The siding on your house is the barrier between outside weather, pests, and pollen and the comfort of your interior spaces. When a home’s siding deteriorates, it can begin to leave small areas exposed. Over time, these small vulnerabilities can grow into larger issues. Taking care of house siding repair quickly can spare your interior from damage such as moisture and mold, which enter from outside when the siding is no longer protecting the home properly.
You may also find that you’re seeing fewer insects or other pests near and inside your home, since they can’t get in through the protective siding or make nests there. As an added benefit, siding helps you save money on utility bills! By keeping outdoor and indoor air separate, you’ll spend less on heating and cooling bills.
To keep up with maintenance on your siding, take a look at it every spring and fall. The first yearly check-in can reveal damage done by colder temperatures, while the one in autumn catches any issues before the harsher weather of winter arrives.
How to Tell If Siding Needs Repair or Replacement
In some cases, it’s easy to see when siding is damaged. In others, the siding itself might look just fine, while it’s actually failing entirely to serve its purpose. How can you spot trouble? Look for:
- Cracks
- Gaps
- Holes
- Warping
- Buckling
- Fading
- Peeling
- Mold
- Mildew
- Rot
- Mossy growth
Most people stop their search when they’re done looking for these issues on the exterior of the home. However, take a pass through the interior too; after all, your siding is the barrier between inside and outside! See if you can find:
- Water damage on the walls
- Drafts
- Energy bills that progressively increase
- Pests entering from a specific location
Handymen who do siding repair near you understand what the local environment is like. Mr. Handyman can recommend siding based on your home’s aesthetic and functional needs as well as the climate it will need to stand up to. In general, some of the main options for siding include:
Protect your home from the elements! Schedule your siding repair with Mr. Handyman today for lasting results!
Types of Siding to Choose From
A home that needs siding repair will already have its siding style picked out, and homeowners should stick with that type to ensure the most complete coverage of their exterior. However, if a full replacement is necessary, homes can often support many possible sidings. On top of that, it’s helpful to understand the options so you know what sorts of issues are most common with the siding you already have.
- Vinyl – One of the most common types, vinyl is affordable and highly variable in color and style. However, it might not last as long as other options and can crack or warp.
- Wood – Valued for its beauty and rustic aesthetic, wood siding can look great, though it’s expensive. However, it needs to be sealed every few years, and it is susceptible to rot as well as insects.
- Aluminum – Few options last as long as metal siding, and maintenance is minimal. However, lighter metals can dent if exposed to sudden impacts.
- Fiber cement – Fiber cement can mimic other types of siding, like vinyl, and manufacturers often offer extensive warranties that can last 30 years or more. However, it must be washed and maintained fairly regularly.
If you’re not sure how to maintain your siding over the long term, let us come out and show you what to do. We can patch any issues we find and equip you with the knowledge you need to mitigate damage in the future.
