Regular siding maintenance and yearly inspections will help to prevent moisture damage, but if it does occur, you can often fix it without having to replace all of the affected panels. Learn how to remove a damaged panel, fit a new one, and caulk around the edges.
Holes in your home’s exterior siding may not seem like a big deal, but they can lead to mold and rot if not addressed quickly. Holes can also make your home look less appealing to potential buyers. For professional help, contact Charleston Siding Repair.
Aluminum siding is popular with homeowners for a number of reasons. It resists rust, is insect-resistant, and accepts paint well. It is also a good choice for areas where the weather causes frequent moisture problems. Aluminum is also relatively fire-resistant and may save the homeowner some money on monthly homeowner’s insurance premiums. However, it is not without its issues.
One common problem is the appearance of dents in aluminum siding. This can be due to bird strikes or rocks thrown from lawn mowers. While they do not cause a significant amount of damage to the overall exterior facade, they can be quite unsightly. Additionally, they can create a weak point in the wall that could lead to the intrusion of water and other elements.
These dents are relatively easy to repair, but it can take some time and skill. First, the homeowner must remove any loose bits of debris and clean the surface to ensure a strong bond with the new caulking. Once this has been done, the homeowner must cut a patch of new aluminum siding that is at least 4 inches longer than the damaged section. The homeowner should also cut off the nailing flange on the end of the patch so that it can slip under the existing section.
Once the new piece is in place, it must be caulked around all edges to prevent water and other elements from leaking through. Once the caulk has cured, the homeowner should then repaint the patch to match the existing siding.
This is a relatively simple process, but it does require some basic carpentry skills. In order to do the job properly, the homeowner must be comfortable with a few common tools, including a hammer, pliers, hacksaw, and putty knife. The homeowner must also be comfortable working in tight spaces, such as around the corners of the house or behind bushes and trees.
It is important to choose a paint that is specially formulated for aluminum siding. This type of paint will help the homeowner avoid the need for periodic re-painting. However, the homeowner will still need to scrub the surface and clean it before applying the new coat of paint. The homeowner should also check for any signs of oxidation on the surface of the aluminum siding before applying new paint. A simple field test can be made by wiping a finger across the surface of the aluminum siding. If the finger comes away white with oxidized paint, then the surface of the siding will need to be repainted.
Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement siding has become a popular, low-maintenance option for homeowners. It is rot- and fire-resistant, making it a good choice for areas exposed to harsh weather conditions. It is also impenetrable to termites, woodpeckers, and other pests that cause damage to other types of siding like wood or thin vinyl. However, like other types of siding, fiber cement can still be damaged by everyday wear and tear and other factors outside of your control.
As a homeowner, you should be aware that your new fiber cement siding may require periodic maintenance and repair as well as regular painting to keep it looking great. As with any type of paint, the sun can fade colors over time. You will likely need to repaint the siding and stain it every few years. In addition to re-staining, you will probably have to caulk any gaps and repaint over any deteriorating areas.
The specialized tools needed to work with fiber cement siding and the knowledge required to complete the work can make it difficult for most homeowners to complete the job themselves. In most cases, a professional should be hired to ensure that the job is done correctly and to minimize the risk of future problems.
Some damage to fiber cement siding is caused by the elements or accidents, while others are the result of poor installation or product defects. Even the best-installed siding can still be damaged by unexpected sources like a sudden wind storm or a falling tree limb.
Gaps and cracks in James Hardie siding can be filled with a caulk or sealant designed for the material, but you should also use a waterproofing compound to prevent moisture intrusion. You should also consider adding back flashing to the open lap siding butt joints.
Other damage to fiber cement siding is more cosmetic and can often be repaired with a putty knife or patching compound. However, if the damage is extensive or stains are visible, a new plank should be replaced.
Vinyl Siding
In most areas of the country, vinyl siding is a cost-effective, durable option for a home’s exterior. It also requires far less maintenance than other types of cladding, such as wood or aluminum. With a little routine cleaning, your vinyl will last for decades and look great the entire time. The good news is that it’s easy to repair damage to vinyl, whether it’s a small ding or a hole.
Holes and cracks in vinyl aren’t just an eyesore; they can let moisture into your house, inviting mold, mildew, and other problems. Even a small hole can cause extensive damage if left unattended.
You can get a quick, inexpensive fix for your vinyl by patching the damaged area with a high-quality filler. Start by cleaning the area to ensure you’re working with a clean surface that the caulk will adhere to. Using the handle of your putty knife, de-gloss the affected area by lightly scraping it with 220-grit sandpaper. Next, clean the area again and apply a bead of caulk to the back of your patch and around it as well. Allow the caulk to dry, and then paint the patch to match your existing vinyl.
For larger holes, you may need a backing material to give the patch something solid to attach to. Use a strip of scrap vinyl or a piece of plywood to create this backing. Cut it to the size of the hole, removing the perforated top edge but leaving the curved bottom edge intact. Slide the backing material into place and secure it to the sheathing with nails or screws. Cut your new vinyl panel to size using a saw or utility knife. Fit the new panel into place by hooking it onto the lower panel and pushing on its curved edge. If you’ve nailed or screwed the backing material into place, remove the nail or screw and replace the loose panel.
Though it will take more work than a simple patch, replacing a section of vinyl can be done by anyone with a few basic tools and the right steps. Getting the job done correctly can save you hundreds of dollars on a contractor’s bill and keep your vinyl looking its best for years to come.
Wood Siding
Wood siding has a look that makes it feel homey and grounded. It can be stained or painted in countless colors and hues to make your home stand out among the neighborhood crowd. It is also relatively easy to repair, especially if you catch problems before they become severe. However, if left unattended, wood can be a source of water damage and wood-boring insects, and this often leads to serious structural issues that threaten the integrity of your home.
Fir and pine are popular softwoods that are milled into a variety of styles of siding. These softwoods have good grain patterns, and if properly cared for, they will last many years. Unfortunately, they aren’t naturally rot-resistant, and they must be treated with an insecticide and regularly stained and sealed to prevent absorbing moisture that could lead to warping and rotting.
Small cracks or holes in your wood siding are an indication that it is starting to deteriorate, and they should be filled as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Use a waterproof exterior wood filler to patch the hole, and apply several coats of paint to match your existing wood color.
The best way to avoid serious problems with your wood siding is to conduct a walk-around inspection on a regular basis. Look for any signs of moisture penetration, such as bubbling or peeling paint, mold or mildew, and fungus along the edges of wood siding seams. You should also check for loose or missing boards and ensure that gutters are keeping water away from the siding and that nearby plants aren’t allowing moisture to reach your siding.
If you spot any problems, it’s a good idea to call a professional to handle the wood siding repair. A professional will have all the tools and experience needed to make your home look great again. In addition, a professional can take into account any safety considerations, such as getting up on a ladder or using a saw, and will make sure the work is done correctly and safely. Attempting to do the job yourself may save you some money, but it isn’t worth the risk of injury.