Replies

1. 
   4Lorn1 | Jun 10, 2002 09:43am | #1

   I don't mean to be an alarmist but you might want to check the sheathing below these separated spots for moisture damage or weakness. A local house had a similar separation problem and it was discovered that the OSB was soft and swollen causing the nails holding the siding to pull out. The presumed blame fell to inadequate clearance from the grade, poor grade sloping and vegetation too close to the house. All these contributing to the sheathing soaking up water.

   You might try probing gently under the siding where it has separated with a screwdriver or similar tool. Don't damage the siding as this will likely make any problems worse.

   Perhaps this is not the case. I hope so. Either way better to check and know. Caught early it might be a minor problem. 

2. 
   OneofmanyBobs | Jun 10, 2002 01:55pm | #2

   Hardiplank does not shrink much. Your house might.

   This is why they want a caulked gap between pieces.

   If the house moves a bit and the siding does not,

   the siding will bend. You can try to add a few face

   nails. Not real good to leave gaps that large.

   A nice place for bees and wasps to hide.

   Look around and see if you can figure out the cause.

   Is the siding bowed out near a load point - below

   ridge beam, post supporting header, etc. Could be

   foundation settlement, sill plate, swelled sheathing,

   lots of things. You can try to fix the underlying cause

   or just keep face nailing until its all flat.

1. 
   Len | Jun 11, 2002 06:47pm | #4

   Thanks for the information. I took a better look and it appears to be poor installation along with settling. I probed the area behind and it is dry. The buckling occurs at headers and around corner trim. So it appears I will have to correct the siding. Just another thing to add to my already too long list of things to do.

   Thanks again,

   Len

1. 
   Woodbutcher | Jun 12, 2002 07:09am | #5

   An occasional face nail as needed in the problem areas along with a dab of touch up paint should do the trick.   never was much of a fan of blind nailing hardi myself.

3. 
   colonel52 | Jun 11, 2002 04:05am | #3

   We set a sheet rock screw in those places and then cover the screw with caulk and paint it.