Siding shields homes from the elements, keeping rain, snow and pests away from rot, mold and more. But over time, it may wear down to the point where repairs or replacement are needed. Contact Replacement Siding Richmond VA for professional help.
If your siding has faded to the point where it’s unsightly, consider upgrading to a low-maintenance material like fiber cement or vinyl that mimics wood and offers fire, pest and rot resistance.
While your home’s exterior is built to withstand the elements, it can still sustain damage from accidents or natural wear and tear. If you notice signs of damage to your siding, it’s important to address them right away. Left unchecked, even small problems can worsen, making the job of replacing your siding more complicated and expensive.
Cracks, Holes, and Warping
Fine cracks are common in wood siding, but if they continue to widen over time it’s a sign of deterioration and water damage to the underlying materials. Cracked or damaged siding can also allow moisture into the house, creating conditions for mold and mildew, as well as providing a new nesting spot for pests like squirrels, mice, and insects.
Another warning sign of deteriorating siding is the presence of soft or powdery wood, which indicates the onset of dry rot. Dry rot is an extremely serious issue that can cause the entire structure of your home to fail, so it’s essential to seek repair immediately.
Other signs of aging and damage to your siding include cool drafts near windows or doors, and the appearance of rust or paint peeling. Energy costs can also be a giveaway, as your heating and cooling system will work overtime to compensate for insufficient insulation and air sealing.
Keeping your siding in good shape requires regular maintenance, including periodic cleaning to remove dirt and debris, as well as occasional touch-ups to replace chipped or scratched areas. You can do some of this yourself by using a wire brush and mild detergent, but for the more involved repairs you’ll need the help of an experienced handyman.
To fix minor scratches or chips, first make sure the area is clean and then apply a caulk. Make sure the caulk you use matches your siding color, and then wipe away excess caulk before it dries. For larger holes, a vinyl patch kit can be used to fill in the hole, but it’s sometimes best to replace the whole board.
Replacing a siding panel is usually straightforward, though it can be tricky in some situations. A zip tool is usually used to unlock the panel, then it can be removed and a new panel cut to size, ensuring a perfect fit. If necessary, the damaged piece can be used as a template to make sure the replacement is perfectly aligned and matches the rest of your siding.
Fading Paint
Over time, the intense UV rays from the sun tend to break down the chemical bonds of paint pigment. This can cause the vibrant colors of your siding to fade, leaving your home with a drab color that is less appealing. Thankfully, this is a common problem that can be repaired with the help of a professional.
There are many factors that can contribute to the fading of your siding. Dirt, dust, pollen, bird droppings and salt can all play a role. These factors can damage the surface of your siding, which causes it to oxidize and become chalky. It’s important to wash your siding on a regular basis and clean up debris as it accumulates to minimize the effects of these damaging substances.
It’s also important to choose a high-quality paint that is created with UV-resistant pigments to reduce the amount of time it takes for your siding to fade. In addition, the color of your siding should be matched to the other trim and accent pieces on your house. A professional will be able to help you find the perfect shade for your home.
Painting vinyl siding can be a relatively simple project for the average homeowner. However, there are times when it is more logical to hire a professional. This is particularly true if the siding is severely damaged or you are dealing with a multi-story home. Professionals have the experience and equipment necessary to ensure that your home’s exterior looks its best, even after it has been painted.
If you are considering new siding for your home, contact us to learn more about the products we offer and what features will work best with your lifestyle and budget. We have a wide selection of colors and styles to help you create the perfect look for your home.
When you are ready to start your project, be sure to pick up a good pair of straight snips at Menard’s (the one with the SKU), or any other hardware store. This tool will help you keep your lines straight as you cut the vinyl.
Warped or Buckling Siding
While it’s true that some types of siding are more prone to warping than others, this is a problem that can be resolved by working with professional contractors. Often, this involves loosening the affected panels, realigning them to eliminate any buckling or bending and then securing them back in place. This process may also require a bit of trimming to get rid of any plants growing around the edges of the panel.
If the damage to the vinyl is minor, you can sometimes straighten it by hand while it’s cool. For more severe dents or distortions, you’ll need to carefully remove and replace the panel. This can be accomplished by working with experienced siding contractors to ensure that the new panel matches the color and style of the rest of your home’s exterior.
The most common causes of warping and buckling in vinyl siding are due to the weather. During storms, debris like tree branches or outdoor furniture can be blown against your home and cause dents that can worsen over time. This is especially likely if your siding is a darker shade, as the sun’s heat can melt it when it expands and contracts.
Another common cause of warping in siding is a structural issue in the home. Shifting soil can destabilize the foundation, causing it to shift and create pressure points on the house’s exterior. This can also lead to damage to the roof and other components of the home.
Cheaper, lighter gauge vinyl is more prone to warping and other problems than premium, heavy-duty vinyl that’s made by quality manufacturers. In general, it’s best to invest in the highest quality siding you can afford to prevent these issues down the road.
Preventive maintenance and regular inspections can help catch these problems in the bud and keep them from getting worse. Keeping up with these tasks can help minimize the risk of moisture infiltration, insect infestations and other problems that can lead to warping in your home’s siding. Choosing durable, weather-resistant materials that are adapted to your climate will also reduce the likelihood of these issues occurring.
Poor Curb Appeal
Siding, or cladding as it’s sometimes called, protects the structure of a house and offers an inviting facade. It is also a key selling point, so it’s important to maintain its appearance as a way of boosting the value of a home.
Real estate agents often work with homeowners to identify curb appeal upgrades that will bring the best return on investment. This may include simple projects like repainting or re-stumbling the front door, adding new house numbers, or planting fresh flowers. These changes can be cost-effective and give the property a new lease on life, boosting its value.
Other low-cost fixes that can help boost the value of a property include repairing any cracks, dings, or breaks in the siding or window frames. These can become entry points for water and pests, leading to more extensive damage over time. Replacing damaged or weathered shingles is also a good idea, as these can make a home appear less appealing to buyers.
Choosing the right material for replacement siding is important to maintaining its appearance and resale value. While vinyl is a popular choice, fiber cement and wood-based materials can also be used to upgrade a home’s exterior and provide a unique look. Regardless of which material is chosen, it’s a good idea to choose colors and designs that complement the architectural style of the house. Changing the color scheme to something that is more modern, for example, can make the home appear more contemporary and attractive to buyers.
While boosting a home’s curb appeal is a great way to improve its perceived value, it’s also important not to overdo it. Overly elaborate gardens or exterior features can scare off potential buyers, who might believe that the property will require a lot of time and money to maintain. This can lead to lower offers and a longer time on the market.
A home with a beautiful exterior can set it apart from the competition and attract serious buyers, increasing its value. However, some homeowners go too far with their improvements and end up putting the property off for potential buyers.