Siding is a crucial part of your home, protecting it from the elements. It also adds to your home’s curb appeal and design.

Keeping your siding in good repair is essential to your home’s longevity. Small cosmetic repairs are relatively easy to do yourself and can save you money. However, if you need some help from professionals, contact Charleston Advanced Siding Repair now!

Cracks in siding are not only unsightly, they can also allow moisture to seep into the home and cause serious damage. If the cracks are large enough, water can cause wood to expand and contract, eventually causing rot. Smaller cracks can be repaired using a waterproof caulk or wood filler, which should be colored to match the surrounding vinyl.

If the cracks are too large to repair with caulk, it’s best to replace the section of vinyl that contains them. This is a more time-consuming, but permanent, repair than simply filling the hole with caulk. To remove the vinyl, start by carefully removing any nails or screws that secure it to the house.

Next, remove the old vinyl with a utility knife or tin snips. Be sure to wear a pair of work gloves and safety glasses as working with these types of tools can be hazardous if the proper precautions are not taken.

After removing the damaged vinyl, clean the area with soap and water to ensure that it is free of dirt and debris that may interfere with the adhesion of the caulk. Next, cut a piece of scrap vinyl that is slightly larger than the hole or cracked section. If possible, cut the edge of the scrap to match the curved edges of the broken vinyl.

If you are using a colored caulk to repair the cracks, apply it first over a bead of white caulk that has been applied to the back of the patch. This will help the color to blend in more smoothly. Once the patch has been pressed into place, use a caulk smoother to create a nice and even finish.

Once the caulk has had a chance to cure, you can paint it to match the surrounding vinyl. Be sure to use an alkyd oil-based primer, which will protect the new caulk from UV rays that can cause it to yellow over time. Then, apply a couple coats of your chosen paint and allow it to dry completely before reinstalling the siding panel that was removed.

Holes

Holes in your home’s siding are a serious problem that shouldn’t be ignored. Even the smallest holes in your siding allow for insects and moisture to get underneath. This can cause wood rot and other problems with the framing of your home. In some cases, the rotting can even make it into your walls and ceiling. If this happens, it’s important to call a professional and have the area repaired as soon as possible.

Often, small holes in your siding are caused by pests chewing away at the surface. Regardless of the cause, holes are a sign that you need to have your siding replaced. If they aren’t fixed right away, the damage can spread quickly and lead to more expensive repair costs down the line.

The easiest way to repair a hole in your vinyl siding is to apply some color-matched caulk. However, this can be difficult if your siding is an uncommon color. If you choose to use caulk, it is a good idea to clean the surrounding area before applying it. After the caulk dries, it is a good idea to wipe off any excess and then touch up the spot with matching paint.

Another easy way to repair a small hole in your vinyl siding is to use a fiberglass patch kit. These kits can be purchased at any home improvement store and usually come with instructions that should be followed closely. If you decide to use a fiberglass kit, it is recommended that you have some foil tape handy as well. This will help you ensure that the seams are completely watertight.

If the hole or crack in your vinyl siding is too big for caulking or using a patch kit, it may be necessary to replace the entire section of your siding. Having a professional inspect the situation and provide recommendations will be helpful. Getting the repairs made as soon as possible will help to protect your home’s value, curb appeal, and overall health. In the end, it will also help to save you money. When you do choose to hire a professional, make sure that they have experience and are certified by a reputable organization like the Better Business Bureau.

Warping

Siding that buckles or droops can cause moisture and structural damage to your home. This is especially true for vinyl siding, which can melt and warp from the heat of the sun. If left unattended, this problem can lead to rot and other serious issues that threaten your family’s safety and the integrity of your home. If you notice any signs of warping, it’s important to call a reputable siding contractor.

There are many reasons why siding becomes warped, but one of the most common is that it was nailed too tightly when it was installed. Because vinyl expands and contracts with the temperature, it needs room to move. If it is nailed too tightly, it will begin to warp and bulge. Another reason why siding becomes warped is that the weather causes it to change shape. It is best to keep a close eye on your siding, especially after severe storms and summer heat.

Even if your siding isn’t buckling, it should be inspected for cracks, holes, and general wear and tear. Leaving damaged areas untreated will allow insects to invade your home, and could also lead to wood rot. Additionally, loose or warped siding may blow off during a storm, posing a risk to your family’s safety.

The good news is that if you catch the issue early, you can avoid costly repairs later on. The first step is to find out what caused the warping. If the problem occurred when your home was being built, talk to the installer to see what can be done. It’s also a good idea to regularly inspect your home for damage, twice a year or after severe storms.

Rot

Wood rot is a big issue that can lead to structural damage and soggy insulation. This type of rot is typically caused by an aggressive fungus that feeds on the moisture within wood. It’s usually found in lumber that has been cured and dried for use as siding, although rot can occur with other types of materials used for home siding such as masonite and oriented strand board.

Rot is not something that is easy to repair. A lot of work is involved, and it may be necessary to remove the entire section of rotted siding and replace it with new material. This is a project that requires the assistance of a professional contractor. During the removal process, bracing may need to be installed to make sure that the wall remains secure. The contractor will also remove any siding or other materials that are damaged by the rot, and treat the area with a fungicide to protect the new wood that will be installed.

It’s important to stay up to date with routine home maintenance in order to avoid rot problems. It’s recommended that homeowners perform an inspection of the exterior of their homes twice a year and after severe storms. This will allow them to catch any potential issues before they become a serious problem. It’s also helpful to keep gutters in good condition, as leaking gutters will leak water directly onto the walls of the house.

If the rot is caught quickly, there are products available that can be used to help restore it. In some cases, the rotting will be confined to one or two sections of the siding. In these cases, the professional will likely replace just those areas of rotted siding and not the whole piece of wood that is affected.

If the rot is more widespread, the siding will likely need to be replaced completely. Replacing a whole section of siding can be expensive, so it’s important to evaluate the damage carefully and decide on the best course of action. It is generally a good idea to hire a professional contractor to ensure that the job is done correctly and in compliance with all local building codes.