The Siding Trap: 5 Mistakes That Can Lead to Major Repairs

In Newfoundland, your home's exterior is essentially a "Maritime Shield." If that shield fails, the salt air and damp weather move in fast, leading to rot, mold, and structural damage. Having spent years as a general contractor before becoming a home inspector, I’ve seen these five mistakes happen over and over again.

If you are buying or renovating a home in the Stephenville area, here is what you need to know.

Mistake #1: Choosing Siding Based on Looks or Price Alone

It’s easy to pick the cheapest vinyl or the trendiest color, but in Western NL, performance is king. Low-grade vinyl can become brittle in our freeze-thaw cycles and shatter during a winter storm.

• The Builder’s Insight: Look for high wind-load ratings. If you’re near the coast, certain materials handle salt spray better than others. Cheap siding often fades unevenly, meaning a small repair later will stick out like a sore thumb.

Mistake #2: Ignoring What’s Behind the Siding

Siding is "water-shedding," not "water-proof." The real magic happens behind the panels. Many DIYers (and even some pros) skip the proper house wrap or fail to tape the seams correctly.

• The Inspection Reality: During an inspection, I look for signs that moisture is trapped behind the cladding. Without a proper drainage plane, your plywood sheathing will rot silently until the damage costs thousands to fix.

Mistake #3: Poor Installation (Even With “Good” Products)

You can buy the most expensive siding in the world, but if it’s nailed too tight, it will fail. Siding needs to "breathe" and move as temperatures change.

• The "Rattle Test": As an inspector, I often check if vinyl siding is "hung" rather than "pinned." If it doesn't have room to expand and contract, it will buckle, warp, and eventually pop off during a high-wind event.

Mistake #4: Skipping Maintenance and Inspections

People think siding is "set it and forget it." It isn't. Clogged gutters can overflow, sending water behind the siding at the roofline. Loose J-trim can allow driving rain to enter around windows.

• Pro Tip: After a major Newfoundland "blow," do a lap around your house. Look for loose pieces or gaps. Catching a $50 trim issue today prevents a $5,000 rot issue next year.

Mistake #5: Not Planning for Longevity

A siding job should last 20 to 30 years, but only if you plan for the "whole system." This includes high-quality flashing, proper caulking, and integrated pest screens.

• The "Maritime Shield" Approach: When I evaluate a home, I'm looking at the longevity of the entire envelope. Choosing cheap accessories (like plastic vents that sun-rot) to save $100 today is a mistake that shortens the life of your entire exterior.

The Bottom Line

Your siding is your home’s armor. Don't let a "pretty" exterior hide a failing system. Whether you are buying a new build in Deer Lake or a classic saltbox in Stephenville, you need an inspector who knows what’s happening behind the panels.

Protect your investment with a builder’s perspective.