Siding Repair – How to Properly Repair Your Siding
Siding repair is a necessary part of home maintenance. While some siding will need to be replaced, other parts are still sound and will last for years. Hardboard siding, for example, will last for about 30 years. However, some isolated areas can rot within a few years. This is due to water splashing up from the ground and soaking into the bottom edges. The water then reveals the dark brown inner layers. To replace the rotten boards, homeowners need basic tools and materials.
Before hiring a contractor for your siding repair, check their credentials and portfolio. Make sure they are licensed and insured and have plenty of previous work under their belt. You should also ask them what kind of repairs are available, whether there is a warranty and how much it costs. Make sure you choose a company with a good reputation and customer ratings. Siding repair experts at https://sidingrepaircharleston.com/ are an affordable and effective way to extend the life of your siding.
Before beginning your repair, you will need a small caulk gun. Carefully insert the nozzle of the gun into the hole, then pull the plunger all the way back. Place the nozzle over the damaged portion of the siding. Then, let the caulk dry for 24 hours. After that, you can apply paint to the patched area.
Before repairing your siding, you’ll need to remove any nails or screws holding the damaged panel to the sheathing. Use a claw hammer or a pry bar to remove them. The new piece of siding should fit under the damaged panel. Once this is complete, seal the edges with a coat of wood stain or exterior paint.
In addition to repairing damaged siding, it is also important to clean the entire area of the siding. This will prevent water from seeping into the walls. While the damage may be minor, water damage may indicate more severe issues in the structure. For example, if your siding is damaged and has water damage, it is important to find a local contractor who can fix the problem.
Wood siding often warps due to excessive exposure to moisture. In such cases, adding screws or caulking will force the wood to dry flat. Professional siding repair can be very expensive. The labor for replacing a single panel of siding can cost up to $1,500, depending on the size of the board.
Before hiring a siding repair specialist, you should get a quote to estimate the project’s costs and timetable. You should also understand what type of tools and materials are needed. Depending on the materials, it can be dangerous to handle them. Aluminum, wood, and fiber cement can all cut and splinter workers if handled improperly. Moreover, some types of siding are awkward to handle and require specialized skills and equipment.
The cost of siding repair depends on the material used, as well as the amount of damage. The average cost per square foot is between $3 and $20 per square foot. The cost will vary widely by zip code and region. Whether you choose vinyl or wood, the repair job will vary greatly. While a single repair job can be as low as $50, more advanced repairs can exceed $5,000. If you are unsure of the siding repair cost, consult with your insurance company.
One of the more difficult decisions to make when replacing damaged old siding is whether or not to repair all of it or cut it down to size. Replacing all of the panels will require significant amounts of labor and money. While it is certainly possible to do it yourself, it is also quite difficult and time-consuming. Many homeowners opt to cut down the size of the panels so that they are comparable in size to the surrounding house. While this may make them look better, it can also lead to moisture problems and more insect infestations.
Another option for repairing damaged old siding is to replace the entire paneling. Although this will certainly save a considerable amount of money, it will require the help of a contracting specialist and a lot of work. Some homeowners feel that the repairs should only be minor since they have owned their home for a long time. Unfortunately, there are many times when the damage is too great and even a small repair can lead to significant structural damage that requires major repair.