The Importance of Siding Repair

Siding does so much more than just enhance your home’s curb appeal. It protects your home from the elements and acts as a barrier to prevent rain, snow, and winds from getting into your home. Siding is so important to the construction of a home. Luckily, your siding requires very little maintenance. However, that doesn’t mean that there is no maintenance. You should never put off any siding repair for later. 

Benefits Of Siding Repair

1. It prevents water damage.

Delaying siding repair could give enough time for water to get inside of your exterior walls, which could cause rot, or freeze and cause even bigger damage. It could also have the same effect as roof leaks: increased indoor humidity, fogged windows, and mold, and mildew growth.

2. It saves you money!

The bigger the siding problem gets, the more expensive it is to fix. Regular inspection and repair of your siding ensure you stay ahead of any major weather damage. Siding damage can even reach the point where the damage is so severe that replacement is the only solution. An ounce of prevention goes a long way.

3. It’s a quick fix.

Timely siding repair takes a much shorter time to fix. We can do localized repairs in a matter of hours, rather than the time it would take to get your siding replaced.

4. It keeps your home looking good.

Damaged siding just doesn’t look good. Siding repair keeps your home’s curb appeal great. Curb appeal is very important to homeowners who take pride in a well-maintained, beautiful home. With the help of a professional roofing and siding repair company, you can keep your home looking beautiful with regular maintenance and inspection. 

5. It keeps your home energy-efficient.

Siding is one thing that protects your home from the elements, like cold or warm air. It keeps heat trapped on cool days and keeps your home cool in warmer ones. An energy-efficient home should have siding that minimizes heat loss during the winter and heat gain during the summer. Damaged siding introduces leaks that compromise your home’s energy efficiency, which increases your energy consumption. 

Functions of Siding

Siding has several important functions. After a home is framed, it is sheathed with particleboard. As particle board is not moisture-resistant, it needs protectioned. Oftentimes, tar paper or house wrap is used to create a waterproof barrier and to add an extra layer of insulation. However, even this wrap needs to be protected. Different types of siding, such as vinyl, aluminum, or wood panels, provide this protection. Some sidings are more durable than others, while some may offer better aesthetic value. We can also find sidings for homes at various price points.

The siding on your home can also have great cosmetic value. Depending on your tastes, where you live, and what your budget allows, you can choose from a wide range of materials. There are benefits and downfalls to each type of siding. For example, wood siding creates a beautiful, classic look. However, it requires ongoing maintenance as it needs to be painted or stained to maintain its appearance. Wood also needs to be treated to prevent rot. For homeowners who desire an affordable and low maintenance option, vinyl is popular. Installation is fairly quick for proper siding contractors and the finished look is pleasing to the eye.

How Siding Saves You Money

Siding looks good and protects your home, but did you know it can also save you money? By upgrading to energy-efficient siding, you can boost your home’s defense against temperature changes and seasonal weather. If your home is poorly insulated, it likely loses a significant amount of heat in the winter and cool air in the summer. This not only affects the comfort level inside your home but also makes a notable difference in your energy bills. Similar to leaving a window open in the middle of winter, a bad siding job can cause the conditioned air to escape from the home.

Vinyl siding is one of the most popular options for better insulation, more savings, less maintenance, and overall improved performance. Constructed of PVC resins and acrylics, they design vinyl to withstand the elements without affecting their appearance. Vinyl will not rot over time and does not attract insects. You can also find vinyl siding in a wide range of texture options and colors. If you want even more bang for your buck, consider insulated vinyl over standard vinyl. They back these panels with insulation to create an extra protective barrier and to help the siding keep its shape better.

Effects of Poorly Installed Siding

Just because a contractor claims to be a professional does not make it so. It is very important to choose the right siding contractors for the job to prevent costly complications from occurring. 

Unfortunately, most homeowners will not know the extent of the damage caused by poor installation until the siding is later removed. While some wear and tear are normal over time, poorly installed siding can drastically shorten the lifespan of the siding and cause a range of other issues.

All types of siding show age differently. However, if properly installed, the lifespan of your siding will not last as long. It may show its age prematurely as buckling, gaps, unevenness, or waviness. When this happens, the siding needs to be replaced.

Signs Of Poorly Installed Siding

Look for signs that your siding is in poor shape or was improperly installed. Are the heads of the nails rusty, exposed, or missing? If the nails have popped out, it may be caused by expanding and contracting or movement in the siding. The presence of rusty nails signifies moisture damage. You may also see some damage around the joints and seams. When caulked properly, your siding should appear nearly seamless. However, poor caulking can lead to shifted or uneven panels. If you have wood paneling, the paint may chip prematurely and if you have vinyl siding, it may fade.

Water Damage

Water damage is one of the biggest problems caused by poorly installed siding. When your siding is not interlocked properly, water can seep through the gaps and affect the interior of your home. Streaking on the siding or discoloration are usually the biggest signs of water damage. In some cases, you cannot see water damage from the exterior of the home. The damage may also affect the underlying structure, or if the moisture sits long enough, the interior of your home. Moisture that seeps through the exterior walls can affect everything from the insulation in your walls to the interior drywall.

Do You Need New Siding?

If you are unsure if new siding might be needed for your home, there are some signs you can look for. If there is warping in the old siding, you may need to have it replaced soon. You may notice the siding bending and pulling away from the surface of the home. This means that rainwater and moisture are getting behind or underneath the siding, and causing damage to it. There may also be a sign of interior damage in your home. There may be peeling paint or loose and sagging wallpaper in a room. Moisture getting between the siding and the framework of the home can cause this. There may be signs of small green or black patches on the siding itself. We usually find these spots on the shady side of the home. This can also show a moisture problem you have in your home. If you feel along the siding and notice any place that gives in slightly, you may have soft spots. This can be a sign there are rotting boards behind the siding and should be fixed as soon as possible.

Call Us!

For your home’s siding, do not settle for less. Besides choosing a quality, energy-efficient siding material, you will want to hire siding contractors who will install it with great attention to detail. Call us at 636-699-0449 to get started today.