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Vinyl siding is a popular choice for exterior home siding due to its great durability, affordability, and ease of upkeep. But, it is still susceptible to weather deterioration and other problems. Over time, warping, holes, or cracks may appear; this guide explains the basics of vinyl siding repair! For additional details and a free inspection in Mayfield, OH, get in touch with Freeman Exteriors right now!
Common Problems with Vinyl Siding
Even though vinyl siding is a low-maintenance and long-lasting exterior material, it can deteriorate with time and weather. A full siding replacement would be more expensive. But, homeowners must find siding problems early to stop more harm! The next section will discuss the causes, possible consequences, and common issues with vinyl siding.
Cracks or Small Holes
Over time, vinyl siding may sustain minor fractures or even microscopic holes from being struck by tree branches, hail, or small items. These tiny holes can expose the house wall, let water flow behind the siding, or increase the siding’s vulnerability to strong winds. You can usually replace a tiny portion of the siding with these little holes and cracks, and you’ll be ready to go. However, bear in mind that you may have more if it’s hail damage, in which case filing a claim with your insurance company would make sense.
Warping
Vinyl siding may distort under extreme heat. Both a neighboring grill and a less common source—reflected sunlight—can do this. Sunlight reflecting from a nearby window can increase the heat entering your home and cause warping. Not only may warped siding make your house appear awful, but it can also weaken its defenses against the weather! In many situations, replacing complete siding portions is necessary to fix the problem.
Wind Damage
Vinyl siding can be torn off your house by strong winds. Strong winds are one of the causes, but poor installation can also be a factor. Even mild breezes can loosen and even separate siding panels if they are not properly fastened or clipped together. The wall must be fixed as soon as possible since if one piece breaks off, the remaining portion is far more vulnerable to further harm.
Flashing Around Windows and Doors
To stop leaks, flashing around these openings must be done correctly. The majority of leaks surrounding vinyl siding are caused by improperly placed flashing. Special flashing tape is needed for windows and doors to provide a waterproof seal. Additionally, to cover the transition between the window or door frame and the wall, a certain type of metal flashing known as Z-flashing is required.
Color Fading or Deterioration Over Time
Even when built to last for many years, homes exposed to harsh weather and prolonged sunshine may experience fading over time. Overexposure could result in your siding appearing older and less appealing than expected, reducing both its aesthetic appeal and market value when selling time comes around.
Vinyl Siding Repair in Mayfield, OH: How To Do It
If your vinyl siding develops a small crack or hole, chances are you want to repair it yourself. Patching or repairing tiny sections is quite straightforward with minimal tools required! In this next section, we will walk through each step of vinyl siding repair so that any small issues don’t turn into more serious damages down the line.
Caulk or Re-Installation of Siding
Don’t worry about the little things! Simple solutions are frequently available for minor siding problems like loose panels or failed caulk. External caulk is susceptible to cracking and losing its seal over time. Just take off the old caulk and apply a premium outdoor caulk made especially for siding repairs. Make sure you get the correct caulk for your inside because it won’t survive the weather.
A single side panel may occasionally come loose. Usually, snapping these back into place is simple. You might require a professional, though, if the panel fell free due to poor installation. The reason is that you may need to remove the siding above a loose panel that was caused by poor installation to fix it properly. This enables you to properly fasten the removed panel before reinstalling the siding piece. To guarantee a long-lasting repair, it is usually advisable to seek professional advice for anything more complex than minor fixes.
CONTACT US AT 440-805-9497
Matching the Vinyl Siding Type, Color, and Manufacturer
It might be challenging to match the precise kind and color when replacing a section of siding. It might be very difficult to obtain the perfect match because manufacturers frequently abandon whole siding lines. The manufacturer’s color sample is essential to begin your repair! But wait—there’s more! There are various varieties of vinyl siding, including beaded, straight lap, and Dutch lap. It is important to know yours. Finally, panels might vary in width from 4 to 6 inches, even if the color and style are flawless. For a flawless repair, the face of the current panel must be measured.
House Wrap and Flashing
When fixing your siding, check to determine if you have enough house wrap underneath the siding. You will have to install it otherwise. Your home is waterproofed by house wrap. Without it, the wood behind the siding will deteriorate and allow water and damp to enter your house. Additionally, you should confirm that the flashing surrounding windows and doors is present if you are working close to them. You must ensure that the tops have z-flashing in place and that the sides have a specially made flashing tape to cover the transition.
Vinyl Siding Repair vs. Replacement
Homeowners can do minor repairs. Meanwhile, more extensive solutions should be handled by professionals. When considering whether to repair or replace vinyl siding panels, you should keep these factors in mind:
- Age: Replacing vinyl siding that is over 20 years old and exhibits extensive damage can be more cost-effective than making multiple repairs.
- Damage Assessment: When it comes to siding damage, depending on its extent and location, can determine what needs to be repaired. Minor patches should do just fine, while severe or widespread issues may necessitate replacing damaged portions or even entire walls altogether.
- Cost of Repair or Replacement: Evaluate the differences in costs between fixing the damaged siding and replacing it; installing new siding would likely make more financial sense if its costs exceed or match those associated with fixing.
- Appearance: Patches and repairs will likely show on your siding’s appearance; especially if the material’s color or texture differs significantly from that used currently. To maintain uniformity throughout, replace damaged sections.
When Should I Replace My Siding Outright?
In certain cases, replacing the entire vinyl siding material is the best course of action, even though some problems can be resolved with repair services. As previously said, this metric must be taken into account when the following occurs.
- Your siding may have been present for more than 20-30 years and is worn out.
- Additionally, its main component – the cladding – may have become severely damaged over the years.
- When selling your home, increasing its value and making it more visually appealing are two goals worth striving for.
- Your energy costs could be increasing due to ineffective insulation in your siding, causing high energy expenses.
Freeman Exteriors: Siding Repair and Installation in Mayfield, OH
Our strong market reputation is based on high-quality vinyl goods and first-rate installation services. We are proud to be known as the most reliable and respectable vinyl siding contractor in Mayfield, OH. For vinyl siding repair in Mayfield, OH, get in touch with us right now.
