Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 2/14/2011

Question
My home has been vinyl sided for 10yrs.Almost every high wind we have,results in siding blowing off.I use roofing nails and nail to the studs to repair,yet it happens again or in another section.I'm very frustrated that I can't seem to remedy this problem.Even in lighter winds,I notice a lot of waving.I would appreciate any advice(guidance)you can give.

Answer
Hi Paul, that's one of the drawbacks for this type of siding in high wind areas. Depending on your house orientation as the wind blows over the siding it creates a suction much like wind going over an airplane wing.  Since your house won't get airborne something has to give.  In this case its your siding.  The installation methods for vinyl siding generally require a snap and lock attachment.  This is for ease of install and is engineered for up to a specific wind speed. If your siding was installed according to local conditions by a local contractor then you shouldn't be having these problems.  If you go to the siding manufacturer's website they might have special clips for higher wind speeds.  You might try using some silicone caulk in the areas that are being blown away consistently.  I don't like to recommend caulking of siding systems because too much caulking could trap moisture inside.  You might try to run a bead of silicone where the siding snaps into the track of the piece below.  This will help keep air from lifting the siding from its locked position. I hope this information helps, please feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson, bejohnsonconsulting.com