Advanced Siding Repair
The primary function of siding is to protect the interior of the home (aesthetics are a bonus). It’s common for severe storms to cause damage to home siding.
Cracks and dents are obvious signs of damage, but warped boards can be harder to spot. These can be just the tip of the iceberg and could indicate that there is further damage under the surface. For professional services, contact Charleston Advanced Siding Repair.
When a section of your siding becomes damaged, it’s important to fix it quickly so that bugs and other pests don’t use it as an entry point into your home. In addition, a damaged siding panel may become a source of water leaks that damage other parts of your house.
Fortunately, there are several simple ways to repair your vinyl siding. Whether the damage is a small hole, a crack, or an entire panel, these steps can help you get it looking like new again.
To begin the repair process, make sure to remove any debris from the surrounding area that has collected around the affected piece of siding. Next, clean the area, several inches in each direction, with mild soap and water and allow it to dry thoroughly. It is also a good idea to wear gloves and eye protection when working with any tools, especially tin snips, utility knives, hammers, and pry bars.
If the damaged section is only a small hole, a dab of caulk will usually suffice. However, if the hole is larger than 1 inch across, you should use one of the other repair methods described below.
For larger holes, a vinyl siding patch kit can be a great way to hide the blemish and make your siding weather-tight. Start by following the specific directions on the kit, which will include cleaning the area and installing the patch. Once the patch is in place, nail it in at least two places. Be careful not to over-nail, as you need to leave room for the patch to expand and contract.
Finally, touch up the spot with paint that matches your siding. While it is not necessary to paint vinyl siding, this step will help it maintain its color and prevent it from fading in the sun.
If your vinyl siding is buckling, it is likely because the nails were driven in too tightly when it was installed. The nails should be loose so that the vinyl can expand and contract without damaging the siding underneath. Depending on the extent of the buckling, it may be necessary to remove and replace the damaged panel.
Repainting the Siding
If your siding is still in good shape, painting it can give it a fresh new look that will make you and your neighbors envious. It will also protect the siding from deterioration and the elements. It is important to use vinyl paint that is designed to work with your type of siding. Otherwise, the paint might peel or fade in a short amount of time. Sherwin Williams has a line of latex paints that are vinyl-safe, such as Emerald, Duration, and SuperPaint latex paints. These types of paints have acrylic latex and urethane resins, which make them more durable and help with adhesion.
If you decide to repaint your vinyl siding, you should first wash the surface to remove dirt and debris. You can either use a pressure washer with a cleaning solution, or if the weather is warm, you might be able to clean the siding by hand using a sponge or brush. It is recommended to use a detergent that is safe for vinyl, such as a 1:1 mixture of water and white vinegar. Thoroughly washing the surface will ensure that all the mold and mildew are removed, as well as any dust or other debris. You should also take this opportunity to inspect the siding for any damage that may need repairing.
Once the surface is clean, it should be primed before you start painting. This step will fill in pits and crevices, ensuring a smooth finish when you are done. You can find vinyl primer at most home improvement stores, which is specially formulated to adhere to vinyl. Then, you can choose to use a roller, brush, or paint sprayer to apply the paint. It is best to work in the shade, as the sun might cause your paint to dry unevenly or develop lap marks.
It is a good idea to do some research before you begin your project, as there are many different colors and styles of siding that are available today. Depending on your preferences, you might find that you want to replace your vinyl siding instead of simply painting over it. If you have any questions, feel free to contact a professional siding contractor to discuss your options.
Replacing the siding
If a piece of siding is badly damaged, you may want to replace it instead of simply repairing the hole. The process is relatively simple and allows you to maintain the uniform appearance of your house’s exterior. You will need to remove the damaged panel and apply a matching replacement, which will likely be easier if you have an old one to use as a template. This can save you time and money by not having to go through the hassle of finding a new color match.
You will need to separate the vinyl panel above the damaged section to access the nail flange on which you will need to nail down the new section. This requires a pry bar and hammer. If the siding is in bad shape, you might also need to loosen and remove any nails holding it to the wall. This will allow you to expose rotted sheathing and framing, clumped insulation, and compromised electrical wiring that must be repaired or replaced before you can put up the new siding.
Once you have the new piece of siding ready, carefully cut it to the correct size and install it. Make sure you have the right amount of caulk on hand to do the job, which will require a caulking gun. After applying the caulk, wait a few hours for it to dry. Then, sand and paint the caulked area to blend it into the surrounding areas.
If you are repairing or replacing a large section of siding, you might be better off using a contractor for the task. They have the experience to handle this type of work quickly and efficiently. A good contractor should have the proper licenses, worker’s compensation insurance, and liability coverage. In addition, they will usually have a crew to help them work faster and can offer you a discount for hiring more than one person. It is also a good idea to check the contractor’s references before hiring them. This will give you a feel for how professional they are and how well they work under pressure.
Siding Installation
After your old siding has been removed and the wall has been inspected for damage or signs of rot, it’s time to begin installing your new siding. The first step will be to lay down a base layer called oriented-strand board, or OSB. This is similar to plywood and will help protect the walls from moisture. After the OSB is down, it’s time to install a weather barrier. This is another layer of protection that will keep out water and wind, helping to prevent the onset of mold and mildew.
Finally, your sheathing will be installed. This is what will hold your new siding in place, so it’s important to get this step right. Your contractor will probably have to use a leveler to make sure that the sheathing is level; if it’s not, it could affect the way your siding looks once it’s finished.
Once the sheathing is in place, your contractors can install the outside and inside corner trim pieces. They’ll also install channels around windows and doors, making sure that they lie flat against the window trim. They may also need to trim back the caulk around the edges of these channels so that they are flush with the window frame.
Your contractors will then nail the starter strip to the wall and begin installing the first piece of siding. It’s a good idea to have the crew clear tables and chairs, portable plants, and other items from outside your home before they start work. This is because the construction process will cause your walls to shake, and it’s possible that these items might fall off. You should also be sure to remove items that are leaning against or hanging from the walls, and any pictures located on shelves should be removed as well.
The experts at Advanced Siding Repair are dedicated to quality and ensuring that your vision becomes a reality. They have the experience and knowledge to provide you with beautiful siding that will add to your home’s value and provide added protection against the unpredictable weather here in the Lehigh Valley. To find out more about how they can transform your home’s exterior, contact them today.
