Vinyl siding is a popular choice for many homeowners as it is a low-maintenance, durable, and cost-effective option for the exterior of a house. It can have a life expectancy of twenty to forty years. Vinyl siding is also resistant to fading, cracking, and peeling! It usually holds up well against storm damage or high heat, but despite its durability, even premium siding can be damaged over time. Whether it’s from a storm, a falling branch or fastball, or general wear and tear, you’ll need repairs to keep your home’s best curb appeal.
Prevent Damage
In addition to making repairs, it is also important to regularly maintain your vinyl siding to prevent future damage. One of the easiest ways to maintain your siding is to keep it clean. Use a mild detergent and a soft-bristled brush to gently clean your siding. Avoid using pressure washers as they can damage the siding.
Additionally, check for signs of mold or mildew. If you notice a musty smell or any discoloration, address the problem area as soon as possible. You can use a mixture of water and bleach to clean the affected area, making sure to rinse it thoroughly with clean water.
It’s important to check the condition of your siding’s caulking. Over time, caulking can become brittle and crack, allowing water to seep in. If you notice any cracks or gaps, you should remove the old caulking and apply new caulking to the affected areas so nothing can get in.
Concerns With New Siding
Usually, siding needs little maintenance. If you are noticing frequent issues with not-so-old caulking or water damage without visible siding damage, you may be facing the issue of if your siding was properly installed. If even durable siding is installed incorrectly, it can cause a lot of problems to the structure beneath it. You can utilize an expert exterior contractor to consider your siding options if there are underlying problems or extensive damage.
Types Of Damage
It is important to identify the type of damage to your existing siding. If your siding has holes, it is important to patch them as soon as possible to prevent water from getting into the underlying structure of your home. Holes as well as cracks allow water to seep in and mold or mildew to grow. Dents and scratches can be caused by things like hail or falling branches. They don’t pose a structural threat to your home, but they can reduce your home’s curb appeal if they are severe enough.
Types of Repair
For dents and scrapes in the vinyl siding, you can use some caulk or filler and a little paint for a cosmetic fix. For more serious damage, you’ll need to get into your siding.
When high winds have torn off parts or made holes in your siding, you may want to consult a contractor. For a potentially more affordable option, if you have spare siding of the same color (or siding and some paint), you can do the repair yourself. You can replace the vinyl siding piece entirely or just add a patch of siding behind the impacted area.
For a crack or smaller holes in the siding, you can use caulk to fill in the problem spots, ensuring there is proper insulation against water and insects getting in.
Repaired Siding
Before getting started, clean the surrounding damaged area with soap and water. Some areas may need more attention than others, especially if the cause of the damage was something that left residue on the surrounding siding. Use something other than a pressure washer as they could not only add water to the area behind the current siding but would also further damage the area.
For general steps, you’ll want to identify the damaged area and remove any loose pieces. Use a putty knife to scrape away any old caulk or sealant.
For a crack or small hole:
You will need to:
- Use patching compound or crack filler and a putty knife or caulk gun. Simply apply the patching compound to the hole and smooth it out with the putty knife. Allow the compound to dry.
- Use a caulking gun to apply a new sealant to the damaged area. Use a brush to spread the sealant evenly and allow it to dry.
After the sealant is smoothed and dry, you can paint over the area to make the section stand out less and will more easily protect the section. Be sure to paint it in the style of the siding, if it is textured like a type of stucco or if it has a brick pattern, match it!
For medium holes, you will:
- Use scrap or unused siding to replace part of the siding.
- Measure the size of the hole you are trying to cover, then cut a section of scrap vinyl siding.
- Make sure you cut this section slightly bigger than the hole or crack! This will help you trim it down as needed when you fit it in.
- Bead a little caulk onto the edges of the patch and the hole you’re filling, then press them together.
- Let the caulk dry! Then clean the surrounding area and any excess caulk.
Replacement Siding
Large Holes, Rips, or Replacing Full Sections
If the damage is extensive or you are uncertain about your ability to make the repairs, it may be best to contact a professional siding contractor. The professionals will have the experience and knowledge – and tools – to make the repairs or put in new siding quickly and efficiently, ensuring that your home looks its best for years to come.
Get A Professional’s Help!
In conclusion, vinyl siding can be a durable and cost-effective option for the exterior of your home and is a great choice for homeowners looking to improve the look of their homes. It is durable, low-maintenance, and cost-effective, but it does require some maintenance such as cleaning and minor repairs. Repairing vinyl siding is a relatively simple process that can be done with minimal tools and materials, so you can do some DIY with it! With proper maintenance and care, vinyl siding can last for many years.
If it’s been several years, or you’re looking for a different type of siding such as wood or brick siding, HBSI can help you. You can get a free estimate when you contact us! We can explain the typical cost for materials – especially if you’re transitioning to new materials from your old siding type, as well as how much siding is needed for your project for repair or replacement. We can help with everything from your walls to your gutter guards and more!
