A home’s exterior is one of the first things people notice and homes with wood or vinyl siding are no exception. While homeowners can perform regular maintenance themselves, serious siding damage requires professional help.
Often, it’s better to replace home siding completely than try to repair it, although the choice depends on how severely damaged it is. Some of the most common home siding issues are fading color, water damage, mold and weather damage.
So, what are the signs that home siding is damaged and needs repair?
And how should homeowners prepare to have their siding replaced? Read on to learn more.
Siding Damage
Fading
Siding that is fading or discolored is the result of sun exposure. Vinyl siding is sold in lighter tones like greys, tans, and whites, and over time any of these colors will become a pale washed-out white.
Strong sunlight also causes fading in wood siding, as well as chips and cracks. With exposure to the sun and weather, the paint and stain on wood siding fades and loses its original color. Wood siding may also warp or crack, especially in areas with harsh winters and humid summer. Although both wood and vinyl siding fade over time, wood siding fades much more rapidly.
Water Damage and Mold
Siding can suffer from a variety of water-related problems. As an organic material, wood siding is susceptible to rot. Soft spots, dark or discolored areas, and spots of black or green mold are all signs of rot and should be addressed as soon as possible.
Though vinyl itself does not rot, it is usually attached to an underlying structure of wood. Loose or unstable siding panels, streaks of mold running along the underside of panels or where siding meets the foundation can all be signs of a deeper issue. Because vinyl does not rot, it may conceal the spread of mold or water under the siding. If left untreated, mold and moisture can be serious issues for the structure of the home.
Weather Damage
Storms, high winds and extreme weather events can all damage home siding. Weather might send tree branches and debris into the siding at high speed, or the wind itself may simply tear pieces of siding lose. The result is chips, large cracks, dents and even whole sections of siding missing. This is one of the most obvious types of damage and leaving areas of the exterior exposed can create further problems.
Is Replacing Siding Better Than Repairing?
There are a few different factors to consider before deciding whether to repair siding or replace it entirely. If the only concern is something simple like a hole or a single dent, repair is a better choice. Homeowners can even use patch kits and fillers to fix small problems in wood and vinyl siding themselves without any professional help.
But for issues like water damage, mold and extensive storm damage, it may be better to opt for full replacement. Mold and moisture can spread beneath siding for a long time before becoming visible, and gradual repair will only treat the symptoms not the cause. With problems like this, it’s always better to contact a professional home improvement service to find the full extent of the damage.
Although small repairs are cheaper, piecemeal maintenance will cost more in the long term. Replacing large areas slowly over a period of years also means that different sections of siding will age and fade differently and lead to mismatches in color.
Preparing to Replace Siding
Siding replacement means stripping off old siding, treating the underlying structure as needed, and attaching new siding. This process may take anywhere from a few hours to a few days depending on the size of the home.
Outdoor furniture, grills, vehicles and other objects can be obstacles to repair work. Homeowners should move outdoor items wherever necessary to ensure workers have access to the home’s exterior and plenty of room to work. Likewise, it is helpful to trim back any underbrush and branches that may impede work.
New home siding not only protects your home but also improves the overall appearance. With so many options in vinyl siding available, you are bound to find the perfect match to the character of your home.
Upgrade your curb appeal and protect your home with Excel Home Improvement Services in Romulus. We specialize in home siding repair and replacement, roofing services, gutter installation and more. Using high quality materials from leading manufacturers and dedicated workmanship ensures a home improvement project that will last, guaranteed. Call and speak to a siding contractor for a Free Estimate today!