Why is My Wood Siding Bulging Out? | Mr. Happy House

Durable and professionally installed siding can protect your house against pests and harsh weather. Wood siding can last for about 10 to 30 years depending on the climate and how frequently you maintain the siding, because wood siding does require a LOT of maintenance. Over time, you may notice that wood siding has started to warp, sag, crack or even bulge.

“Why is my wood siding bulging out?” If you are wondering about it, you are not alone. Damaged or rotted wood siding isn’t uncommon, and can potentially become a breeding ground for termites if it is not repaired or replaced.

So, the right thing to do is replace the damaged sections of siding in order to prevent the damage from spreading. In this post, you get to know what makes your wood siding start to bulge out and what to do when this starts happening in your home:

Why Does Wood Siding Become Bulged or Warped?

If your wood siding panels or boards become bulged/warped, it impacts the structural integrity of your house because eventually these warps can invite more water into your home and cause the framing of your house to deuterate. However, there are several reasons why wood siding has become warped. Let’s discuss some of them to have a clear understanding of why your wood siding has become warped.

Built-up Moisture

Built up moisture is one of the most commons reasons for wood siding to bulge out and warp. The most affected areas are the isolated areas around corners and sides where the siding meets to roof line. Because these areas are prone to moisture and water buildup, the prone areas need to be sealed correctly with flashing.

Wood siding that is close to the ground or the bottom of the wood siding panel/board is more vulnerable to warp and rot since these areas also receive excessive moisture where the water is bonded together via intramolecular polar covalent bonds.

Absorbing moisture in excess can make wood siding bend and pull away from the structure of the home.

Constant Rainfall and Water Runoff

As said, your wood siding can be damaged even with the smallest amount of moisture accumulated over time. Wood siding and especially engineered wood siding will swell at first and dry out later. Even the original look of the siding will never return. Areas that receive heavy rainfall area more likely to become rotted or warped and will require frequent siding repairs.

Improper Maintenance

One of the main reasons we do not recommend or install wood siding is because of the associated maintenance. Because wood is porous, it gathers moisture over time. In short, the wood needs protection against mold or rotting either with sealing or frequent exterior painting.

It means you have to make sure that the wood remains painted all the time. Moreover, the paint on the wooden surface tends to flake, chip, or peel if the wood siding is warped. As such, the wood becomes exposed to various elements that require you to re-apply the paint. So, the process becomes an expensive one that needs regular maintenance.

Durability

When it comes to the durability of wood siding, there’s little to say here. As said, wood tends to gather moisture over time. As a result, the trapped moisture softens the wood, and the process of rotting begins which can cause your wood siding to start bulging out and warp.

So, in both cases, the integrity of the wood failed to stand against it. And, it can no longer perform the job, which is to protect your home. If most of the siding on your house is warped, the best solution is to replace all of the siding, because at this point, the integrity of your entire home is on the brink of being compromised.

Apart from that, there are concerns about the quality of wood. That’s because not all wood comes with the same quality. And, this leads to further problems in the future. However, cedar wood siding is one of the best types of wood siding that is less likely to become warped or rotted.

What Are The Risks Of Warped Siding?

The risks associated with warped and bulged wood siding are many and you should treat it as a matter of emergency. Or else, the costs will pile up and more damages will be done. Having warped siding is as big as a problem as having a damaged shingle in your roof, because it leaves your home susceptible to:

Water Damage

When you have warped siding, water enters through the gaps and penetrates the walls. While the water may not damage the siding right away, it may damage the interior walls or sheetrock of your home almost instantly with enough water.

Growth of Mildew, Mold, and Fungus

Another great risk of warped siding comes in the form of mildew, molds, and fungus. So, whenever you find them, it is certain that water is penetrating through them and providing the right atmosphere for these microorganisms to thrive. Keep in mind that these microorganisms can cause different types of health hazards in your homes such as coughing, wheezing, allergic reactions, and running nose.

High Utility Bills

If you find out that you have been paying much more when it comes to paying energy bills, it is because of the warped siding, because the siding is not straight and level with the wall, this creates opening for heat and air to come out. Don’t forget that substandard wall insulation and faulty siding are the main cause of elevated energy bills.

So, if you find that your utility bills are more compared to your neighbors while having almost similar homes, it is due to the warped siding. Inspect the siding and find out if there are any leaks.

Loose Wallpaper or Peeling Paint

Most homeowners don’t notice warped or damaged wood siding until loose wallpaper and peeling paint starts occurring. A leaking roof or leaking siding are some of the most commons reasons why moisture has slipped down the siding and started damaging the interior of the house.

Undesirable Costs

When you don’t pay any heed to small repairs or replacements, you are risking structural damage to your home. So, the difference between fixing the siding and fixing your home is massive. In short, you have to spend more money if not treated earlier.

Temporary Solution to Warped Siding

As you know wood siding has a great look but it needs regular maintenance. So, if you have wood siding on your house, always remember to look out for warped parts, general wear, or loose boards. Remember that wood is more susceptible to damage than most types of siding.

Because warped and bulging wood is the outcome of various reasons and different factors, the first step involves finding out the real cause. If you notice any part of wood panels is warped or buckled, you can fix them with the help of the right tools. Take a deep look and find out where the sideboards meet.

If there are windows or doors, check whether there are warped pieces or gaps where they meet the sideboards. If you find any gaps, fill those with caulking compounds. Sometimes, holes present on the wood could be the reason for the wood bulging out. If that’s the case, you can use wood putty to fill the holes.

Start by cleaning the holes by using a brush with bristle. It helps you to clean the hole thoroughly. Depending on the length of the hole, you may need a few layers of putty. So, if the hole is a big one, keep on applying the putty until it’s filled. Moreover, give some time for a layer to dry before applying another one.

When you have completed filling the hole, use sandpaper over the area to sand down the excess putty. Also, make sure that the surface looks even after that. However, if you can’t figure out the real cause and it doesn’t appear to be a gap or hole, it is better to seek professional help from someone who can fix the issue and call a professional siding company to inspect your siding to determine whether or not you need to repair or replace your siding.

Final Conclusions

Wood siding begins to bulge out if it becomes damaged or rotted over time. Hence, to avoid further damage and prevent an expensive repair job, it is wise to replace them as early as possible. Replacing the damaged wood with a new one is a simple home improvement project but it depends on how much siding you want to replace. While many people can undertake the task alone, it is always best to work with an expert.

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