Siding Repair vs Replacement: Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Siding is a crucial component of your home. It keeps your property safe from rain, wind, and ultraviolet rays while also giving it a finished, visually interesting look. As such, keeping it in good condition is essential, and knowing how to look out for signs of siding damage will help you repair or replace it when needed.

That said, how do you know if you need siding repair vs replacement? In this article, we’ll talk about some siding repair tips and the difference between repairing vs replacing siding to help you decide the best choice for your home!

Signs Your Siding Needs Attention

Regardless of the solution, it’s essential to know the telltale signs of siding damage that will let you know when to make repairs or replacements.

• Energy Inefficiency: Siding insulates your home, allowing your HVAC to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature efficiently. However, your siding might be compromised if your unit works twice as hard, causing your power bill to shoot up.
• Moisture Intrusion: Siding wicks rainfall away from walls to keep moisture from penetrating your home. If you find signs of moisture damage indoors—mold growth, damp walls, wood rot—your siding might be to blame.
• Visible Damage: Take a walk around your property. Is your siding falling in places or showing signs of damage like cracks, rot, and mold growth? If so, it’s time to give it some TLC to ensure it’s doing its job effectively. 

Periodically inspecting your property for signs will tell you when to replace siding or make repairs. The problem is determining what suits your needs. Don’t worry, we’ll help you choose the best course of action.

When Repairing Siding Is Enough

Let’s talk about some essential siding repair tips for dealing with minor issues in a timely and cost-effective manner.

Minor Cracks or Holes

Small, isolated cracks or dents are easily treatable with easy-to-use DIY siding repair kits. They act like thick, waterproof tapes that cover minimal damage to keep the elements from penetrating your walls. You could even paint them to match your exterior color!

Loose or Warped Panels

Simply nail loose or drooping pieces back into your siding setup. Meanwhile, consider replacing extensive warped sections that you can’t reattach anymore, particularly if you have vinyl or fiber cement siding.

Peeling Paint

Don’t fuss over unattractive peeling paint! A quick new coat or two will freshen up wood siding and other materials affected by aging or weathering, making your exterior look as good as new.

When Replacing Siding Is Necessary

Unfortunately, you can’t resolve all problems with a quick fix, so it’s crucial to know when to replace siding completely. With this, you can resolve issues before they impact your home’s integrity.

Old or Extensive Damage

Siding materials typically last 20 to 50 years before failing or showing signs of aging. If yours have reached this point and now display significant damage, such as large cracks and deep-seated mold growth, repairs might not do any good. It’s best to opt for a complete replacement to avoid further problems.

Widespread Deterioration

Widespread issues like rotting, warping, or cracking over large sections are often irreversible. Even worse, common repairs might even exacerbate your problem. In these cases, installing new siding is the most practical and cost-effective solution since it eliminates the problem at its roots without any remnants that could set it off again.

Aesthetic and Resale Value

Your siding is one of the first things people see when looking at your home, meaning it has a considerable influence over your curb appeal. So, if you want to spruce up your property for your benefit or that of a prospective buyer, consider replacing your siding. It makes your place look good and ups its resale value, giving you a better chance at negotiating higher rates.

Cost Comparison

The price tag is often a concern in the siding repair vs replacement debate. Generally, repairs are cheaper since you’re only treating a small part of the issue. If a small section has chipping paint, you only need to coat that specific area. However, keep in mind that repairs are only good for minor, confined damage.

Homeowners typically avoid total siding replacement due to its high upfront cost, as it involves replacing your home’s entire siding setup. However, it’s the ideal solution for extensive problems since it nips them in the bud. 

It’s also important to consider three long-term implications of your choice.

• Durability: Rot and mold spread rapidly. These problems could even proliferate to new patches or sections if your repairs aren’t good. Conversely, a complete replacement ensures these issues won’t carry over.
• Energy Costs: Both repair and replacement improve energy efficiency by blocking outdoor temperatures. However, the former could cause uneven insulation because it only involves treating certain sections. A total overhaul maintains even wear, keeping your energy consumption efficient for longer.
• Home Value: Repairs often look uneven. You can paint them to match your exterior, but it won’t look as seamless as replacing your siding. Curb appeal might seem trivial, yet it considerably affects your home value, especially if you plan to sell.

Takeaway

Remember: repairing your siding is a good option for minor damage, but replacement is necessary when the damage is severe or if your siding is too old and inefficient. We understand that it can be challenging to determine whether repairing vs replacing siding suits your needs. So, consider getting a professional evaluation from a contractor for a precise assessment.

Look no further than Storm Guard Roofing and Construction of Madison for help. We’ll help you determine whether siding repair vs replacement is the best course of action for your specific situation so that you can get your property back in shape in no time!
Contact us today to get a free estimate!