Should I Repair or Replace My Home’s Vinyl Siding?
If you’ve been living in your home for a few years now, you may have noticed some deterioration of your siding. As soon as you spot damage to your siding, it’s important to act quickly in order to prevent the problem from worsening. Not to mention, if your siding is damaged, it will cause the exterior of your home to look tired and unattractive. All siding will wear out eventually, so how do you know when to repair it or replace it? Many homeowners are unsure as to whether or not they need a full replacement of their siding or if a repair will be sufficient. If you’re struggling to determine which action to take, read the following tips that will help guide you on whether to replace or repair your siding.
How extensive is the damage?
If there is only a small area that is damaged, then a repair may fix the problem. Keep in mind however, that depending on the cause of the damage, that area may be susceptible to the same problem again. If you think the problem will be a recurring one, it’s best to replace the siding with a more durable material. It will be less expensive in the long run and less hassle to deal with. One of the most durable types of siding is Mastic Vinyl Siding. It is composed of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), and built to last, unlike conventional wood or cedar cladding that weathers over time. It is also resistant to rot or insect damage. Vinyl siding has proved to outperform most cladding exteriors, including brick.
Moisture Damage & Dry Rot
Another sign that your siding allows too much moisture into your home’s walls is mold or mildew formation on the exterior of your siding. While not always a sign of failing siding, mold or mildew often signifies additional issues and should be a cause for further investigation.
Dry rot, one of the more common problems with wood siding, is not always visible to the naked eye. To detect it, tap various areas of the siding with the bottom of a screwdriver or hammer. This will expose an area that has succumbed to dry rot, as only the topmost layer of siding will be intact. If dry rot is discovered, you may be able to get away with just replacing the damaged sections, but oftentimes contractors will recommend a full replacement. Since dry rot may compromise the structural integrity of your home, it’s definitely an area where you’ll want to defer to the experts.
How much time and effort is required to maintain your siding?
There are a few different types of materials that are used for siding. Certain materials are more beneficial than others. Wood siding for example requires a lot of maintenance and upkeep. Instead of spending time fixing your home, you should be enjoying it. Vinyl siding requires little to no maintenance. It never has to be painted, which means it will never have to be stripped and re-painted! It also never has to be sealed, and problems such as insects that you might be concerned about with wood siding, are a non-issue.
Are you considering selling your home?
If you are attempting to prepare your home to be sold, repairing damaged sections of your siding may seem like a cost effective option. Replacing your siding adds value and instant curb appeal to your home however, and may help it to sell at a higher price. Even if you aren’t going to sell your home, replacing your old siding with beautiful new siding will refresh the appearance and feel of your home. Vinyl siding is a great option because it comes in a variety of styles and colors that are sure to fit any homeowner’s taste.
