When siding is damaged, it allows outside elements into the home. Moisture leads to rot and mold, damaging the house’s internal structures, and increasing energy bills. A simple repair can be done by using a vinyl patch kit. Clean the area and trim down the patch’s curved edges to fit over the existing piece. For siding repair needs, contact Charleston Siding Repair.

Cracks in the siding are the most common problem homeowners face. Whether caused by an expansion or contraction of the house or simply by natural wear and tear, cracks in the siding can be difficult to fix. Fortunately, if you catch the cracks early and act quickly, you can often save your vinyl siding from needing replacement.

First, you will need to remove the section of the siding above the cracked area. Use a zip tool, also known as a siding removal tool, to slide under the lip of the broken section and pull it out. This may take some work, but it will be worth it in the end.

Once you’ve removed the damaged section, clean the area using a sponge and some soapy water. Then, sand the surface of the remaining panel using a sanding block, making sure to use long, horizontal strokes. Sand the area 3 inches past each end of the crack to prepare it for filler.

Now, you’ll need to find a patch that matches the color of the rest of your home. You can purchase a vinyl patch kit from a hardware store, or you can use a piece of scrap siding you have. If you’re using a patch, you will want to cut it so that it’s slightly bigger than the hole or crack. You’ll need to test it out to make sure the curved edges fit well.

Next, put a bead of unsanded caulk into the crack and work it with a plastic putty knife to fill in the entire crack. When it dries, apply some blue or green painter’s tape to prevent the caulk from spreading outside of the crack onto the wall.

When you’re ready to finish, paint the patch using an exterior-grade latex paint that’s a close match to your existing color. It’ll take a day or two for the paint to dry, so don’t touch the repair until then. Now your repaired section of siding will look as good as new!

Blistering or bubbling

Blistering or bubbling in the siding is a serious sign that the insulation is no longer doing its job. This is caused by moisture seeping underneath the siding and penetrating the wallboard, causing mold, mildew or fungus to grow. These conditions are not only unsightly, but they can be harmful to your family’s health as well as cause structural damage to the home.

If you are seeing this problem, you may be able to fix it yourself by using a power washer to remove the buildup and then repainting the area. However, if this is a recurring issue then it’s probably time to consider getting new vinyl siding for your home. This will help to improve the insulation in your house, protect your valuables from the elements and even add value to your property.

Another common sign that the siding needs to be replaced is if you notice signs of rot or mold. This can be a result of many different things including weather, wildlife, or improper maintenance. The first sign of rot is usually small chips and cracks in the siding which then allows water to penetrate the boards and deteriorate them from the inside.

Other causes of rot include insects such as woodpeckers, termites or bees. The holes and burrows they create allow water to seep in and can also lead to mold, mildew or fungus growth which then weaken the underlying structure of the siding and the wallboard.

If the rot is advanced it can begin to affect the furring strips, wood sheathing and then eventually the studs in the walls of your home. If you’re noticing any signs of rot in the exterior of your home, it is imperative that you contact a siding repair expert right away so that they can come out and inspect the damage and offer an affordable solution.

Other signs that the siding is no longer providing adequate protection for your home include rippling, warping or bowing. These can be caused by a number of factors including improper installation, extreme heat or cold, and lack of proper drainage. For instance, vinyl siding is designed to hang relatively loosely from the wall and if it is nailed too tightly it will bulge and warp as the nail heads push against the hem of the vinyl. A quick test to see if this is the case is by choosing a section of your siding and seeing how it moves side to side.

Damage to the fascia

The fascia is the wooden board that runs along the edge of the roof and helps prevent water leaks, rot and other damage to the soffit, roofing and gutter systems. The fascia is also the seal for your attic space. This is important because it keeps pests like squirrels from accessing the attic space. The fascia is usually made of wood, but can be constructed from other materials such as aluminum, vinyl or composite boards.

Keeping an eye on your fascia boards is important because if they rot, you will need to replace them. One of the most common causes of fascia rot is a gutter system that doesn’t channel water correctly. This can lead to the gutters spilling over the front of the gutter and into the fascia. This can cause the fascia to rot and eventually give way.

Other causes of fascia rot are roof leaks, clogged gutters, mold, fungus and black algae. These growths love moist environments and can rot the fascia and damage your gutters and roof.

If you notice rotted fascia, you should first examine the area to determine how much of the board is damaged. You can use a screwdriver to test the integrity of the wood. If the screwdriver goes in easily, it is likely that the fascia is soft and needs to be replaced.

It is important to reframe the affected area before you put the new fascia in place. This will help ensure that the new fascia is firmly attached to the soffit and is level with the rest of the board. This will help prevent future problems with water, ice and snow.

Another way to repair the fascia is to caulk small divots and holes. This is an easy fix that can be completed in a few minutes. Simply use a caulking gun to apply a bead of waterproof caulk and wait for it to dry. Then, sand the caulking and paint it to match the existing color of your siding. If you notice a large hole or crack in the fascia, contact a local contractor for a siding repair estimate.

Increased heating and cooling bills

When siding isn’t repaired promptly, moisture can penetrate the surface and cause rot. This can compromise the structural integrity of your home, and if left unchecked, rot can also affect the roofing and framing. A professional inspector can check for rot and other signs of damage to the roof and framing, and make any necessary repairs before it becomes too severe.

Holes in your vinyl siding can indicate any number of issues that require a thorough inspection. The most common reason for these holes is insect activity, and woodpeckers in particular can be a problem for vinyl siding. While they may seem harmless, they can leave behind a hole large enough to let in moisture, which is the biggest culprit for most siding problems.

If you notice your heating or cooling bills increasing significantly, this could be another sign of a need for siding repair. This is because the gaps and cracks in your siding can allow air to escape, which will increase the cost of heating or cooling your home.

The best way to find out how serious the problem is with your vinyl siding is to call a local contractor for an inspection. They’ll be able to determine the root of the issue and recommend a solution.

Depending on the severity of the issue, your local contractor may suggest something as simple as filling in a small crack or repairing a damaged section. In other cases, they’ll recommend replacing the damaged section or removing the whole section and inspecting for moisture underneath. This will involve removing the siding and possibly the flashing or building paper, depending on what’s found.

If you need a new piece of siding to replace a damaged one, it’s important that it match the rest of your house. If you have leftover pieces from when your house was sided, they’ll likely fit perfectly, and you can take them to a paint store for color matching. Otherwise, you can take a sample of the current color of your vinyl and use that to create a match.