Expert: Stephen Major (Owner--Major Design Group) - 4/25/2007

Question
Hello,

One of our vinyl siding came off our home. My husband snap it back in place but after some strong wind it is now loose.  Is there any way we can fix this without having to hiring a professional?  He wants to nail it down but is not sure if he may damage the siding.  Is there siding glue?

Thank you

Answer
Tina,

Starting with the lowermost piece that is still attached, check it to be sure that it is nailed properly.  It should be nailed every 8 inches or so, using roofing nails.  The nails go through slots at the upper edge of the siding, and are left a little loose so the siding can expand and contract.  The nails should hit solid sheathing and/or studs.  In some cases siding is installed over soft sheathing (foamboard or Homasote) which doesn't hold nails.  If that is the case be sure to hit every stud with a nail.
So...once you are sure that the first piece is secure, snap on the next course (going upward), tug it upward slightly and nail as described above.  Keep doing this until all the pieces are back on.  

If you find that the snaplock isn't effective anymore, you can lay a thick dotted bead of siding caulk (siliconized latex, silicone, or rubber) into the U-shaped lower edge of the siding, and then snap it into place.  This should help prevent the pieces from coming apart.

But remember -- it is the nailing that hold the siding onto the house, and the snap-lock that holds the siding together (reinforced with caulk in your case!).  Both must be done correctly for the siding to stay on in strong winds.

There are a lot of internet sources for siding installation techniques.  Try this link:

http://www.kighthomecenter.com/build_tips/buildtips/vinyl_siding/vinyl.html

Good luck and let me know if you need additional help.

--Steve Major