Maybe you're home on the weekend, going about your usual Sunday chore-day activities. You might find yourself in the gangway picking up trash from the local neighborhood kids, pulling out pesky weeds, when suddenly, just as you're about to pull one out, you notice it: bulging siding on your west -facing outside wall. You're no handyman. You're just an average joe with little to no experience fixing things around the house. The closest you've come to being a handyman is changing a lightbulb, and even then, you needed someone to hold the chair for you.
That's where we come in. If you've ever found yourself on the internet searching for "how to repair siding," or "how to fix vinyl siding," you've come to the right place. Not only will we help you spot common siding problems, we will also provide you with the necessary information to fix these problems.
Common Siding Problems
Siding issues include a myriad of problems, from cracks, warping, moisture damage, and pest infestations, all of which can greatly impact the exterior of your home. Many of these problems are the result of improper installation, damage, and at times, just general wear and tear. From affecting your home's structural integrity, down to making your home look unkempt, siding issues can have serious repercussions so it's best to tend to them as soon as you notice them. Read on to learn all the telltale signs of siding problems.
Moisture Issues
One of the most common issues associated with siding includes moisture damage. Moisture issues often stem from improper installation, lack of sealing which allows water to seep in; as well as poor ventilation. Moisture damage manifests itself in the following ways:
- Stains and Discoloration: If you notice discoloration, streaks, or water stains on your home's siding, it might be a sign of water damage.
- Signs of Mold and Mildew: If you notice any mold or mildew growth on your home's siding, then it may be a sign of moisture damage.
- Peeling or Cracked Paint: Similarly to excessive moisture inside your home, you will notice paint begin to peel or crack. This is especially true if you've got wood siding.
Discoloration and Fading
Fading and discoloration is a common issue homeowners can anticipate experiencing at one point or another. While the majority of the time it is simply a result of exposure to the sun, improper maintenance, pollution, and material quality can sometimes play a role as well. Causes of fading and discoloration include the following:
- Exposure to the Sun: Exposure to the sun causes colors to fade over time, as the sun's UV rays break down color pigmentation in your home's siding. This holds especially true for south and west-facing walls.
- Quality of Siding Material: Low quality siding material is not only more prone to fading and discoloration, but other forms of damage as well.
- Lack of Maintenance: Failing to regularly clean your home's siding can make fading and discoloration all the more noticeable.
Pest Infestiation
Believe it or not, your home's siding is quite a popular place for pests to reside. From carpenter ants, termites, and even woodpeckers, all kinds of pests can burrow in your home's siding, often leading to structural damage. Keep an eye out for the following signs in order to try and minimize their damage:
- Strange Noises: If you've got pests burrowing in your home's siding, you're very likely to hear strange noises. Look for rustling sounds and scratching noises if you've got an inkling of a pest infestation.
- Evidence of Damage: If there is visible damage, you will often notice chewed areas, holes, and cracking on your home's siding.
- Droppings and Nests: Other signs of pest infestations include drooping and nests. Termites will often leave behind sawdust, so it is important to keep an eye out for this in order to avoid any serious damage
How to Repair Siding Issues
Below is an easy to follow guide on how to fix common siding issues around your home. Read on to learn insider tips on how to DIY siding issues like a true professional.
Discoloration and Fading
A big problem that often occurs with vinyl siding is that its color tends to fade. A good way to go about combating fading and discoloration is by cleaning and attempting to remove any grime off the surface. If that does not work you can try using special restoration products.
Pest Infestiation
For minor pest infestations you can get away with DIY methods, like filling holes with insecticide, or covering them up with caulk. More often than not though, your best bet is to let a professional handle the job. This holds especially true if you're dealing with wood-boring pests and insects.
Once the pests are fully removed, then you can begin working on the siding. It goes without saying, you should remove any damaged sections and replace them with new siding panels. If there is extensive damage, we recommend letting a pro handle it, as they can also implement preventive measures.
Moisture Issues
When attempting to fix moisture damage related issues, you will first need to detach the damaged siding. We recommend doing so with a pry bar. Simply remove the nails, and separate the siding from the wall. You will then need to assess the damage and look for rotted wood or water damage. If there is any, it's important you remove compromised structural elements. Once that's taken care of, you can go ahead and fit the new siding, install it, and nail into place. Lastly, it's important to seal any joints or seams with caulk in order to prevent any water damage.
Contact SuperiorPRO Today!
Spotting common siding issues can be difficult. But even more difficult than that is fixing them, especially without having the right knowledge and expertise. Instead of aimlessly trying to fix something you don't quite understand, pick up the phone and give us a call. It's not lazy, or an easy way out—it's simply the superior option. Call today!