Siding Repair 101: What to Know

Siding is like your home's armor. It goes through a lot of abuse from rough weather, wildlife attacks and general wear and tear, all to protect your house or commercial property from issues that would make it less comfortable, safe, efficient and livable. But when it starts to deteriorate or suffers sudden damage, it can't do its job to keep your house protected and you need Walpole siding repair to get it back in excellent condition.

A professional siding project doesn't just keep your home protected against moisture damage, but also heat transfer and other serious problems that can cost you time, stress and money. Walpole siding repair could also boost your curb appeal and increase property value when it's time to put your property on the market. If your siding is in rough shape, you probably have some questions about repair services. This guide covers some need-to-know information about siding repair and siding installation in Walpole and other parts of the greater Boston area.

When you can't go another season without expert siding repair, count on your local Walpole handyman to get the work done right and give you back your peace of mind. The team of multi-skilled service professionals at Mr. Handyman of Central - Eastern Norfolk County & S. Shore has plenty of experience with Walpole siding repair, and we are proud to deliver the highest standards of customer service and quality workmanship.

Types of Siding Used in Walpole, MA

Siding takes up the majority of real estate on your home or business. It's available in many materials, styles and designs. Each variety has its own pros and cons—including how much maintenance it needs to stay in good condition. Likely, you already know the kind of cladding you have on your home. But in case you're thinking of renovating or if you're not sure, here's a rundown of the basic Walpole siding options:

• Vinyl: A very common siding variety, vinyl is made out of a type of plastic called PVC (polyvinyl chloride). It's highly durable and lasts a long time. However, it may bleach in the sun.

• Fiber Cement: This material is similar to vinyl because it's also man-made. Usually, fiber cement mimics the appearance of wood so you can get a classic look combined with the durability of fiber cement cladding.

• Brick: Has a high initial cost and requires a mason to properly install it. But, brick also has a classic, timeless aesthetic.

• Stone: Limestone, granite, slate and other materials sourced from a quarry can be used as siding. Natural stone lasts a long time and does not require a lot of maintenance, but it's generally more expensive to install.

• Aluminum: This material is very durable and provides excellent insulating properties. This means it could help reduce heating and cooling expenses.

• Stucco: A mixture of cement, lime and sand, stucco has insulating qualities, lasts a long time and can be textured for a unique appearance.

• Wood: The most traditional variety of siding, many kinds of wood can be used, like cedar or pine. Usually, wood siding is found on older homes. This material is versatile, comes in many styles and creates a natural look. But, it can have issues with wood rot and water damage.

• Composite/Engineered Wood: This material only contains a small amount of actual wood. It's made of various fibers and strands that are combined to look like authentic wood. A benefit is that engineered wood costs less than real wood, but looks like the real thing.

How Walpole Siding Repair Helps Save Money on Energy Costs

Tired of increasing energy usage charges on your monthly utility bill? There's a number of issues that can cause energy loss such as a compromised window frame or insufficient attic insulation, but damage to your home's exterior is also a possible explanation for why your energy costs are going up.

Here's how it works: thermal energy will always try to move from a warmer place to a colder place in a process called heat transfer. That means warm air from your furnace will escape outside in the winter when it's cold outdoors, and heat from the sun will come into your house in the summer when you're running your air conditioner. Heat transfer changes the temperature in your house and your HVAC system has to operate for longer periods of time to compensate and keep up with your thermostat's demands.

Even in the most perfectly sealed, energy efficient house, the heating and cooling costs would probably still be the biggest expense on your energy bill. That's because your HVAC system needs to use a considerable amount of fuel, whether it's natural gas or electricity, to maintain your indoor comfort levels. That added operation time from an exterior that needs Walpole siding repair can result in a significant increase to your energy costs.

Improving Property Value With Walpole Siding Repair Service

If you are thinking of selling your Walpole home in the next few years and want to find ways to increase your property value prior to sale, Walpole siding repair can be very helpful for the selling process. The exterior of your house is one of the very first things realtors and prospective buyers will look at, and if they see signs of grime and disrepair like cracks or stains right from the start, it could scare them away before they even see what's on the inside. On the other hand, when cladding is in excellent shape and looking good, it gives potential home buyers peace of mind that the house has been properly maintained and there aren't any major issues lurking beneath the surface.

7 Issues That Require Professional Walpole Siding Repair

The various types of siding each have their own set of benefits and drawbacks. But, no matter what material is outside your home, commercial property or place of business, it's important to properly maintain your cladding. It not only looks attractive, but also protects your property from the elements and water damage. If your siding is looking worse for wear, get the help you need from your local Walpole handyman. Our service professionals can help with the following siding damage issues:

1. Mold and Mildew Build-Up

The best practice to prevent any issues with your siding is to inspect the exterior of your Walpole, MA home at least twice a year. You should walk through your property during the spring and the fall looking for damage, staining and irregular areas. Be sure you check for signs of:

• Algae, which typically looks green, brown or black

• Mold and mildew which generally looks like a gray or white powder sprinkled with black specks along the sides of your home

If you notice signs of mold, mildew or algae, do not leave it unattended. The spores will spread, damaging more areas of your home. Over time, you might need replacement services rather than just a simple repair job. Also, mold and mildew is bad for your family's health, particularly if you or your loved ones have asthma. Watch for signs of damage in the following areas:

• Shaded areas where shrubs or trees cover the walls

• Areas around washing machines, vents and other appliances

• Beneath gutters and drainage systems

2. Moisture Penetration

When installed correctly, most kinds of siding create an effective barrier against moisture and humidity in Walpole. But, these materials are not entirely waterproof—especially when damaged. Even one small nail hole, crack, or missing piece can let water seep in. Once moisture becomes trapped between the walls of your house, it can result in structural damage, mold growth and rotted boards or ceiling beams. You can learn more about ceiling repair and installation services on our blog.

You may notice signs of moisture incursion inside your house as water seeps through damaged cladding and eventually affects your drywall or flooring materials. Signs of interior water damage include:

• Brown water stains on ceilings or walls

• Patches of soft, crumbling drywall

• Drywall has loose joint tape or popping screws and nails

• Excessive condensation on the inside of window panes

• Water leaking from window frames or door jambs

• Air drafts coming from light switches or electrical outlets

• Walls feel cold to the touch in some areas

3. Cracking and Bending Under Pressure

Since cladding goes around your home, it is designed to withstand certain levels of stress and damage. That said, most types of siding can be dented. Fast moving, heavy objects can still make an impact if they hit your home hard enough. For instance, hail during a storm, rocks expelled by a lawnmower and even balls thrown by playing children could cause damage.

Although a small chip may not seem like a big deal, it's actually very important to fix these problems as quickly as possible. Any weak areas could worsen, resulting in leaks, structural damage, mold and wood rot that will leave you no choice but to invest in expensive replacement services.

4. Issues with Flashing

Also known as waterproofing, flashing prevents moisture from sneaking into your home by fitting around areas where water could infiltrate into your roof. Flashing is made out of a thin sheet or strip of water-resistant material (usually galvanized steel) that's installed at roof intersections, along chimneys, around windows and doors, and along the tops of foundation walls. If it's installed incorrectly, it compromises your home's moisture barrier. When that happens, water could leak into your siding and cause rot, mold and other deterioration.

5. Buckling & Warping

Wood and vinyl siding are two of the most popular cladding varieties. But a big difference between the two is how each material is attached to your home's exterior. Wood is nailed down firmly, secured right against the sides of your house. Vinyl is attached by fasteners, with a small space between the cladding and the wall. Fasteners enable vinyl to expand and contract as the weather changes. If it's attached too tightly, it can't move. This puts stress on the material and makes it warp and buckle. If you notice this happening, it's likely the cladding was not installed correctly to begin with.

6. Fading Colors

Vinyl siding is susceptible to fading over time, especially on the parts of a building that are frequently exposed to direct sunlight. The color should last for at least the amount of time the manufacturer has rated it for, so when you do start to see signs of color fading on your vinyl cladding, that means it is well past its prime and will give you more and more trouble as it ages. In this case, replacement is a better option than Walpole siding repair. You could get exterior painting services to hide the fading, but it will still deteriorate at a more accelerated rate and could cause more serious problems that go beyond appearance.

7. Gutter Stains or Stripes

Does your siding have big black, gray or rust-colored streaks running vertically down your exterior walls? Those unsightly marks are called gutter stripes because they are usually caused by overflowing or broken rain gutters that are letting rainwater leak down your cladding. This definitely means you need professional gutter services such as gutter cleaning, but it's also a sign that you need Walpole siding repair.

Our handyman team can remove the stains with professional pressure washing service. Pressure washing machines are highly efficient and effective at cleaning stubborn stains from outdoor surfaces and items. They produce pressures that range from 750 to 3,000 psi, or pound-force per square inch, to blast away grime and stains such as gutter stripes. We can also take care of gutter cleaning and gutter repair services while we're at it to make sure the problem doesn't reoccur so easily.

Count on Your Local Handyman for Professional Walpole Siding Repair

Taking care of your siding means you can avoid costly repairs and replacements in the future. Mr. Handyman of Central - Eastern Norfolk County and S. Shore offers excellent siding repair services to restore your home to its former elegance. Our team of service professionals have years of experience, expertise and in-depth knowledge about a range of improvement services. They also undergo an extensive screening process with an employee background check program. We offer experienced handyman service for cladding replacement, repairs, general maintenance and installation.

To book an appointment, we invite you to call our friendly customer service representatives at 508-465-2092. We proudly serve Walpole and many nearby areas, from Westwood to Weymouth to Marshfield.