Warning signs that siding may be defective include gaps, swelling, cracking, sunken nails, mold inside the home and mushrooms or other signs of mildew growing on the siding, said Tony Connell, owner of Exterior Restorations, a company that specializes in faulty siding.
He said it’s crucial defective siding is removed rather than covered with another layer. Many contain glues that rot when they get wet and don’t stop rotting until the affected materials are removed.
Most homeowners pay between $5,000 to $15,000 to replace defective siding. Many of his customers pay out of pocket, even if they qualified for class-action lawsuits, which rarely cover the full cost of labor and materials, he said.
For those purchasing a new home, Connell suggested watching for generic terms about the home’s siding, such as “wood product.” Such terms may be euphemisms for composite wood sidings that could cause problems. A quick eyeball of the siding isn’t enough. Learn exactly what the siding is before buying, and hire an independent certified home inspector to make sure it has been installed and maintained properly.
If the siding is going bad, determine what type of siding by looking for names, logos and other identifying marks on the back of the product. Siding manufacturers and settlement Web sites also offer identifying information.
Homeowners who encounter problems with siding should check the warranty of both the builder and the siding company and consult with an attorney who specializes in such cases, even if a class-action lawsuit is settled, recommended Doug Walsh, chief of consumer protection for the Office of the Attorney General. For small claims of $4,000 or less, homeowners sometimes can find resolution inexpensively in small claims court. If the damage is more expensive, Walsh suggested homeowners find an attorney who will work on a contingency fee.
People who want to contact Exterior Restorations should call 866-403-3355.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
