Improperly Installed
Not all siding issues are created equal. Some are clear right away, while others take months or even years to show. If you’re noticing any of the signs below, there’s a good chance your siding was improperly installed.
1. Siding is Falling Off the House
One of the most obvious signs something isn’t right is when pieces of siding begin falling off—or look like they’re about to. This can be caused by incorrect nailing, lack of secure fastening, or poor workmanship. Regardless of the reason, siding should never just fall off your home. It’s not only unsightly, but also exposes your structure to water and weather damage.
2. Water or Air Infiltration
If you’re noticing drafts inside your home or signs of moisture in your walls, it’s possible your siding wasn’t installed with a proper vapor barrier. Every type of siding should have a vapor barrier installed underneath. This layer is crucial—it blocks moisture and air from getting inside. Without it, your home is at risk for mold growth, wood rot, and energy loss.
If you saw your installers skip the vapor barrier step or there’s no evidence of one behind your siding, that’s a major red flag.
3. Gaps That Open and Close
For vinyl siding especially, movement is expected due to temperature changes. It’s supposed to expand and contract. However, this should happen in a controlled way. If you’re seeing drastic gaps that open and close throughout the year, it’s likely your vinyl siding was not installed to allow for proper movement.
On the other hand, materials like James Hardie or engineered wood panels don’t expand and contract the same way. They’re meant to stay firmly in place and should be tightly nailed. So if you see movement in materials that shouldn’t be shifting, that’s another warning sign.
Installation Problems That Can Void Warranties
It’s important to understand that bad siding installation doesn’t just cause damage—it can also void your warranty. Most manufacturers require certified installers to perform the work in order to keep the product warranty valid. If your contractor isn’t certified or can’t show proof of training, that’s a serious risk.
Check for These Warranty Red Flags:
- Unlicensed Installers: If the crew installing your siding isn’t licensed or trained, the job may not meet manufacturer requirements.
- No Proof of Certification: Always ask for certification from the installer for the specific product being used. Without it, your product warranty may not apply.
- No Labor Warranty: A trustworthy contractor should also provide their own workmanship warranty. At Energy Pro, we stand behind our siding installations with a 10-year labor warranty—if there’s an issue with our craftsmanship, we’ll fix it at no cost during that period.
Why a Labor Warranty Matters
Even the best siding products can’t perform if they’re installed poorly. That’s why labor warranties are just as important as manufacturer warranties. We’re proud to say that at Energy Pro, we cover labor for 10 full years on siding and window installations. That means if we make a mistake, we own it—and we fix it.
After 10 years, if a customer needs service related to a manufacturer’s warranty, we still help—but we charge a small service fee. During those first 10 years, though, all service work tied to labor or product warranty is handled at no cost.
When shopping for siding or windows, always ask these questions:
- What is the labor warranty on the install?
- What is the manufacturer warranty on the product?
- Who services the warranty if something goes wrong?
Work With a Contractor You Can Trust
Choosing a contractor with a proven track record makes all the difference. Look for one with:
- Strong online reviews
- Proof of insurance
- Long-standing business history
- Clear warranty policies
At Energy Pro, we check all those boxes and more. We’ve helped countless homeowners replace poorly installed siding with quality products that are built to last—and installed the right way the first time.
In Summary
If your siding was improperly installed, the signs are usually easy to spot—falling panels, gaps, air leaks, and missing vapor barriers are just a few. Worse, improper installation can void your warranty and leave you with expensive repair costs down the road. When you choose Energy Pro, you get certified professionals, reliable warranties, and customer service you can count on.
Contact us today for a no-pressure inspection or quote. Let’s get your home protected and looking great with siding installed the right way.
