Siding is an essential part of your house. It protects you from the weather and helps maintain the value of your property. So if you notice problems such as cracks or holes, you must get them fixed immediately.
When you notice damage, it’s best to find a reputable siding contractor in Portland, OR, to come out and give you a free estimate. Here’s everything you need to know about siding repairs and replacements.
When Do You Choose to Repair or Replace the House Siding?
If you’ve noticed that your house siding is starting to look a little worse for wear, then it may be time to consider replacing it. But before you go out on a limb and purchase new siding for your home, there are some things you should consider.
- Bubbles: Bubbles are usually a sign that the siding is too dry and that moisture is getting trapped under the clapboards. It can be caused by poor ventilation or excessive moisture in the air due to snow and rain. If you see bubbles, it’s time for a replacement.
- What kind of siding does your home currently have? Is it wood? Vinyl? Aluminum? Each material has its pros and cons, so it’s essential to research before making any decisions
- If there are only small chips or cracks in the surface (and they can be patched up easily), it might be worth repairing instead of replacing. Use exterior caulk to fill the holes.
- Larger holes: When you have larger holes in your house siding, it may be time to consider replacing it instead of repairing it. Larger holes can let water into your home and cause rot that can destroy your entire structure.
- Missing siding. If the siding is missing, you can choose to replace it. You may also want to consider repairing it instead. Repairing the siding requires the replacement of some pieces of siding and the installation of new nails or screws. It will help to keep the integrity of your home’s exterior intact, but it may not solve all of its problems.
- Warped siding: If you notice that your siding is warped, it’s time to replace it. Warped siding can lead to leaks and other problems that can damage the rest of your home.
Factors to Consider for Repair vs. Replacement of Siding
Siding is a great way to update the look of your home. It can be installed as an addition to existing siding or replaced for other types of siding in your home. There are many factors to consider when deciding whether to repair or replace siding.
- Condition of your current siding. You might consider replacing it with new siding if worn and damaged. If it’s only slightly worn and damaged, you might want to consider repairing it instead of replacing it because replacing it could cost more than simply repairing what’s already there.
- The age of your home. If your home is older than 30 years, it may be worth replacing your siding if it is in bad shape. Siding can last for more than 20 years if properly maintained, but it may need to be replaced if neglected. It can lead to more damage and costly repairs.
- The type of siding. There are different siding materials today, including wood, vinyl, fiber cement shingles, and cedar shakes/shingles. Each type has its pros and cons when considering repair vs. replacement options.
How to Prepare a Home for Siding Installation
Prepare your home before the siding installers arrive:
- Remove picture frames, open shelves, and mounted televisions to prevent them from falling during hammering.
- Children or pets playing on the job site or nearby run severe hazards from siding installation projects; therefore, plan your siding job when the kids are in school. You can take the pets to a neighbor or family till the construction work ends.
- All outside furniture, bicycles, lawnmowers, children’s toys, and other debris should be moved away from either side of the house by the homeowner. Additionally, tying or pruning bushes and trees may reduce the possibility of unintentionally harming plants.
- Cutting the grass short will make it easier for employees to locate lost screws, nails, staples, or other construction materials that could cause unintended damage.
Whether you are looking to replace old, outdated sidings or you need to repair damaged sidings, decide whether you want to go for new metal sidings or wood sidings. Also, ensure that the company you plan on hiring has experience dealing with these sidings. With the proper knowledge and research, you can repair or replace your siding and get your home back in shape.
