Siding Repair vs. Replacement

With spring in the air, many homeowners are beginning to tackle exterior home remodeling projects. When it comes to siding, it’s important to properly evaluate the condition of your home’s siding prior to developing an action plan. Therefore, Scott Cline, owner of J&B Construction Company, Inc., would like to distinguish the telltale signs that point to siding repair from those that warrant replacement.

Minor Cracks, Chips, and Dents

When localized to an individual panel or if confined to a small space, minor cracks, chips, or dents are no major cause for concern. This is a common problem that requires a simple fix. “Even in the event the cracks and dents are considered severe, usually only a single siding panel will need to be replaced, and this is still classified as repair,” Scott said.

Loose Panels

Siding panels on your home that are loose are typically the result of an installation error or inclement weather. Either way, this issue can be easily resolved by hiring a professional to re-secure   the loose panel.

Mold

The presence of mold is a bit more complicated. If the mold is spotted early on and removed completely, it will only cause minor damage and a simple repair is all that is necessary. “However, it is imperative to do a little sleuthing when it comes mold,” Scott said. “First, you need to determine why the mold initially formed. Second, you need to be absolutely positive that all of the mold has been removed, otherwise, you run the risk of the mold returning.”

Now, if the mold has caused rotting, siding repair is no longer recommended as even a small amount of rot can cause severe property damage. “In order to evade unnecessary costly damage to your home, siding replacement should be the next immediate step,” he said.

Increased Maintenance

If maintaining siding has become a yearly chore or even a more frequent task, then it’s time to seriously consider replacement. Such maintenance duties include regular repairs, painting, or cleaning. “Depending on the material type, modern siding generally requires minimal maintenance,” Scott said. “So, not only is this added maintenance an inconvenience, it’s an indication that the siding is failing.”

Faded Siding Caused by the Sun

Over many years, the sun can wreak havoc on siding and cause fading and little can be done to reverse the process. Therefore, if you’ve grown dissatisfied with the siding’s aesthetic appearance, replacement is suggested.

Out-of-Date Siding

Lastly, outdated siding is another cause for replacement. Newer siding can significantly improve energy efficiency in your home as well as your home’s curb appeal. Often times, older siding does not provide these crucial advantages. “Siding replacement is a wise option in order to reap these benefits that will not only save you money on your energy bills, but also increase your home’s property value,” Scott said.