Siding Repair

Siding can be a terrific addition to the exterior of any home. Not only is siding attractive, it can also insulate the inside of the home, making it a smart investment option overall. Unfortunately, siding installation often comes with an inevitable step two: siding repair.

What is siding repair?

One glaring downside of siding is that it often requires repairs down the road. The term “siding repair” can include everything from securing loose siding pieces to replacing missing siding panels to refinishing old and rotted siding surfaces. When siding is visibly damaged, it can make the exterior of the home look dingy and unsightly, thereby defeating the purpose of installing it in the first place. Therefore, once a homeowner notices a dent or imperfection, he usually has no choice but to look into siding repair to correct the problem.

When it comes to siding, an easy repair can sometimes be done without the help of an outside contractor. However, for more complicated repairs, an experienced contractor is usually required.

If you are in need of siding repair, then it makes sense to first contact the company that originally installed your siding, as those who did the initial job will probably be in the best position to fix the problem at hand. If the need for repair arises within a year of the original installation, then the company might even repair the siding for free. Certain types of repairs might also be covered under warranty, so check your paperwork before making a move. Even if the necessary repairs are not covered under warranty, the company who installed your siding might give you a better deal on siding repair than a random contractor. Keep in mind that the quality of the siding job is a reflection on the company, so you might be able to play the reputation card to your advantage. On the other hand, if its been years since you had your siding installed, then you might be better off finding a contractor in your area with competitive rates.

Who needs siding repair?

Anyone with worn or damaged siding should consider siding repair. Homeowners who are looking to sell their houses should make siding repair a top priority, as any visible imperfections on the siding could cause a buyer to cross the home off of his potential purchase list. Even if you’re not looking to sell, it’s important to realize that broken siding is just plain unappealing, and because of its location, it’s also something that your neighbors and guests are very likely to notice.

Benefits of siding repair

Siding repair will restore your siding to the way it looked back when it was first installed. This, in turn, will make the outside of your house look more attractive, which will add to the overall appeal of your home. From a sales perspective, the better your siding looks, the more likely your house is to sell for top dollar.

Downside of siding repair

The one downside of siding repair is the cost involved. Some companies might offer limited warranties that include free repair services for a certain amount of time after the original installation; however, other companies do not make such guarantees. Since siding tends to get worn over time, the homeowner is usually forced to bear the cost of repair. On the positive side, simple siding repairs don’t tend to do much financial damage. The replacement cost of a missing or broken vinyl siding panel can be as little as $50 to $75 including labor. The more complicated the repair job, the greater it is likely to cost, but homeowners can take comfort in the fact that smaller jobs probably won’t break the bank.

The bottom line

Think of siding repair as a necessary evil. If your siding is damaged, then as a homeowner, you really don’t have much choice other than to go about repairing it. Sure, the idea might seem aggravating at first, but remember that your siding is the first thing that people will see when approaching your house. So every time a visitor or passerby tells you something along the lines of “my, what a lovely home you have,” you’ll know that the money you spent on siding repair will be repaid to you in compliments.