A home with siding looks unique, but maintaining it can be a hassle. Replacing aging or damaged sidings can give your house the curb appeal it has been missing.
Keeping your composite siding repaired on time prevents damage from worsening. It also helps protect your property from water damage and wood rot. For professional help, contact Charleston Advanced Siding Repair now!
Vinyl is a popular choice for siding due to its low price and resistance to the elements. However, it’s important to repair any cracks or holes in vinyl to protect your home against moisture damage and pests. In addition, regular maintenance and repairs can extend the lifespan of your vinyl siding by preventing it from becoming worn down or sagging.
When repairing vinyl, it is important to use the appropriate materials for the job. While some homeowners may be tempted to use silicone-based sealants, these can degrade or fade in sunlight and are not recommended for vinyl siding. Instead, a color-matched caulking is recommended. This can be applied to any divots or holes in the vinyl, and can be smoothed with a putty knife before being painted to match the rest of the vinyl.
Before beginning any vinyl siding repair project, it is a good idea to clear away any debris or obstacles that could interfere with the work. It is also a good idea to use a ladder if working at an elevated height, and wear safety goggles and gloves. Finally, it is always a good idea to use caution when working with tools like tin snips or utility knives.
To begin the repair process, it is a good idea to clean the affected area with warm soapy water to remove any dirt or debris. Once the area is clean, it is recommended to apply a small bead of color-matched caulk, using a caulking gun. This can be smoothed with a putty or paint knife, and is then allowed to dry before being sanded and painted to match the surrounding vinyl.
For larger divots or holes, it is usually necessary to replace the damaged panel. To do this, first, remove any nails or screws from the sheathing that hold the broken vinyl panel. Then, use a pry bar or hammer to lift the panel from its place and expose any nails or screws holding it to the sheathing. Then, cut a replacement panel of vinyl to the proper size and position it in its place. This can be done by pushing up on the bottom edge of the panel until it locks into the vinyl above it.
Everlast Siding
Everlast siding is a cutting-edge new material that is taking the premium siding market by storm. Its innovative triple-composite formula yields the most advanced composite siding and trim products on the market, with superior durability in all weather conditions and virtually zero required maintenance (apart from a regular wash). It is also backed by a best-in-category Limited Lifetime Warranty.
Made from granular minerals and polymer resins, Everlast is a highly durable and long-lasting alternative to traditional wood, fiber cement, and typical vinyl. It is molded into siding panels that are then installed on homes like yours. The siding is extruded into a wide variety of profiles and colors, and the face is covered by a fade-resistant acrylic colorant layer. The siding is then backed by a polymer and reinforced by the mineral core for strength.
One of the most important features of Everlast is that it resists moisture – something that causes a lot of problems for other premium siding materials. When moisture seeps through the exterior, it can cause cracking and rot. Everlast is impervious to this problem, as the mineral-rich composition does not absorb moisture and expand or swell, so it does not get soft and warp.
Another way in which Everlast exceeds other types of premium siding is that it is impervious to wood-boring insects. These pests can cause serious damage to wood, including rot and delamination. In contrast, Everlast is resistant to insect attack and comes with a limited lifetime warranty against termite damage.
The most impressive thing about the material is its low-maintenance requirements. There is no need to paint or caulk it, and the only maintenance needed is a regular washing with a hose. This can save homeowners a great deal of time and money. It is also a great way to avoid costly home repairs and add value to the property when it is sold in the future. If you are considering replacing your siding with Everlast, you should work with a local New England installer that is trained to handle this unique product, such as United Home Experts.
Vinyl Siding Inspections
Vinyl siding is one of the most popular forms of exterior cladding in new construction and remodeling. It is a highly versatile product that comes in many colors and styles, and is often textured to resemble wood or stone. In fact, it’s one of the most common exterior cladding products that home inspectors examine on a regular basis.
Whether your vinyl siding is leaking, molding or showing other signs of damage, it’s important to take action and perform an inspection. Doing so will help prevent these problems from worsening and protect the value of your home.
When it comes to inspecting vinyl siding, the most obvious indicators that a repair job is necessary include cracks and chips, discoloration and fading, and mold and mildew growth. In addition, homeowners should also look for any areas of loose or missing siding, as well as signs of insect or animal damage.
In order to maintain vinyl siding, you should regularly clean your house’s exterior to remove dirt and debris that can cause damage. You should also be sure to check for proper drainage, as water that pools or stands around the foundation of your home can lead to damage.
Another sign of improper maintenance is bringing vinyl siding to ground contact or even below ground level. As this Carson Dunlop Associates photograph shows, bringing siding down to the ground creates an engraved invitation for termites and other wood destroying insects to attack the structure. It is recommended to have 6-8” of clear foundation wall siding above the bottom of your siding panels.
Other causes of improper maintenance can include stapling or nailing through the face of the siding. This can result in rippling and distortion of the siding. Caulk should be used only where panel edges meet or meet adjacent panels, such as inside corners, outside corners and J-trim. It is also recommended to use a caulking gun that has a wide nozzle that will allow for the application of a thicker bead of caulk.
When it comes to installing vinyl siding, you should always check references and use a contractor who is a VSI certified installer. This will ensure a high quality installation and protect you from shoddy workmanship that can have costly consequences.
Vinyl Siding Repairs
If your vinyl siding is beginning to show signs of damage, you should have it repaired immediately. This will protect your home from moisture infiltration that can lead to mold, mildew and rot. Look for cracking, warping, fading and holes. You should also take a close look at the caulking around your windows and doors – if it is cracking, peeling or missing then this should be replaced immediately to prevent water infiltration.
Whether your vinyl siding needs to be repaired or replaced, it is important that it is done by a professional. This will ensure that the job is done correctly, and that your vinyl siding looks like it did before the damage occurred. Often times, insurance companies will pay for repairs to vinyl siding after a storm. The team at Advanced Siding Repair is very familiar with this process and will work with you to maximize your compensation for any necessary repairs.
To repair a small hole in vinyl siding, start by de-glossing the area using warm soapy water. This will help the new filler adhere to the vinyl surface. Next, prepare the hole by removing any loose debris and cutting away the damaged area. Once the hole is ready, cut a replacement patch from a new piece of vinyl siding. The patch should be slightly larger than the hole and should extend about two inches on both sides. Once the patch is cut, apply exterior-grade vinyl siding adhesive to the back of the piece and press it firmly onto the damaged area.
Once the adhesive is applied, use a plastic putty knife to smooth the filler. When the filler is dry, lightly sand it using 100-grit sandpaper, then 220-grit. Finally, prime and paint the repaired area to match the surrounding vinyl.
This will help to protect the patched area from UV rays and other environmental contaminants. Once the primer is dry, apply a coat of top-quality acrylic house paint to the patched area. Acrylic house paint is best because it will flex with the movement of the vinyl and will help to protect the patch from further damage.
