Should I Repair or Replace My Siding?

Should I repair or replace my siding?

Did your siding get damaged in the recent high winds and storms? You’re not alone. Depending on the extent of the damage and the age of your siding, you might be wondering whether you can get by with a repair, or whether it’s time to replace that siding. 

If you don’t know how old your siding is, here are some tips on what to look for so you can tell whether to replace or repair that siding. And while there are many benefits to vinyl siding, including that it’s low maintenance and fairly cost effective compared to other types of siding.  That doesn’t mean that life won’t get in the way–for instance, wind gets underneath your siding and rips it away from the house, or a tree branch punctures a hole in the vinyl. Maybe someone ran into it accidentally with the snowblower or lawn mower and the siding cracked.

The first thing to look for is whether your siding has cracks or any other visible damage. If the cracks are new, the repairs should be fairly easy, but if you’ve let the cracks go, you may have more extensive–and expensive–repairs in your future. Water can seep in through those cracks and damage the material underneath, which a professional service can spot and tell you whether a repair is enough, or if it’s time to replace. If your siding is over 10-15 years old, then it’s probably time to replace it. However if there are only small areas that have some damage, you may be able to get away with replacing a board, shingle, or panel. 

Another thing to check for is siding that is buckling, delaminating, splitting, or warping. If you see that anywhere on your siding, it’s time to call a professional. This is generally a sign of moisture underneath the siding, and you’ll want to find the root of the problem as quickly as possible.

There is no one right or wrong answer when it comes to repairing or replacing siding, because each situation and type of siding is different, but Hunter Handyman Services is here to help. Whether you need a small repair or all new siding, our crew will be with you every step of the way. Give us a call at (815) 780-7884 for more information or a free estimate.