The cost of siding repairs can vary depending on the type of damage and the extent of the repair needed. Minor repairs can typically be completed within a couple of days, while more extensive repairs or replacements may take weeks. Homeowners should consult with a professional contractor to get an estimate for the cost of repairs before starting any work.
Today, we will discuss different types of siding materials, common siding damages, and different siding repair solutions. Let’s get started!
There are a variety of siding materials available on the market, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. The most common siding materials include:
Vinyl siding is a popular choice for homeowners because it is durable, affordable, and low-maintenance. However, vinyl siding can be susceptible to damage from high winds or hail storms. It’s usually installed in planks and can be made to look smooth or textured. You can expect your vinyl siding repair cost to be less than other types of siding.
Wood siding is a classic choice that can give your home a warm and natural look. However, wood siding is more expensive than other options and requires more maintenance. Wood siding is also susceptible to damage from insects, water, and fire. Your wood siding repair cost will likely be higher than your vinyl siding repair cost. It’ll be more similar to what your luxury stone siding repair cost would be.
Fiber cement siding is a newer option that is made from a mix of wood fibers and cement. Many people are replacing their existing siding with fiber cement. It is designed to look like wood siding but is more durable and fire-resistant. Fiber cement siding does require more maintenance than vinyl siding and is also more expensive, but it’s a wonderful new option for homeowners.
Aluminum siding is a durable and low-maintenance metal siding choice, but it can be dented or scratched easily. Aluminum siding is also susceptible to corrosion if it’s not properly maintained since it is a metal. It usually looks better on modern homes, but it can also be an affordable option if you’re building a tiny home or a home on a budget. Per square foot, you can expect your aluminum siding repair cost to be less than other siding types.
Cedar shake siding is a beautiful natural choice that adds character to your home. We classified it as its own type of wood siding, even though it’s wood because it has a very unique look to it. It looks really nice on beachfront properties as well as homes that are set deep in the woods, and it tends to look classier than wood planks. Cedar shake siding tends to be more expensive than other options and requires more maintenance. Cedar shake siding is also susceptible to damage from insects, water, and fire.
Stucco siding has become the bane of some siding companys’ existences. When done right, stucco siding is a beautiful and durable option. When done improperly, and when not cared for, it can cause catastrophic damage between your walls and the siding in the form of mold and moisture damage.
Stucco siding is made from a mix of water, sand, cement, and lime. It’s applied to walls in a thin layer and then left to dry. Once it dries, it becomes very hard and offers great protection from the elements. It’s intended to be a sturdy and stable option, but it must be done right, and the homeowners must care for it properly. That includes regular inspections for cracks, especially along window frames.
Brick siding or stone siding are both beautiful natural choices that add character to your home. Stone siding is more expensive than other options and requires more maintenance. It often takes a little longer to put up brick or stone, but once they are up, they provide a super solid barrier against high winds. They can be susceptible to damage from insects, cracks, and water, but they also have the potential to outlast many other types of siding.
Now that we’ve gone over some of the most common siding materials, let’s take a look at some of the most common damages.
Despite being a durable material, siding can still be damaged by extreme weather conditions or everyday wear and tear. Some of the most common types of siding damage include:
Small cracks can form in vinyl and wood siding due to expansion and contraction from temperature changes. These cracks are usually cosmetic and can be easily repaired with caulk or putty.
Dents can occur in aluminum and fiber cement siding from impact (such as hail or falling branches). These dents can usually be removed with a plunger or by gently tapping them out with a Hammer
Fading can occur in all types of siding over time but is more common in darker colors. This damage is usually cosmetic and can be repaired with a new coat of paint.
Rot is a type of damage that primarily affects wood siding. Wet conditions cause the wood to swell and eventually break down, leading to cracks, holes, and ultimately rot. Rot can also spread to other parts of the house if not treated quickly, so it’s important to address this issue as soon as possible.
Insects like termites and carpenter bees can cause extensive damage to wood siding by burrowing into the wood and causing it to weaken. This type of damage is often difficult to repair and may require replacing the affected boards.
Siding panels can become loose or fall off completely due to improper installation, severe weather conditions, or age. These existing siding pieces can usually be reattached or replaced without too much difficulty.
Now that we’ve gone over some of the most common types of siding damage, let’s take a closer, more in-depth look at some of the most common repair solutions.
The type of siding repair needed will depend on the severity of the damage. For minor damages, such as cracks or dents, homeowners can usually repair the damage themselves with little difficulty. More extensive damage, such as rot or insect damage, will require the help of a professional contractor.
Small cracks can be repaired with caulk or putty. Simply clean out the crack with a utility knife or screwdriver, then apply the caulk or putty according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Dents can usually be removed with a plunger or by gently tapping them out with a hammer, usually only on metal siding. This is why your aluminum siding repair cost may be little to nothing. You can often get a dent out on your own. If the dent is too severe, or if it’s on another material like vinyl siding, the affected panel may need to be replaced.
Fading can be repaired with a new coat of paint. Simply sand down the affected area to remove any chipped paint, then apply a new coat of paint in the desired color. Per square foot, repair costs for faded siding, especially vinyl siding, might not be too expensive. With current products, though, by the time the siding fades, it’ll likely be time to get rid of your old siding and replace it with new siding.
Rotting boards will need to be replaced. The first step is to remove any rotten boards, then cut new boards to size and install them in their place. Be sure to seal or caulk any cracks or holes to prevent further damage.
Insect damage is often difficult to repair and may require replacing the affected boards. If the damage is extensive, it’s best to call in a professional contractor to assess the situation.
Missing or fallen pieces can usually be reattached or replaced without too much difficulty. Simply locate the missing piece and reattach it using nails or screws. For larger pieces, such as siding panels, you may need to cut a new piece to size and install it in its place.
In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to replace all of the siding rather than repair the damage. This is often the case with severe damage, such as rot or insect damage, or when the siding is very old and outdated.
If you’re unsure whether to repair or replace your siding, it’s best to consult with a professional contractor. They will be able to assess the damage and recommend the best course of action.
The cost of repairing or replacing siding will vary depending on the extent of the damage, the type of siding, and the size of the area being repaired or replaced.
In many cases, siding damage can be repaired by a handy homeowner with little difficulty. However, more extensive damage, such as rot or insect damage, will require the help of a professional contractor.
If you’re unsure whether you can repair the damaged siding yourself or if you need to call in a professional to do a siding replacement, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and consult with a contractor. They will be able to assess the situation and recommend the best course of action.
Here are some things to look for in a siding contractor:
Once you’ve found a few contractors you’re interested in working with, be sure to get several quotes before making your final decision. This will help you compare prices and ensure you’re getting the best value for your money.
When requesting a quote, be sure to provide the contractor with as much information as possible about the damage. This will allow them to provide a more accurate estimate.
When getting quotes from contractors, be sure to ask about the cost of labor and materials, as well as the timeline for the project. This will help you compare apples to apples and ensure you’re getting the best value for your money.
Exterior siding damage is fairly common and can range from minor cosmetic damage to severe structural damage. The type of repair needed will depend on the severity of the damage.
Siding repairs and replacement siding can be costly, but they are often necessary to maintain the integrity of your home. By taking the time to understand the different types of damage and their corresponding repair solutions, you can be sure to choose the best option for your home and budget.
Make sure you use a reputable contractor and get several quotes to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money. The only way to know how much the repairs will cost is to be proactive and have repair companies come out and give you estimates. Once you’ve found a pricepoint that works for you, make sure the company that’s offering the repairs is a local siding company that you’re confident about. They should be experienced, knowledgeable, affordable, and have a stellar reputation.
If you’re in need of a reputable siding company, contact Summit Roofing & Construction. They’re respectable siding contractors who will come out to your home and give you a free siding repair estimate as soon as possible so you can nip your siding problems in the bud.