
It is generally a bad idea to attempt repairs of your vinyl siding yourself because of the inherent danger of handling something as fragile as vinyl siding. The first thing you will want to do is find a reputable contractor to do the job for you. In many cases, these repairs are best left to a professional because it can be tough to discern what has been damaged by the elements or simply what has been chipped off with the hammer. In any event, you must take all precautions before attempting repairs to your home’s exterior. Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you make your Vinyl Siding repair:
Determine the average cost of repairs to your home’s exterior. Since most vinyl siding repairs consist of replacing damaged sections, the average cost is the total cost of all sections that must be replaced. Use your calculator to determine the approximate repair cost by multiplying the total cost by the square footage of the home. (Note: This doesn’t mean the actual square footage may be larger or smaller than the estimate.) This information is helpful in determining whether or not you should do the project yourself.
If your house requires only small holes or tears in the vinyl siding to be repaired, such as those associated with minor storms or inclement weather, then you are able to tackle this task yourself. Many homeowners choose to replace the damaged sections of vinyl for a smaller price than repairing the entire thing. The repair cost for this project will depend on the difficulty of the repair. You may find it necessary to consult an expert in home improvement to get a better understanding of the material and the proper techniques for repairing small holes or tears. You can also visit your local home improvement store or hardware store to learn about vinyl siding repair and to purchase replacement parts.
If your house has sustained more substantial damage, such as large holes or tears, then you are probably best served by hiring a contractor to make vinyl siding repairs. These repairs are often much more expensive because of the amount of time and effort that goes into them. Homeowners who know very little about these repairs might discover that they end up being more expensive than they initially anticipated. There are many great deals available for vinyl siding replacement but many people opt to go with these repairs because they are guaranteed to last for many years.
It is possible for your vinyl siding repair to last for many years even with minimal maintenance. The only other thing that you should do is to apply paint protection every three or four years to keep the paint from chipping and fading. Some homeowners choose to apply a thin coat of paint protection even sooner, but this can delay the appearance of the repaired area. It will eventually blend in with the rest of the house’s finish over the course of several years. In some cases, vinyl siding repair may be necessary every ten to fifteen years, depending on how much wear and tear your home gets.
When choosing a contractor to make repairs to your home’s exterior, make sure that they have extensive experience in this field. Most companies will offer free estimates and a free consultation before conducting any work, which is an essential part of selecting any major project like this. Ask any questions that you feel are important before hiring a contractor to repair your loose siding and keep in mind that loose siding and mold problems can sometimes be a sign of a bigger problem.
If your damaged vinyl siding is caused by water seeping in through a busted hole or crack, there is no way to completely remove it from the outside of your home. This means that you will have to fix the problem or have the broken vinyl siding replaced with something new. One possible solution would be to install plastic sheets over the entire area, which will stop small water leaks from getting inside. Another solution is to dig a small hole in the area and add a special mold release agent. This will help prevent mold from growing on your floor and walls exposed to water or air.
While vinyl replacement is a less expensive option than having it replaced, it is still an option you should explore. Even if the vinyl has little to no structural damage, a professional could also install a wood underneath vinyl coating so that it matches the original wood underneath. You may also want to consider installing a ventilation system to help keep your home from becoming too humid or moist. Having a professional do this type of job will guarantee that your home will not only look great but remain safe from harmful insects and mildew as well.