Siding is a protective covering for your house, and it takes an assault daily from the wind, rain, hail, heat, blazing sun, and freezing cold. Modern siding is made to last, but siding repairs or replacement will be necessary at some point. When the day comes, working with an experienced contractor is essential. Here’s what you need to know about having your siding repaired or replaced.

When to Repair or Replace Your Siding

When your siding is getting close to the end of its lifespan, you will begin to notice a few symptoms. If you’re thinking about new siding, take a good look at your house—up close and from a distance—and look for signs of damage. A few key signs it’s time for siding repair or replacement include:

Common on vinyl siding, but also possible with other types, chips, cracks, and dents can potentially cause a lot more issues than might be immediately apparent. These weak spots let water get underneath your siding and can lead to more problems.

A common issue on older vinyl siding, bubbles and blisters usually occur when water gets trapped under your siding and evaporates.

Wood is particularly susceptible to moisture damage. Dry rot occurs when water gets under the siding, leading to mold growth and causing the siding to rot from the inside out.

Repair vs. Replacement

You probably have many questions about choosing between having the siding repaired or replaced. How long does siding last? Is siding replacement possible? How do you know when to stop making minor repairs and replace all of the siding on your house? Can you do it yourself? Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Siding can be repaired, in a manner of speaking, but repair is really just a small-scale replacement. When we talk about “siding repair,” what we’re talking about is replacing a small section of siding instead of replacing all of it.

One rule of thumb you might hear is if more than half of your siding looks like it should be replaced, then it’s better to replace all of it. This rule works more often than not, but be sure to consider your budget, the age of your current siding, and how long you intend to live there.

The choice between repairing and replacing may also depend on what kind of siding you have. Each type has a different lifespan, different maintenance needs, and is susceptible to different issues. Fiber cement siding, for example, is more resistant to issues from moisture and lasts longer than vinyl siding.

Only install siding yourself if you know what you’re doing. If you’re less experienced or are replacing more than just a small section of vinyl siding, it’s best to let a professional handle it. We also don’t recommend installing fiber cement siding yourself, as it’s prone to breaking if it isn’t handled correctly.

If you’re on the fence about repairing or replacing your siding, it’s best to talk to a pro. Have your siding inspected by a contractor who can ascertain whether repair or replacement is the best choice.

How Siding Repairs or Replacement Increase a Home’s Value

“You only get one opportunity to make a first impression.” This quote reveals the importance of aesthetics. When someone observes your home for the first time, statistical data supports that they will notice the siding before any other feature, including windows, doors, and roofing. Old, worn, and dated siding may reveal much about the attention or lack thereof, the homeowner gives to the rest of their home.

When a homeowner takes the time and effort to repair or upgrade siding, it builds intrinsic value in the home by demonstrating a meaningful attempt to improve the home’s curb appeal. The homeowner also derives a substantial financial benefit when selling the home. Generally, buyers are willing to pay a premium, knowing that costly siding repairs or replacements in the near future won’t be necessary.

Siding Replacement Timeline

If you’ve decided to have your siding replaced, it’s good to know what to ask, and what to expect. Ask your contractor about siding options, for an estimate, to clarify when the crew can start, everything they will be doing, how long it will take, and what it will cost.

Once you’ve scheduled your siding installation, it’s time to start preparing. Here’s how you can get your home ready in the days leading up to having new siding installed:

Move everything away from your home’s exterior, mow your lawn, and trim hedges so the crew can easily access your siding.

We recommend removing artwork and other decorations on exterior walls so they don’t fall.

Move your car away from your home, and keep children and pets away from your contractors’ work area.

Weather can interrupt progress, and projects may take more than one day.

Contact Moss Roofing today to learn more about siding repair and replacement, and talk to our team about finding the best solution for your home in the Indianapolis area!