Why It’s Important to Have Your Siding Repaired
When your siding becomes rotten, it exposes the wood to moisture, speeding up rot and creating a breeding ground for mold and mildew. Replacing rotting siding with new material will improve the insulating and waterproofing properties of your home.
Look around your house from multiple angles for signs of damage. Cracks and warped boards are a sure sign of deterioration. Contact Siding Repair Charleston SC for professional help.
Your home’s exterior needs protection from the elements. That’s why it’s important to inspect siding regularly and to have a professional conduct inspections after strong storms. Keeping up with maintenance and repairing small damage as soon as you notice it will help prolong the life of your siding.
Even minor damage can cause costly problems if left unattended. For example, a small hole or crack in your siding allows moisture to enter your home, creating a perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. Moisture can also damage the wood of your siding, weakening it and leaving it more susceptible to damage from wind, rain, and other environmental hazards.
Damaged siding can also cause your home to lose energy efficiency, which means higher energy costs for you. The gap between the damaged area and the rest of your siding allows air to escape, causing your HVAC system to work harder to cool or heat your home.
One of the most common causes of siding damage is fungi that feed on wood. These fungi can cause rot in the wood, which leads to structural damage and other costly problems. If the rot gets too bad, your siding may need to be replaced.
Fortunately, fungi and other damages can be prevented by keeping up with regular maintenance and inspections. Performing a walkaround of your property on a regular basis can help you spot problems before they become severe.
If you find a damaged section of your siding, follow these steps to make the repair:
First, use a zip tool (available at home improvement stores) to unlock the lower lip of the cutout piece and remove it. Then, nail the new patch piece in place with sliding nails that don’t rust. Afterward, apply generous beads of butyl caulk to the edges of the patch and adjacent pieces of siding. Be sure to select caulk that matches your siding’s color. Allow the caulk to dry for a few hours before painting over it.
Cracked Siding
When a piece of siding becomes loose or cracked, it can create holes through which water can enter your home. This can cause extensive damage to the drywall and wood structures inside your house, as well as mold, mildew, and insect infestation. Cracks in the siding are also a sign that your foundation is shifting, which can lead to additional problems in the future.
If your siding is cracked but still structurally sound, you can repair the damaged area by filling the crack with caulk and painting it to match the surrounding siding. This is a good option for small divots or holes less than an inch in size. If you have an entire section of siding that is cracked, however, it is best to replace the whole piece rather than simply replacing the damaged section.
A professional can help you determine whether a patch or replacement is the best option for your siding repair needs. A professional can also help you make sure that the repairs you do will be long-lasting and durable.
Before you begin your siding repair, it is important to prepare the work area. This means putting on safety glasses and gloves, as well as cleaning the surface with warm soapy water. It is also a good idea to find an inconspicuous area where you can remove a two-foot section of the damaged siding, which you will then use as your patch piece. This will allow you to better match the color of the new caulk with the rest of your vinyl siding.
Once you have the patch piece in hand, you can remove the old section of siding by making vertical cuts (no wider than two feet apart) with a utility knife or tin snips, then using a pry bar or zip tool to separate the bottom lip from the panel above it. If necessary, a hammer can also be used to cut through any nails or screws that are holding the section of siding in place.
Apply a generous bead of caulk to the cracked area and smooth it out with a putty knife. Once the caulk is dry, it can be sanded to be smooth and then painted with an exterior paint that matches your existing siding.
Insect Damage
A professional siding contractor can repair the most obvious signs of damage to your home’s cladding. But it is also important to pay attention to more subtle signals that your siding may be in trouble. For example, if you notice that the paint on your siding is peeling or bubbling at an unusually rapid rate, this is a sign of underlying damage to your siding. It is likely the result of water damage and should be addressed by a professional right away.
Another sign that you should get your siding repaired is if some areas of it are beginning to rot or have dark spots on them. This is caused by moisture trapped behind the cladding, which can lead to mold or wood rot. Both of these problems are very expensive to address, and they can affect the internal wall systems of your house as well.
It is also important to keep an eye out for any areas of your siding that look warped or bulging. This is a very common problem with hardboard siding, which can be due to a number of issues. Often these warped boards are the tip of the iceberg and mean there is deeper damage that needs to be addressed.
Damaged siding allows outside elements inside, which can damage internal wall systems and even your home’s foundation. This is a major issue that needs to be addressed as soon as you see any signs of it, and your siding contractor will usually recommend that the rest of the cladding is inspected at the same time.
Keeping your home’s cladding in good condition is crucial to protecting your investment. It will not only increase your property value, but it will also protect your home from more costly damages down the road. By addressing minor issues promptly, you can save yourself both time and money in the long run. By taking the right steps now, you can ensure that your cladding will be able to serve its purpose for decades to come.
Energy Costs
Your siding is a vital part of your home’s defense system, protecting it from everything from moisture damage to wildlife infestation. It also plays a major role in keeping your house properly insulated. If your siding is damaged, it may no longer do its job and can drive up your energy costs.
If you notice an unexplained increase in your energy bills, a pro can help determine if the issue is related to your cladding. It may be time to replace your old siding with energy-efficient options.
Siding repair is an investment in the safety and value of your home. It can save you money on heating and cooling, as well as prevent other costly repairs down the line. A professional can conduct a comprehensive inspection of your siding to identify any issues and recommend the best course of action.
The cost of siding repair varies depending on the type and scope of work, but on average, it can run from $2 to $20 per square foot. Small jobs such as repairing a small leak or fixing dents and cracks fall on the lower end of this range, while replacing panels or addressing more serious problems like wood rot and dry rot can cost more.
It’s important to address any siding problems as soon as possible. Leaving even minor issues unaddressed could lead to further water damage, which can cause or amplify more serious structural issues. Moisture that seeps into your wall systems will eventually damage internal structures, such as drywall and insulation. It can also cause rot and mold, which can be expensive to fix.
Damaged siding allows outside elements to enter your home, decreasing its energy efficiency and increasing your heating and cooling costs. Whether the problem is small or large, the sooner you get it repaired, the less it will cost down the road.
While a small leak may be affordable to fix, if the damage is extensive, it’s wiser to consider re-siding your whole home. This is often a less costly option in the long run, and you can choose from a variety of aesthetics to suit your home.
