Home siding repair and replacement is always a major discussion when sections of your home’s siding are broken. This can be a frustrating issue as pests, birds, and insects can enter through the sections and make your house a total mess. When it comes to repairing or replacing siding, homeowners often tend to remain confused whether they should consult siding companies for a repair or a complete replacement. This guide will cover both options in detail so that you can make an informed decision on your part.

Types Of Home Siding

Before we can proceed with discussing whether to repair or replace the siding, you need to become familiar with the types and options as well. Here are some of the most common types of sidings.

Wood Siding

Wood tends to be one of the most popular options when it comes to the types of siding as it gives your house a natural look and helps it become a timeless beauty. Although it is a popular choice, it comes with its pros and cons. For instance, wood siding is easier to paint.

You can use different color combinations based on your needs and preferences and the theme you wish to give to your house. Plus, wood siding is eco-friendly. It can be recycled and is biodegradable, which means it is easier to manufacture without damaging the environment.

Furthermore, wood siding is a lot easier to repair than its counterparts as well. If the siding happens to be cracked or broken, all you need to do is fill it with putty or replace the damaged boards and you are good to go. However, the downside to wood sidings is that they are expensive.

When compared to the alternates, wood siding is one of the most expensive siding options. But it can be a great option if you are renovating your house and intend to sell it. With wooden sidings, you will be able to fetch a much better price.

Plus, you will need to put in a bit of effort to protect the wood siding as well. But that does not take much. You just need to repaint it once a year to prevent wood siding from rot and pests.

Vinyl Siding

While wood siding is one option, vinyl siding is another. When compared to wood siding, vinyl siding tends to be a lot easier to install and maintain. This makes it another popular option for homeowners. But it has its benefits and drawbacks as well.

One distinguishing factor between vinyl and wood siding is that vinyl siding cannot be painted. It comes in different colors and combinations from the factory as the colors are baked in. Even though vinyl finish tends to last for several years you will need to replace them.

Unfortunately, you can’t do much about it as vinyl cannot be repainted even from the factory. Plus, vinyl is a slightly sensitive material as well. It might not withstand difficult weather conditions without sustaining some damages over time.

In addition to that, you can install vinyl siding on your own as well if you are budget-constrained. But it would be better if you hire a professional for that. Keep in mind that vinyl cannot be repaired. So, regardless of what causes damage, you will need to replace it.

Furthermore, vinyl is also used for building pergola. So, you want a low-cost pergola, ask your pergola contractor Long Island to use vinyl.

Engineered Wood And Fiber Cement

Engineered wood is yet another cost-effective siding that is easy to maintain and install. This siding is installed by bounding wood chips together with resin. The boards are then coated by a resin binder that compresses them into shape.

The boards are available in different colors and are grain-like. Engineered wood as compared to wood siding is a lot lighter and is almost half the price as well. Plus, engineered wood comes with a warranty. This means that you should ask your installer or supplier regarding warranty about their engineered wood sidings.

The biggest downside with engineered wood is that it cannot withstand moisture. There have been many lawsuits where consumers have blamed the company for imperfections in their products.

In addition to that, fiber cement can be similar to engineered wood. It goes through various stages to ensure it is durable and resistant to external factors. However, the problem with fiber cement is that it is as heavy as engineered wood and takes a lot of effort to install. This leads to an increase in overall costs as well.

Stone Veneer

Stone veneer is essentially a decorative home siding that mimics natural stone. It is made using Portland cement and artificial or natural pigments poured into molds that are shaped like stones. If properly installed and properly looked after, the stone veneer siding can last a long time.

The main advantage of stone veneer is that it is a lot cheaper than natural stone. At the same time, it is also easy and lightweight for a professional contractor to easily install.

The downside to having stone veneer is that it is mass-produced, which might result in shapes or sizes that are not up to the mark.

As a result, some stone veneers allow moisture in between the stones and can lead to mold issues. Some companies have already come up with the solutions, make sure that you consult your contractor before installation.

Do You Need Siding Repair Or Replacement?

Making repairs or replacements on your siding is a normal issue. However, you have to think it through and be smart about whether to repair or replace it. For instance, if you observe there are sections of the siding that are rotten, you can get away with repairing them. But it will depend on how far the rot has traveled.

However, if you notice that the rot has reached a point where the siding has begun to crumble and fall, you will need to replace the siding. Replace the rotted boards with a rot-resistant material. This will help them withstand external factors.

In addition to that, you will need to closely observe the condition of the boards as well. If they seem warped or reshaped, it means the problem is a lot deeper than it seems. You will need to get down immediately to fix the issue. In such cases, you will need to replace the boards as well.

Plus, you might think that you will be able to repair and replace on your own, which is not the case. Unless you have the skills and tools needed, you should hand over the job to a professional because the siding installation might lead to problems within a few months which will need to be fixed professionally. Hiring an expert will surely cost you some money but will ensure a proper job.

Conclusion

Repairing or replacing the siding is all about analyzing and determining the signs and symptoms. If the situation has come to a point where there is no return, you are better off replacing the siding. However, if you find minor cracks or damage, you can simply put in some putty. But we will suggest you hire a siding contractor Port Jefferson to do things the right way.