Home is where the heart is, but if your home’s exterior isn’t performing properly, you might need to show your siding some love. Before you handle the siding repairs on your own, however, consider a few situations where your project might require a professional.
Like any DIY project, you’ll want to assess the damage and plan accordingly so you know what kind of tools and budget you’ll need. Here are a few things to keep in mind when your siding needs additional attention.
Just how extensive is the damage to your home’s exterior? Many homeowners can handle siding repairs, but if the damage is extensive, it might be time to fully replace it. Read more about replacing vs. repairing exterior materials in our blog.
Homeowners should inspect their exterior regularly, at least once a year and after significant weather events (especially if you live in a climate that sees extreme temperatures or severe storms).
Look for holes, cracking and gaps in the siding, or areas where the color has faded. You can paint over some spots on your siding for small touch-ups, but larger amounts of painting can void your siding warranty. “Most paints do not bond well to vinyl, so take care when choosing,” recommends HomeAdvisor.
Since it can be tough to match a siding color that’s faded, HomeAdvisor recommends using a portion of siding from an “unseen wall to match [your] colors exactly. Then repair the unseen wall with new materials.”
If you inspect your home and come across any rotting, mold or bulging in your siding, you might need to consider fully replacing the materials.
“Some damage isn’t noticeable until the old siding is removed,” explain experts with HomeAdvisor. And once you uncover what’s going on underneath your siding, you’ll have a better idea of what the cost of your siding repairs will look like. “If cladding and studs can’t hold a nail, you need to replace the substructure first.”
Once you’ve done an assessment of the damage, you’ll have an idea of what your siding repair costs will look like.
It’s a good idea to plan a buffer for additional costs when you’re setting up your siding (or any) repair budget. Keep a few things in mind when you’re planning for your siding repair project:
If you’re planning out your budget and the repair costs are in the thousands, consider fully replacing your siding instead. Siding repairs can be a DIY job, but if the damage is more extensive than you thought, hiring a professional might serve you best.
If you’re looking at thousands in repairs and find that your siding needs more than a new paint job or a replacement panel, it’s probably time to call a professional.
There are a few benefits to hiring a contractor to handle siding repairs, however skilled a DIYer you might be:
Having a professional take a look at your siding damage gives you some peace of mind. They’ll be able to tell you how long a repair will hold up, or if you’re going to need a replacement instead. They’ll also be able to recommend pest or mold inspections if your repair project calls for it.
Your contractor will likely already have all of the materials and tools needed to complete the repair job efficiently. And they’ll handle removal and disposal of your old siding.
Professionals can help homeowners avoid some of the risks that come with DIY siding repairs. Homes built a few decades ago sometimes contain asbestos, and contractors are used to removing the material or can recommend an asbestos professional to remove it.
A professional contractor will also be able to handle any trim repairs or additional maintenance your home might need. And many siding contractors are specially trained for repairing siding, so they’re less likely (than an inexperienced DIYer) to cause additional damages that might jeopardize the warranty of your existing siding.
If your home’s siding needs repairs or you’re considering a full siding replacement, you’ve already thought about the cost that will go into the materials. But your choice of home siding materials matters, because it’s the first level of protection from the outdoors.
Many homeowners choose traditional materials like wood for their siding, and while wood can be a good choice, it comes with a lot of maintenance that some homeowners don’t want to take on. Wood also requires a finish to protect it from rotting and pest infestation, and that finish will need to be reapplied every couple of years.
When you’re choosing siding for the long-term, siding materials like vinyl and steel make excellent choices for today’s homeowner. Both require very little maintenance, and high-performing vinyl and steel siding will last for decades, even in severe weather climates.
Both vinyl and steel siding offer homeowners a low maintenance and durable exterior, but high-quality siding can last for decades. Rollex offers a limited lifetime warranty on their vinyl and steel siding products, part of why it’s been chosen by builders and homeowners everywhere.
Siding repairs are a part of maintaining your home’s exterior, but selecting high-quality building materials to build your home is a smarter investment in your home and family’s future.
Looking for a long-term solution to protection for your home’s exterior? Take a look at our project gallery for inspiration. Or contact us if you have any questions about the best siding for your home.