For experienced or beginner DIYers, vinyl siding repair can be an empowering and confidence-boosting project. However, some projects are best left to Vinyl Siding Repair Charleston SC professionals.
Cracked or missing panels can let in water, which can cause mold and mildew. They also lead to higher energy bills as your home loses its insulation.
While vinyl siding is incredibly durable and strong, it’s not impervious to damage from harsh weather conditions and everyday wear and tear. While dents, dings, cracks and holes in vinyl are common, they can lead to more extensive structural damage if not promptly repaired.
If the crack is small enough, you can repair it by using a caulking product that matches your siding’s color. This will help conceal the crack and protect your home from water damage.
For larger holes, you’ll need to use a patch kit that includes fiberglass cloth and a resin mixture that hardens when mixed with a small amount of water. It’s important that you follow the directions exactly to ensure that the repair will last. Once the patch is dry, you can paint it to match your siding’s color and style.
Vinyl siding warping and cracking are often the result of extreme weather conditions or the close proximity of point-heat sources like barbecue grills. While slight warping of vinyl can be cosmetic, if it worsens it can cause panels to pull away from the metal fasteners that hold them in place and separate from the wood sheathing behind them. This is a serious problem that should be repaired immediately before it gets any worse.
The good news is that repairing vinyl siding is typically a relatively simple project that most homeowners can do themselves. To replace a damaged panel, start by removing the nails that hold it in place with a hammer or prybar. Once the panel is detached, carefully cut off any traces of old caulk at the edge of the hole. You’ll then need to clean the area around the hole with a sponge and soap and water. Once the area is thoroughly cleaned, apply a layer of Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer to seal and prep the surface for the new patch.
Once the primer is dry, you can use a patch kit that includes fiberglass cloth as well and a resin mixture that hardens with a small amount of water. Follow the directions for the patch kit to ensure that it will adhere properly to your vinyl siding and then paint it to match the surrounding panel.
Holes
From hard-hit baseballs to wind-blown debris, it’s not uncommon for holes to scuff or punch through the thin panels that protect and beautify your home. In addition to looking bad, they can also let in rain, snow, and other elements that can cause mildew and mold inside the walls as well as drive up heating and cooling bills. Holes in vinyl siding should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent additional damage and help extend the lifespan of your siding.
For small divots and holes less than an inch in size, you can typically repair them in just a few minutes by using exterior caulk that matches your vinyl. Simply load a caulking gun with waterproof caulk and apply a bead around the hole. Smooth it with a plastic putty knife and allow the caulk to dry.
If the hole is larger, you’ll need to use a vinyl patch that can be painted. First, clean the damaged area with a sponge, soap and water to remove any dirt or debris. Next, you’ll want to prep the patch by de-glossing it with sandpaper—starting with 100-grit paper and then moving up to 220-grit paper—to smooth it down. After the caulk dries, you’ll want to trim any visible caulk and paint the patch to match your vinyl siding.
For a more involved vinyl siding repair, you’ll need to take the time to locate the panel that needs replacing and then pry it free from the nails or screws holding it on to the sheathing. Once you have the replacement piece, you’ll need to cut it down to the proper length with a utility knife or saw. Finally, you’ll need to glue the new piece into place using a construction adhesive that works on vinyl, such as DAP Dynagrip Heavy Duty MAX Construction Adhesive. Once the glue dries, you’ll need to sand the area and then paint it to match your existing vinyl siding. Whether you’re looking to make a quick fix or replace an entire section of vinyl siding, it’s important to find a company that specializes in the work and has experience working with vinyl siding.
Water Damage
In addition to looking unsightly, holes and cracks in vinyl siding allow in unwanted elements such as rain, mold, mildew and pests. These factors can result in further damage if left unchecked. They can also impact the resale value of your home.
The good news is that many of these issues can be fixed with either a vinyl patch or caulking, depending on the size and severity of the hole. The key to a successful repair is to prepare the surface of the damaged area before applying caulk or a patch. First, clean the area thoroughly to remove dirt, debris and any lingering moisture. Then, use a sander or utility knife to smooth out the surface of the vinyl. This will ensure the caulk or vinyl patch adheres properly.
Next, choose a patch that closely matches the color of your vinyl siding. If you’re lucky, the previous homeowner might have saved a piece from the last time their house was sided. If not, you can purchase a scrap piece from your local hardware store or vinyl supplier. Once you have your patch, cut it to size, ensuring the curved edges match the curves of your existing panel. Next, place the patch over the hole and press firmly, making sure to apply enough pressure to ensure it stays in place. Finally, touch up the surrounding areas with exterior-grade caulk to finish off the repair.
Besides the problems mentioned above, allowing water to get behind your vinyl siding can lead to a number of other issues including mold growth, rot in the sheathing and damage to the wall’s foundation. It can even compromise the integrity of your entire home. If not addressed quickly, the mold, mildew and rotting can spread throughout the structure and lead to a wide range of expensive issues that will require extensive repair and possibly even replacement.
If you notice any of the above problems, call a professional right away to see what can be done to fix them. A professional will be able to check under the siding for further damage and give you an accurate idea of what repairs are needed to protect your investment and keep your home safe.
Insurance Claims
As the number one siding choice for homeowners, vinyl is extremely durable and can withstand weathering and normal wear and tear. However, unexpected damage caused by storms, grills that are too close to the house and other events may necessitate repairs or even replacement. How a homeowner chooses to repair or replace their vinyl siding depends on the severity of the problem, their preferred aesthetic and insurance coverage.
Some types of damage to vinyl siding are fairly easy to see and should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent further issues. For example, chips in the siding are a major issue because they expose the material to moisture and insects, which can cause further problems over time. Similarly, holes in vinyl siding are invitations for wasps, ants and other pests that can burrow through the walls and into the interior of the home. Fortunately, these issues can be easily repaired by a professional vinyl siding contractor, usually with a ring shank nail or screw shank nail that will not loosen over time.
When repairing a section of vinyl siding, it is important to match the color exactly. This can be difficult, especially if the damaged panel is old and has faded due to the sun. Fortunately, many vinyl siding professionals will have special paint mixed that can match the shade of the existing siding on a home. This process is often done through computer scanning of the damaged area, so that a perfect match can be made.
In many cases, homeowners will be able to get their insurance company to cover the cost of replacing their vinyl siding or roof through a reimbursing service called Actual Cash Value. This is similar to the depreciation value of an item, and is generally calculated based on how old your home is and how much your products were worth when they were originally installed.
In some cases, homeowners may also be able to get their insurance company to pay for part or all of the cost of upgrading their vinyl siding to more durable materials. This is more likely if the perils that triggered their insurance claim are covered by the policy, such as hail, fires, tornadoes and hurricanes. A local siding contractor that is familiar with working with insurance companies on supplemental claims can help homeowners obtain the additional funding needed to upgrade their vinyl siding to more durable materials.