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It can be tricky to know whether it is time to replace or repair your siding, but there are several signs to look out for which will determine the right course of action. In this article, we will be offering some of our best tips and tricks as home improvement experts to answer one of our most frequently asked questions: should I repair or replace my siding? First, let us talk about why siding is an important part of your home.
Why it is Crucial You Maintain Your Siding
Siding has many important functionalities: it enhances your home’s curb appeal, can make it more energy-efficient, and can also help you repair unseen structural damage – damage that is often unnoticeable without removing the siding or drywall completely. These are just a few of the most important reasons why replacing or repairing your siding when the time comes is crucial.
Yet how do you know if you need to spend more money replacing your siding when a simple (and most likely cheaper) repair will do the trick? Here is how you tell the difference.
Signs You Can Repair Your Siding
If you would rather repair your siding than replace it, you are not the only one. Most people desire to repair siding simply because it is often faster and not as expensive (but that does not mean it is always the right answer). However, sometimes repairing siding may be the right course of action for you, and here is how you can tell:
Cracked or Loose Siding
If your siding is cracked or loose, a simple repair may be the answer. This is especially true if it is a small area or one or two boards. Most people can easily remove two pieces of siding and replace them (which is actually still technically a repair). The issue here is if there are larger sections of your siding that are cracked, or if there are multiple loose pieces of siding, a full repair might need to be done. If this is the case for you, we would recommend calling in a home improvement expert to assess and fix the damage.
Dents in Your Siding
If you notice cracks in your siding, the repair process is similar to cracked siding. Dents in your siding are fairly easy to repair and often only require a panel replacement. Dents could be caused by anything – from hail to a ball hitting the siding or various other reasons. If there are multiple dents from a major hail storm, typically a simple siding repair will be sufficient.
Moldy Siding (A Small Amount)
Mold in large amounts is never a good sign, but mold in small amounts on your siding should be able to be rectified with a quick repair. However, you must also determine how your siding became moldy in the first place. It is also essential you get rid of all the mold, or it may progress to rotting.
Signs Your Siding Needs to Be Replaced
Sometimes, a simple repair job is not enough and your siding needs to be replaced. Yes, you could do a quick repair job but the problem will persist or get worse over time, leading to more costly repairs and disruptions to your home.
Rotting Siding
If you notice any kind of rot on your siding, it is vital you replace it immediately. Rot beginning to form is a clear sign your siding is failing. When rotting siding is replaced quickly, you can avoid larger forms of damage to your home – such as the rot spreading and damaging the structural integrity of your home, which is another major issue in and of itself.
Visible Water Stains
Discoloration or streaking on your siding (water stains) may be a sign water has entered your siding and is possibly affecting the inside and structural integrity of your home. If you notice water stains, it is time to get your siding replaced quickly, and have a professional inspect the structure of your home at the same time.
Higher Than Normal Energy Bills
Higher than normal energy bills are normal every now and again, but if you have noticed your heating and cooling bills have increased over the months or years, this might be a sign your home needs new siding. While this is a trickier issue to diagnose by yourself (as it may be a sign of an issue with your home’s insulation instead), high energy bills are a reason to take note and talk with a professional home improvement contractor about the potential cause, as it may be your siding.
Constant Maintenance
If you are finding yourself constantly cleaning, repainting or repairing your siding every few years, it is likely it needs a full replacement. Siding should ideally keep its shape and color for at least 8 years, and sometimes longer. If your siding is chipping, peeling or cracking often, this means your siding is past its prime and needs to be replaced.
