Back Deck BBQ Fire in West Salem

8/2/2021 (Permalink)

Fire Damage Warped Vinyl Siding

It's summer in the Willamette Valley and Outdoor cooking and grilling are at the highest point of the year. Who wants to cook inside and heat up the house when it's 90+ degrees out? Not me! But as a responsible griller, it's important to always be safe while you cook outdoors. 

A recent inspection in West Salem found scorching and discoloration on the vinyl siding on the back of the home. It did not appear to be widespread, just one area. The homeowner mentioned that it had happened twice over the past year or so, and that it was from a BBQ being too close to the house. What looked to just be discoloration, turned out to be warping of many of the vinyl siding pieces (most likely due to the hot steam and smoke being vented directly at the house when cooking).

The heat had warped some of the panels so greatly that they were no longer effective at keeping moisture out. This may not seem like a big deal, but when you think about siding…what is its main purpose? To protect the house from outside elements, especially moisture. So, if the siding becomes compromised, it can no longer perform its main purpose. That is why it is so important to fix broken, cracked, or damaged vinyl as soon as you can after spotting it.

Keeping moisture out of your house should always be a top priority. Moisture intrusion can cause mold to grow quickly because it gives it a nice moist place to multiply.

Some smaller jobs, when it comes to vinyl siding replacement, can be done by the average American homeowner. Please see this Replacing Vinyl Siding. Where Shannon, from House Improvements, uses his YouTube channel to show you how to replace your own vinyl siding on your home, even if it’s in the middle of the wall. He also gives you the link to buy the tool you will need in the comments!