Choosing between exterior siding repair or replacement can be a difficult decision. Professional contractors may recommend repair or replacement based on the cause and severity of the damage and what will be more affordable and less hassle long-term.
This review discusses the signs that indicate a need for siding repair and when you should consider having your home’s siding replaced.
What Signs Indicate A Need To Repair Siding?
Siding repair is a way to save money initially and restore the condition and look of your home’s siding. Home siding repair may be recommended for all types of siding, including vinyl, wood, fiber cement, and stone. You should contact a licensed exterior siding contractor for home siding repair if the material shows signs of general wear and tear or minor damage caused by bad weather, accidents, or the sun.
Aging
Siding Authority estimates that home siding should last between 20 and 40 years depending on the type of siding and the quality of maintenance provided. To get the most out of your home’s siding, you should make regular repairs as needed. Some siding materials require more frequent maintenance than others. For example, vinyl siding does not require much maintenance to maintain its condition, but cedar (and other wood siding materials) require a high level of maintenance.
Minor Damage
Minor damage to your home’s siding can be repaired by a professional siding contractor. The most common examples of damage that can be repaired include small chips and cracks, minor hail and wind damage, and dents caused by accidents. If you are unsure if the damage to your home’s exterior siding can be repaired or if replacement is necessary, you should have a professional contractor come for an inspection and recommendation.
Sun Damage
Sun damage can occur to certain siding types over time. This may lead to aesthetic concerns such as faded paint and other signs of aging. However, sun damage takes decades before it affects the overall structural quality of the material.
This means that most early instances of damage caused by UV radiation from the sun can be repaired rather than needing to replace the siding material, especially if the damage is mostly cosmetic.
What Signs Indicate A Need To Replace Siding?
You may be able to repair minor damage caused by general wear and tear and weather elements. However, you will need to replace your home’s siding if more severe damage occurs or the condition of the material is beyond what can be repaired.
Water damage is also hard to repair in many cases, so home siding replacement is often recommended if signs of serious water damage are present. Damage caused by termites can lead to the need to replace your home’s siding as well.
Outdated Siding
Siding that is within the expected lifespan based on the type of material may only require repair when general wear and tear occurs. However, siding that is outdated should be replaced as the necessary repairs are likely to be less effective and lead to higher costs over time. The lifespan of common siding materials include:
- Vinyl — 20 to 40 years
- Wood — 15 to 40 years
- Fiber cement — 25 to 40 years
- Stucco — 15 to 40 years
- Stone Veneer — 25 to 40 years
- Fiberglass — 25 to 40 years
- Brick — more than 50 years
If your home’s siding is more than 40 years old (with the exception of brick), you should consider siding replacement. Annual inspections can help you determine if your home’s siding is worn down to the point where replacement is the best option. Otherwise, regular maintenance and common repairs may be all that is required.
Water Damage
Water damage is never a good sign. Minor water damage may not require the replacement of your home’s siding, but if certain signs of severe damage arise, then it may be necessary. Water damage signs to watch for include:
- Mold
- Rot
- Fungus
- Warping
- Swelling
- Rust
Signs of water damage should not be ignored as they could lead to issues with the interior of your home and the need for more expensive repair and replacement needs.
Termite Damage
Termites can eat through wood, vinyl, and other siding materials. This can create a fair amount of damage, and getting rid of the termites is not always an easy process. In many cases, it is more cost-effective to replace siding that is damaged by termites rather than go through an extensive termite treatment and siding repair process.
Contact The Siding Pros At Adelphia Exteriors
You can contact Adelphia Exteriors by phone or message for siding repair or replacement. Our contractors are trained and experienced and take pride in providing quality results in a timely manner. If you have questions or are ready to upgrade your home’s siding, get in touch today to get started.