Have you noticed some damage on your siding that you’re ready to address? Before you decide to tear it all off, make sure you actually need a replacement and not just a residential siding repair! There are several ways to tell if you need your entire siding replaced or if a simple repair will do the trick. If you’re basing the decision solely on looks, then go for the full replacement! However, Sam Boak and our residential siding professionals here at Boak & Sons know that sometimes a replacement just isn’t in the books, so we’re sharing ways to tell if your siding really needs replaced or just a repair.
- You have a small area with damage vs. a large area or multiple areas.
One small crack in your home’s siding isn’t going to cause the entire house to fall down. Although it definitely needs to be addressed because those cracks can get worse over time, a small damaged area is not cause for a full replacement. However, if that crack is a large one that covers several sections of your siding that might be a different story. Plus, if you have multiple damaged areas all over your siding, you might be better off getting it all replaced.
- Your current siding materials – what are they and are they still commonly produced?
This is another issue Sam Boak has run into a few times. Sometimes the siding materials used on a home are no longer in production! This could also happen with the color as well. If your current color or material is no longer available, you might want to consider replacing the siding with a new fresh look. However, if the materials are still available, a residential siding repair is still an option for you! Depending on the state of your current siding material, our siding professionals may recommend replacing it even if you think you only need a small repair. Materials like wood can deteriorate over time and become infested with bugs and rodents. The decision is ultimately yours, but you may save yourself money down the road if you decide to invest in new vinyl siding now which will help defend your home against rot and infestations.
- The maintenance required to keep your current siding looking nice.
If you’re spending every single weekend fixing your siding or trying to get rid of reoccurring mold, it’s most likely time to get that siding replaced. A quality residential siding repair should last you much longer than a week and if it doesn’t there might be more issues under the surface that need addressed. You shouldn’t have to maintain your siding more than two or three times a year, depending on your preference and where you live. If you find yourself spending a majority of your time trying to fix your siding, consider a replacement.
Just like we’ve said in other articles, every home is different. Plus, the quality of the siding materials makes a huge difference! When your siding is initially installed, if the materials are not quality, it could affect the ability to make repairs over time. The thickness of the materials and the color fade are also things to keep in mind that will likely affect the way new siding looks next to the old. These answers might not apply to every situation! If you have questions about your residential siding repair or replacement needs, call Sam Boak or speak to our professionals to schedule a free estimate. You can contact us on our website or call us at 330-793-5646!
