What to Expect with Your New Siding from BSS Exteriors

Your home’s siding is one of the most visible, character‑defining elements you’ll ever install. It’s not just protection from sun and rain—it’s curb appeal, style, energy efficiency, and long-term value. At BSS Exteriors, we combine craftsmanship with design sensibility to give you siding that looks great today and holds up beautifully for years to come.

We work with premium materials—fiber cement (Hardie) and high-performance vinyl (Mastic, Variform, etc.) —to balance durability, aesthetics, and ease of care. Whether you opted for crisp modern lines, woodgrain textures, or classic lap profiles, your siding was installed by licensed professionals who care about how your home presents itself to the world.

This guide will walk you through what to expect now that your siding is installed: – How it “settles in” or adjusts visually

Maintenance & care routines by material type
Warranty and service request processes
When to call on BSS

Your Home. Only Better. Your Siding. Designed to Last.

What to Expect Right After Installation

Your new siding gives your home a fresh, finished look right away—but there are a few things to know in the days and weeks following installation:

Crisp New Look

Expect sharp lines, consistent color, and a noticeable boost in curb appeal. Siding often looks brighter and cleaner than expected when first installed—this is normal and part of the “new home” feel.

Minor Expansion & Contraction

Vinyl siding naturally expands and contracts with Florida’s heat and humidity. Small movement or faint clicking sounds during hot afternoons are normal. Our crews install with the proper allowances to accommodate this. Fiber cement (Hardie) siding is more stable but may still show subtle shifts as caulking and joints settle.

Seams, Trim & Joints

Depending on the product line, you may notice seams or joint lines. These are normal and designed to shed water safely. Caulking around trim or penetrations may take a few days to fully cure and blend in.

Paint & Finishes

Pre-Finished Hardie (ColorPlus® Technology): Comes with a factory-applied baked-on finish that is engineered for long-term color retention. Although it’s built to last, repainting may eventually be desired to refresh the look (often 15+ years down the road). Small scuffs or chips can be repaired using a James Hardie ColorPlus Touch-Up Kit. Larger damage may require panel replacement.
Primed Hardie: Installed in a primed state and must be painted soon after installation to activate and maintain the manufacturer’s warranty. We can coordinate painting with one of our trusted subcontractors, or you may hire your own painter. Over time, repainting will be required just like any painted exterior surface.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is designed with a permanent finish and should not be painted. Painting vinyl will void manufacturer warranties.

Inspections & Permits (if applicable)

For permitted jobs, you may see inspectors visit to review the installation. We handle all required sign-offs and paperwork.

Cleanup

Our crews remove debris and perform a site cleanup at completion. A few stray fasteners or scraps can occasionally surface—if you notice anything, just let us know and we’ll address it.

In short: a little settling is normal, and your siding should continue to look strong and consistent once it adjusts to its environment.

Care & Maintenance Basics

Your siding is built to perform with minimal upkeep, but proper maintenance helps protect your investment and keeps your home looking its best. Different siding materials have slightly different needs, so review the section that applies to your project.

Fiber Cement (Hardie and Similar Products)

Cleaning: Wash every 6–12 months with a garden hose and a soft brush or cloth. Use mild detergent if needed. Avoid high-pressure washing, sandblasting, or harsh chemicals, which can damage the surface or void warranties.
Caulking & Joints: Inspect caulking annually around windows, doors, and trim. Replace any cracked or missing sealant with a flexible, paintable exterior-grade caulk.
Painting:
- Pre-finished (ColorPlus): No immediate painting required. Minor touch-ups can be made with official ColorPlus kits. Repainting may be desired after 15+ years, using high-quality acrylic exterior paints.
- Primed Hardie: Must be painted soon after installation, then repainted over time as needed. Always follow paint manufacturer guidelines.
Landscaping & Drainage: Keep shrubs, vines, and sprinklers from contacting siding. Maintain slope away from the foundation to prevent water pooling.
Repairs: Small chips or cracks can be patched with cementitious compound and touched up. Larger damage may require replacement panels.

Vinyl (Mastic, Variform, and Similar Products)

Cleaning: Rinse siding once or twice a year with a garden hose. For heavier dirt or mildew, scrub gently with mild detergent and water. Pressure washing is discouraged, but if used, limit to 1,500– 2,400 psi, spray straight across (not upward), and use a wide fan tip.
Repairs: Vinyl should never be painted. If panels become cracked or loose, contact us for proper replacement.
Heat Expansion: Vinyl naturally expands and contracts with temperature changes. Some panel movement or sound is normal when properly installed.

Seasonal Care Checklist

Spring

Rinse siding to clear dirt, pollen, or mildew.
Inspect caulking and joints for cracks.
Check gutters and downspouts to ensure water isn’t backing up onto siding.

Summer

Trim landscaping back to avoid rubbing or moisture retention.
After storms, inspect siding for loose panels or impact damage.
Confirm sprinklers are not spraying directly onto siding.

Fall

Remove leaves or organic buildup around siding and foundation.
Wash siding before cooler months to prevent mildew growth.
Touch up paint (fiber cement) if needed.

Winter

Inspect siding after major storms for cracks, chips, or loosened panels.
Keep gutters clean to prevent splash-back water from damaging siding.

Warranty Coverage

Your new siding is protected by both BSS Exteriors’ workmanship warranty and any applicable manufacturer warranties based on the product installed.

BSS Exteriors Warranty

Every siding project is covered by our 1-year workmanship warranty.
This covers defects caused by labor, installation methods, or materials supplied by BSS.
Critical issues are reviewed within 5 business days; all other concerns within 15 business days.
Service requests should always begin in the Buildertrend Homeowner Portal for the fastest handling.

Manufacturer Warranty

Hardie Fiber Cement (ColorPlus® Technology): Includes a 15-year limited finish warranty on the factory-applied paint and a 30-year non-prorated siding warranty on the boards themselves.
Hardie Fiber Cement (Primed / Painted On-Site): Backed by the 30-year non-prorated siding warranty. Paint warranties are provided by the paint manufacturer.
Vinyl (Mastic, Variform, and Similar Products): Typically includes a limited lifetime transferable warranty against excessive fading, peeling, chipping, or cracking. Painting vinyl voids warranty coverage.

Warranty Documents

Many manufacturers no longer provide paper copies—they are digital.
You may need to register your product online with the manufacturer to activate coverage.
BSS Exteriors can provide copies of warranty details upon request, but we encourage homeowners to complete online registration where applicable.

When to Call Us

Siding is built to handle Florida’s climate, but there are times when it needs attention. Contact BSS Exteriors if you notice any of the following:

Water Intrusion or Moisture Stains: Any sign of water inside your home near siding walls should be reported immediately.
Loose, Warped, or Buckled Panels: Vinyl siding can sometimes loosen after severe weather. Panels that appear wavy, bowed, or buckled need correction. Fiber cement that shifts or cracks should be inspected promptly.
Cracks, Chips, or Impact Damage: Heavy impacts can cause damage. Even small cracks should not be ignored.
Caulking Failures: Gaps or cracks in caulking around windows, doors, or trim can let in water.
Mildew or Stains That Don’t Wash Off: If marks remain after recommended cleaning, let us know.
Storm Damage: After hurricanes, hail, or major wind events, hidden damage may exist. Request an inspection if your area was hit hard.
Warranty Questions: Unsure if an issue is covered by BSS workmanship or manufacturer warranty? Start with us—we’ll guide you.

How to Reach Us

Buildertrend Homeowner Portal (preferred – fastest service)
Online Service Form at bssexteriors.com
Phone or Email – available if that’s easiest for you

It’s always better to ask early—small siding concerns are much easier to address before they turn into bigger problems.

Final Note

Your siding is more than just an exterior covering—it’s your home’s face to the world, the barrier that keeps weather out, and a major part of your home’s value and curb appeal. At BSS Exteriors, we take pride in delivering siding installations that are built for Florida’s climate and designed to keep your home looking great for years to come.

Remember:

Minor expansion, contraction, and normal weathering are expected.
Your siding is covered by both BSS workmanship and manufacturer warranties.
Routine cleaning and simple inspections will keep it performing and looking its best.
The Buildertrend Homeowner Portal is always the fastest path for service or warranty requests.

Thank you for choosing BSS Exteriors. We’re honored to be part of your home’s transformation, and we look forward to standing behind our work for many years to come.