Every building has an exterior cladding that shields the interior from weather elements such as rain, snow, wind, dust, heat, and cold. One of the most common types of cladding is called siding. There are many types of siding including natural wood (cedar, pine, redwood), fiber cement (James Hardie) engineered wood (LP SmartSide) vinyl, hardboard, aluminum, and more. In addition to protecting the inside of your home, siding also provides an aesthetic to your property and adds curb appeal. However, even the best siding won’t last forever, and sooner or later, you’ll need to seek out siding repair in Denver.
Siding repair is a common home improvement project and something every homeowner will need to consider at some point or another. When you need siding repairs read this helpful guide to get started.
If your siding has become damaged, there are some things you should know before calling a contractor or trying to tackle the problems yourself. Many DIY homeowners will dive into this home improvement project, but siding work is more complicated than it may appear on the surface. Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t realize that they may need professional help.
Make sure you keep these key things in mind as you get started on this home improvement project.
Siding is a big part of your exterior’s aesthetic, but it’s there for more than just appearances. Siding gives your home a protective layer that keeps out the elements and stops property damage before it starts. That’s why it’s vital you seek out siding repair services as soon as you notice an issue. Once signs of deterioration appear, chances are there is an underlying problem (such as moisture and rot) that has been there for quite some time.
2. Figure out what type of siding you have
The very first thing you need to do is determine what kind of siding you have. There are plenty of siding materials to choose from on the market and they all differ in appearance, but they generally fall into these main categories:
The material of your siding factors into how it’s repaired, so it’s important to know what your home currently has. One of the best ways to figure out your exterior’s material is by touch. Aluminum or steel will have an obvious metallic sound when you tap it, but the material can also feel like plastic and is likely more flexible than many rigid metallic materials. Wood siding on the other hand will have the texture, grain, and knots typical to timber. However, many engineered products such as fiber cement, hardboard, and engineered wood siding are also stamped with wood grain. Finally, vinyl siding will often feel softer and more flexible than any of the materials above. Even so, it can still be a durable low-maintenance product. If you have any trouble identifying the type of siding on your home, a knowledgeable siding repair contractor can determine the type of products on your home and the best path to resolving your issues.
Just as there are many different types of siding, siding can suffer from a range of damaging events. These can include hail dents, wind damage, wood rot, excessive weathering and cracking, moisture retention and expansion, wax bleeding, edge checking, and more. You can inspect your siding for obvious damage, but a professional contractor will be able to tell you exactly what needs repair.
If you have a better idea of what part of your siding needs repairs (and what solutions are available), then you can budget more appropriately for this exterior repair project.
There are many ways to repair siding including replacing individual planks or damaged walls instead of the whole exterior. However, there are many instances where a full siding replacement is a better option. If you have edge checking or wax bleeding in one area, it’s likely an indication of a defective siding material, which means all of the problematic siding will eventually need to be replaced. If your problems spread, then it may be wiser to replace your siding. For instance, there were many hardboard products manufactured in the 1980s and 90s that did not age well, and a number of Certainteed products that were deemed defective and involved in class action lawsuits. If you have one of these products installed on your home, replacement will be more cost effective in the long run than trying to constantly repair failing pieces. High energy bills could be another sign that there’s an issue with your siding that a few small repairs won’t be able to fix.
Don’t trust your siding repair project to just any contractor. If done poorly, you could end up needing more repairs than at the start of your project. Make sure you evaluate any contractor you consider hiring by reading reviews and looking at examples of previous work. A reliable siding contractor makes all the difference to your exterior and your investment.
When you need a trustworthy siding contractor, Koala Exteriors should be your first choice. We have decades of experience working with metal, wood, fiber cement, vinyl, and many other siding products and we can resolve your exterior issues and provide peace of mind for years to come. Contact us to get a FREE estimate today.
795 McIntyre St Suite 104, Golden, CO 80401
Mon-Sat: 8:00am – 6:00pm MST