Vinyl Siding is one of the most popular siding materials on the market today. Many homeowners love the attractive appearance vinyl offers, and many choose it for its durability and low maintenance. Unfortunately, vinyl does not last forever, and cracking and holes are all too common signs of aging. Even when your vinyl siding appears solid on the exterior, however, some signs of potential damage might be hard to notice. Keep in mind, your siding not only adds visual beauty to your home; it also helps to protect it from wind and water damage, as well as mold and mildew. If you do not take proper care of your vinyl siding, you may suffer some very serious consequences.
Before attempting any siding repair on your vinyl siding, you will need to make sure that you do not need to replace the entire piece. If you see a crack or hole in your vinyl, you should consult with a professional before you attempt repairs. It is also a good idea to purchase exterior paint that matches or is close to the color of your vinyl. This will help eliminate the problem of peeling paint as well as make the repair process go more smoothly.
Cracks and holes can develop in your vinyl siding all the time. These tiny holes and cracks often get undetected, which is why you might never know you have them. Look over your siding periodically and pay attention to small gaps and cracks that you can see from the outside. Sometimes these cracks and holes will form because of the expansion and contraction of the vinyl panel siding material itself. Other times, however, you may find siding damage caused by outside elements like storms and extreme temperature shifts.
Examine your siding for signs of damage that may be caused by nails. Watch out for nails that are crooked, broken, blunt, missing, or distorted in any way. Any broken nails or holes can create gaps between the replacement panel siding and the adjacent house exterior. This will allow rain and snow to seep into your home creating additional damage. Even if the damage is not enough to warrant a complete replacement, you should consider hiring a professional to repair the damages.
If you find small holes or cracks on your vinyl siding, follow the next few steps. You should try to squeeze these areas with your fingers until they become tight. This will force you to find any other small holes or cracks in the paneling material. If you cannot locate a whole hole or crack, apply some wood glue on the area using a tack cloth or a toothpick.
When you have found any small holes or cracks, you will now have to remove them before replacing your vinyl siding panels. The best option for removing excess caulk or old caulk from these areas is to use a putty knife and scrape the caulk dry with an edge of a drywall blade. Be sure to keep your hands away from your face while scraping, and never leave the knife in your mouth. This could lead to serious problems, including a possible injury.
If you find holes or cracks anywhere on your vinyl siding panels, then you will need to repair the damage before installing the new ones. To find the most affordable repair vinyl replacement, you may want to take pictures and measurements of the damaged area. If you plan on buying the new panels at a local store, you will be able to ask an associate to help you evaluate the repair to find the most affordable replacement. For those who are planning to purchase the panels at a hardware store or online, you can research repair prices on the Internet. The Internet will also give you an idea of the average cost to repair damaged panels.
Before you purchase new siding, make sure to check with your local building department. They may have recommendations on how to repair or replace your siding. Also, check with your insurance agent to determine whether or not your current policy covers siding repairs. Finally, if you are planning to move, consult with your contractor to see whether or not they recommend removing and installing new vinyl siding for the remainder of your life.
