Has this siding been installed correctly. Is there any way to close the gaps?
Best Answer
The sliver of a gap between lapped "boards" is normal, and those boards should be left to move with respect to one another. Normally laps are installed such that they have the least visual impact from one particular direction, such as from the front entry.
You've discovered one of the primary drawbacks to vinyl siding. Steel can be had in seamless lengths, but to my knowledge vinyl cannot.
I have a similar situation, cedar siding that comes down to within a foot or two of the ground, depending on where around the house you are.
I kill the ants, foundation spray, shake pellets. Ants are, for the most part, smarter than I am and will always find a crack or crevice I didn't and they aren't afraid of heights.
I would never seal my siding at the bottom. Depends on different situations, the house is 60ish years old. Well before things were tight and meant to be tight. I don't want to trap moisture in a space that was not built for it and where this house needs to breathe or weep excess moisture. Could be wrong, but there is a reason you don't seal stucco there either, water needs an out (I am North East if location and weather matters to you).
That sounds like an excessive amount of space. Contact the manufacturer and get the installation instructions if they are doing it wrong it will void the warranty.
Best Answer
The sliver of a gap between lapped "boards" is normal, and those boards should be left to move with respect to one another. Normally laps are installed such that they have the least visual impact from one particular direction, such as from the front entry.
You've discovered one of the primary drawbacks to vinyl siding. Steel can be had in seamless lengths, but to my knowledge vinyl cannot.