Dallas Siding Repair or Siding Replacement: Which Is Better

Siding is one of the most important protective elements of your home. It's not just there to look pretty—it protects the structure of your building against everything from harsh weather and moisture damage to wildlife attacks and pest infestations. It also makes your property a lot more energy efficient, so you don't have to pay so much on your utility bill. That’s why it’s important to know when you need Dallas siding repair—and when you might need replacement.

Are sections of your siding broken or rotten? Damaged siding can cause a lot of problems for Dallas homeowners. Water, dirt, and pests can easily get into your home through the broken sections. Many homeowners ask our expert handyman team if they need siding repair or replacement. The answer isn’t simple. It depends on your specific situation. This helpful guide will cover the benefits of Dallas siding repair versus replacement, and help you decide which service is right for your home.

If you notice signs of trouble with your exterior, count on your local Dallas handyman for skilled siding repair and replacement services. The professionals at Mr. Handyman of Dallas have plenty of experience with home exterior projects and we know exactly what to do to get your house back in excellent condition.

Common Types of Siding in Dallas, TX

Before we talk about Dallas siding repair and replacement we should cover the popular types of siding materials that are available for Dallas homeowners. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages.

Taking the type your home has into account will help you decide on Dallas siding repair versus a total replacement. If you go with a new siding installation then it’s always good to be up to date on the latest products and their benefits. These are the most popular types available to homeowners.

Wood

Wood siding is a popular choice for many homeowners. Wood gives your home a natural and classic look and it has a timeless beauty. Wood comes with its unique pros and cons:

• First, wood is easy to paint. You can paint or stain it any color to suit your taste. If you prefer a natural look you can also use a clear stain to protect the wood.
• Wood is eco-friendly. Many Dallas homeowners prefer to use eco-friendly materials. Wood is a renewable resource, it is biodegradable and it takes less energy to produce than petroleum-based options.
• Wood is also easy to repair and replace when it becomes damaged by filling small holes with putty or replacing boards if there is extensive damage to the area.
• One drawback of wood is its price. Wood is one of the more expensive siding options for homeowners. It can be a great investment if you plan on staying in your home for a while.
• Another drawback is that timber is susceptible to wood rot, especially when it's on the exterior of your house and exposed to the elements.

To protect against rot-causing moisture incursion and pests, either repaint or stain the wood every three to seven years, and keep an eye on it for signs of water damage such as peeling paint.

Vinyl

Vinyl is inexpensive, easy to install, and simple to maintain. This is another popular choice for homeowners. Like any material, it has advantages and disadvantages:

• Unlike wood, vinyl will not need exterior painting or staining. The color is baked into the material and cannot scratch or come off the surface. However, with time it may fade.
• Vinyl is one of the least expensive options. Its slick surface is easy to wash down with a hose and it requires little maintenance.
• You can install vinyl yourself but it's best to hire a Dallas siding installation professional for proper installation. If you install it improperly it can warp, bulge or crack.
• Vinyl will begin to show age after 10 to 15 years.
• Some planks can split because of the expansion and contraction caused by temperature changes.
• Keep in mind vinyl cannot be repaired. The entire plank must be replaced.

Engineered Wood or Fiber Cement

Engineered wood, also known as fiber cement, is cost-effective and easy to install and maintain. Wood chips are bound together by resin to make fiber cement siding. A resin binder coats the boards and compresses them into shape. Also called hardie board, it has a grain-like appearance and comes in many different colors.

• Engineered wood costs about half the price of real wood and it's easier and less costly to install. This is because it is a lot lighter than real wood.
• Moisture is the enemy of engineered wood. There have been several class-action lawsuits seeking damages from engineered wood companies because of product imperfections.
• Generally speaking, engineered products are considered environmentally friendly. They are created and managed in a socially responsible manner.
• Fiber cement is similar to engineered wood. It’s known for its special curing process that makes it resistant to warping and easy to paint. It is pretty cost-effective and durable.
• However, fiber cement has the same problems with moisture as engineered wood. It is also very heavy and takes special equipment to install.

Stone Veneer

Stone veneer is a decorative option that mimics the look of natural stone. It is made with Portland cement and natural or artificial pigments poured into molds shaped like stones.

• When properly installed and maintained, stone veneer will last a long time.
• The main advantage of a stone veneer is that it is much less expensive than using natural stone. It is also lightweight and easy for a professional contractor to install.
• However, stone veneer is mass-produced and if you look at it closely you will see pieces that are the exact same shape and size.
• Some stone veneer allows moisture to get in-between the stones and can lead to potential issues with mold. Some companies have come up with solutions to this specific problem, so make sure to raise this point with your handyman before you install stone veneer.

Replacement or Siding Repair in Dallas, TX?

Now that we have covered a little bit of information on the popular types of home siding, you may be wondering, “Do I need Dallas siding repair or replacement?” It might be possible to avoid the need for a complete replacement with skilled home siding repair services.

You can often get away with having your handyman take care of repairs for the damaged boards instead of re-siding every square foot of your home. There is, of course, an exception to this rule. If the damaged siding has caused structural issues or the damage is very widespread, you will need to replace the entire thing.

A Dallas siding repair professional can come out and take a look at your home. They will be able to see issues with your home's exterior and know where these issues have caused larger structural damages. They can help you decide if repairs or replacement would be best for your Dallas home.

Signs That You Need Dallas Siding Repair or Replacement

Making repairs or replacing old siding is a common part of maintaining your home. Look out for these signs that tell you when it is time for professional siding services.

Rotten Boards

If you notice an area of your home's exterior that is rotting then it's clearly time for Dallas siding repair. This is common with wood and can be an easy fix depending on how far the rot has traveled. Take a look at the exterior of your home. Look for any boards that are crumbling or beginning to rot. If the rot is in one area, your handyman may be able to replace just those specific boards. If the decay has spread far and wide though, replacement will make the most sense. Our experienced team will replace rotted boards with a rot-resistant siding material. These special boards hold up well against moisture and protect your exterior surfaces from decay. This is a good reason to get gutter services, since rotting wood and other moisture damage on siding or a window or door frame is often caused by overflowing gutters. That's why gutter cleaning is one of the 12 Dallas home services your house needs.

Cracks and Holes

Cracks and holes are common in vinyl from hail damage and other factors. It’s easy for a rock or some other debris to fly up and hit your home, leaving behind a hole or chip that requires Dallas siding repair. Holes are more than just imperfections in the look of your home. They can compromise structural integrity if not fixed promptly. Gaps or holes allow moisture, dirt or pests to get inside.

Vinyl siding cannot be repaired to fix a hole. Instead, the entire board must be replaced. Luckily, this is a relatively easy fix. Your handyman can remove the compromised board and put a new vinyl board in its place. It’s best to repair holes or cracks as soon as they happen, to prevent the damage from worsening or letting moisture into the interior of your walls.

Skyrocketing Utility Bill

Has your energy bill gone up unexpectedly? This may be a sign that it is time for a home improvement such as Dallas siding repair or a new installation. If you feel drafts near windows or around electrical switches and your energy bill has gone up, then you have a problem—these are signs that your siding is too old and causing your home to lose energy efficiency.

Chances are good that your handyman can make a big difference to your energy savings by replacing damaged, deteriorated material with new, energy-efficient material. Take a look at Energy Star rated sidings and insulation materials. Choose an option that looks appealing and will also help save you money.

Warped Boards

When you are walking around the exterior of your home, check your house closely from multiple angles. Look for boards that are not lying flat. Warped or bulging boards usually stick out, but they may also be cupping inward. These damaged boards are usually just the tip of the iceberg, and are often a sign that there is a deeper problem. When you find a warped board there is probably damage behind it.

The good news is most of the time these boards can be repaired easily. Talk to your handyman so they can diagnose the problem and offer you their experienced recommendations on the best course of action for Dallas siding repair.

Should I Hire a Professional for Dallas Siding Repair?

Many people believe that Dallas siding repair or replacement is something that they can do themselves without the help of a professional. Let’s take a look at some things to keep in mind if you are considering making the repairs yourself.

Are you making a small repair or re-siding your home? An experienced DIYer could probably take on a small project by themselves but if you are residing your entire house that is a different story. You may need to reach out to a professional contractor, or a lot of friends, for help.

What are your timeline and budget constraints? Yes, a DIY job will save you money but it will also take more time to complete. If you think you can re-side your house over the weekend with a few friends, think again. It can take a professional team a few weeks to re-side a home depending on the size and weather conditions. Consider the cost of your time and decide if it is worth saving a few bucks.

Need Dallas Siding Repair or Replacement? Mr. Handyman Is Here to Help!

Whether you are in Dallas or a nearby area such as Rowlett, Lancaster or Highland Park, the team of professionals at Mr. Handyman of Dallas can give you back your peace of mind with outstanding customer service and top-quality workmanship. Mr. Handyman of Dallas is your one-call solution for home repairs. Our professional, experienced technicians always arrive on time to respond to your needs.

Call to schedule a convenient appointment and have one of our Dallas experts come out to inspect your home’s siding. We can tell you if it's a simple Dallas siding repair or replacement job—and get your home looking good as new in no time.