At My Painter & Exteriors, we love a good before-and-after story. Not just because it’s satisfying to watch a home transform (though it is), but because every project tells a story—one that often starts with a homeowner who’s frustrated, confused, or just plain tired of dealing with a problem that shouldn’t exist in the first place.
That was the case with one of our recent siding jobs on a beautiful newer home. This wasn’t a fixer-upper or a 30-year-old house with peeling paint and sagging gutters. Nope—this was a fresh, modern build, only a few years old. But sometimes, even new construction can hide big headaches behind a shiny exterior.
Let’s talk about what we found—and what we did to make it right.
The house looked great at first glance. Sharp design, clean lines, and rich, dark colors provide a sleek, contemporary look. Most of the siding was done with James Hardie fiber cement, one of our go-to recommendations. It’s tough, low-maintenance, and holds up beautifully in all kinds of weather.
But on one small section, they had taken a different route. Instead of sticking with Hardie, the builder used a PVC siding product, paired with PVC trim. That’s where things went downhill.
PVC isn’t necessarily a bad material, but it has its limits. And when it’s used in the wrong spot, with dark paint, without the right prep or flashing? That’s a recipe for trouble.
As soon as we got on site, the issues were pretty obvious. The PVC siding had started to warp from the heat. Dark colors absorb more sunlight, which is too much for the material. It buckled and waved like it was trying to get someone’s attention from across the street.
But warping was just the beginning. The real trouble was what we couldn’t see—until we pulled the siding off.
There was no proper flashing behind the siding. That’s a big deal. Flashing is like the raincoat for your house—it directs water away from vulnerable areas and keeps moisture from seeping in. Without it? Water finds a way. And it did.
Underneath the warped siding, the wood was soft and dark. Rot had already set in, and it doesn’t usually stop on its own. If we didn’t step in, the moisture would’ve kept creeping further into the house, possibly damaging insulation, drywall, and framing. And once that happens, the cost and stress go way up.
We knew a Band-Aid fix wouldn’t cut it. This needed to be done the right way, from the inside out.
Here’s what we did:
Removed the warped PVC siding and trim: We had to get everything out of the way to assess the damage.
Tore out the rotting plywood: Softwood can’t be trusted. We replaced it with new sheathing that’s solid and ready to last.
Installed a water-resistant underlayment: This layer helps shield the wood from future moisture and is critical for long-term protection.
Properly flashed the bump out: This time, we made sure water would not have a chance to sneak in.
Added new trim and James Hardie siding: Not only does it match the rest of the house, but it’s built to stand up to heat, moisture, and time.
Once everything was installed, we stepped back, and finally, it looked like it should have from the beginning - clean lines, no buckling, and a solid, water-tight structure underneath.
You might be wondering—how does something like this happen in a new house?
The truth is, shortcuts are everywhere in construction. Not every builder uses premium materials for every part of a home. Sometimes they cut costs on the details they think no one will notice. And sometimes, they just don’t know how different materials will perform over time, especially in our local climate.
That’s where we come in.
We’re not just here to slap on siding and call it a day. We treat every project like it’s our own home. That means we look closely, ask questions, and fix the real problem, not just the surface.
Because let’s face it—your home should be a place you trust. It shouldn’t stress you out every time it rains or the temperature climbs. We get it. That’s why we do what we do.
If you’ve got siding that’s not holding up like it should, or if something doesn’t look right, contact us. It’s always better to catch these things before they become bigger problems.
We’ll walk you through what’s happening, show you the options, and ensure you feel good about the plan moving forward. No pressure, just real help from people who care.
Thanks for following along with this month’s project spotlight. And hey—next time you’re admiring a beautiful new house, just remember: what’s underneath matters as much as what you see.
Want us to take a look at your siding? Reach out today. We’re here when you need us.
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