6 Signs You Need Siding Repair Services For Your Home in Newtown, PA

Your house’s siding is one of your most crucial layers of exterior protection. It’s built to resist extreme weather conditions, wildlife damage and other unforeseen accidents. How often do you find yourself walking around your property, inspecting your siding’s condition? Probably not very often—until warning signs or subtle concerns creep up one day when you least expect them. The next thing you know, you’re wondering if you need professional Newtown siding repairs.

Maintaining your exterior cladding system every once in a while will ensure your home’s structural integrity and interior frame remain in decent condition. When planning a siding repair project for your Newtown home, you should always consider your desired material, your contingency budget and hiring a reliable team of experts.

Do you want professional service from a Newtown handyman? The service professionals at Mr. Handyman of Newtown and Yardley bring many years of outside maintenance experience. Whether it’s soffit and fascia maintenance, front door replacement or siding repair, we always make sure your home is safe for you and your family.

We are happy to provide you with useful information to help you make the smart choice for your home. Don’t worry if you’re still undecided about how to go ahead. We are here to answer any questions you have about Newtown siding repair. In this blog, we will enlighten you on siding types, help you spot damage that needs repairs and also cover some replacement options that could enhance your quality of life and increase curb appeal.

Common Newtown Siding Types and Their Characteristics:

Whether it’s a residential or commercial property, it’s crucial to figure out what you want out of your siding. It’s important to find information about all the most popular choices in Newtown, so you can weigh the pros and cons and pick the most compatible, advantageous material for meeting your needs.

When Newtown homeowners decide what kinds of siding suits their needs, they have to consider their climate, surroundings and budget. This is because every siding type serves a different purpose. Of course, your priorities will also vary according to your unique needs. You may want to combine functionality with aesthetics or durability with a low carbon footprint. Before you go ahead with your siding repair, it will be helpful to learn about the basics for different siding options.

Vinyl

Many families in areas like Pennsylvania choose vinyl siding for their homes. Vinyl is one the most popular choices because it’s a cost-effective option that requires less labor and time to install and maintain. As a plastic product, it doesn't attract insects like termites, won’t rot, and is generally low-maintenance.Textured vinyl has also improved in quality over the years and can even resemble real wood if desired.

Although more durable than wood, it’s still vulnerable to extreme weather conditions like heat. For this reason, hotter states don’t often opt for vinyl, but it’s a great choice for milder, consistent climates like Newtown.

Brick Veneer

Full brick exterior walls involve building from the ground up like in the old days, but that is no longer common due to its labor-intensive method. Brick veneer is a more affordable alternative because it’s produced in factories and comes in the form of panels. This enables fast assembly, and installation, while still providing efficient insulation for your home in Newtown.

Brick veneer panels are highly durable, low-maintenance, and 40 percent cheaper than full brick, but they cost slightly more than wood, fiber cement and vinyl. Typically, you mount brick veneer on fiberglass mesh backing in the style of traditional brick walls, but depending on the type of brick veneer you use, you may be able install it over your home's existing sheathing.

Fiber Cement Siding

Fiber cement is a resilient mix of water, wood fiber and portland cement that’s molded into panels that can mimic the appearance of lumber and brick. Some formulations have additives (e.g., fly ash) to enhance product performance.

It’s unique construction gives it guaranteed sturdiness and provides high security for your home because it's fire-proof, termite-proof, rot resistant. Although installation and repairs can be labor-intensive, fiber cement can give Newtown homeowners the best long-term value. Because it is versatile, durable and low-maintenance, it requires fewer repairs.

Cedar Wood (or Engineered Wood)

This is a homeowner's eco-friendly choice, given that it's renewable, biodegradable and energy-efficient. Wood reduces your environmental footprint, which makes it one of the most environmentally friendly choices for homes in Newtown. However, wood siding can also be one of the most expensive choices—not because of its initial cost, but because of the costs associated with frequent repairs and regular maintenance. Wood-based materials also attract birds (e.g., woodpeckers) and squirrels that could cause damage to your home’s exterior. Engineered wood is an alternative that has more minimal maintenance requirements because it’s fused with zinc borate and has a wax finish, making it more rot resistant.

Cedar is one of the most popular choices for natural wood siding. Similar to other types of wood, cedar siding is a sustainable resource and grows quickly throughout North America. Cedar boards are fairly easy to repair or replace, as long as you identify underlying issues fast. Although cedar provides natural beauty for Newtown homes, it can be more expensive, and it still requires high maintenance to reach its maximum life expectancy. It requires re-staining and repainting services every 10 years or less and plank replacement every 10 to 15 years.

Composite

This can be made from various materials. (Traditionally, builders used scrap wood from cedar or pine to make composite wood, until they noticed damage from rot.) More modern products like Everlast composite have no wood ingredients and are made of stone, inorganic minerals and polymeric resin, which offer more durable, resilient qualities in the final product. Composite is easy to install, offers an attractive finish that can mimic the appearance of wood, and is resistant to weather and impacts from heavy objects.

Natural Stone or Synthetic Stone

Stones give homes an earthy vibe, whether natural or synthetic. Natural stone may be durable and colorfast but is difficult to source and reshape. Synthetic stone (veneer stone or manufactured stone) is lightweight and easy to cut but often has a homogeneous look and fades quickly. Because of synthetic stone's low density and weight, it’s easy to install with lath, mortar or grout. On the other hand, natural stone is commonly installed on porous concrete.

Steel and Aluminum Siding

Metal has become a popular exterior cladding alternative for homeowners who seek a modern vibe. Its benefits include its durability, low maintenance requirements, high levels of protection and easy installation. What appeals to homeowners the most is that metal is fire, rot and weather-resistant. Unfortunately, aluminum and steel leave behind high energy footprints, but buyers can opt for metal siding products infused with recycled material. Metal is also susceptible to rust if it’s not properly maintained.

There is much more to cover about siding, and we’re here to help Newtown homeowners find the safest, most cost-effective option for their homes. If you’re looking at signs of damage on your home that could indicate you need replacement rather than repairs, it’s important to know about all those replacement possibilities, along with their requirements for preventative maintenance and future repairs.

Signs You Need Newtown Siding Repair Services

How long does siding last? Some types can last up to 50 years if they receive all the required maintenance services and receive necessary repairs in time. Of course, you also have to take into account that severe weather damage is a common culprit for damage that could decrease your siding’s lifespan.

In order to combat the effects of weather, it’s best to complete an annual inspection for your siding, during which you should follow a checklist that includes all relevant signs of damage. Don’t forget to follow up on any warning signs by scheduling an inspection with a local professional who can also complete minor repairs or replacement if needed.

Here are the most obvious signs of damage that call for repair—and sometimes even replacement.

1. Wood Rot

This is a serious concern for any wood material. Some vinyl exteriors also have wood siding beneath, so you should still check for rot if you have vinyl installed over wood. If you are unsure, it’s worth asking your Newtown handyman to double-check this for you. If damaged vinyl cladding goes unnoticed, water can seep into the wood and create rot.

You can identify rot through discolored patches, spongy textures or breaking wood. If you see any of those signs, a wood rot repair specialist will inspect it, tell you how far it has spread, and let you know whether it’s possible to repair the affected area with polyester filler and wood hardener. In the worst case, they may suggest full replacement.

2. Water Damage in the Interior Walls

If you notice unpleasant moisture or musty odors inside the house, it’s likely a sign of damage to your exterior cladding system, even if it’s not immediately visible on the outside of your home. Those signs could also be related to a damaged roof or burst pipes in the walls. Watch out for any leaks or discoloration on your drywall and ceiling and take immediate action before the situation worsens. Water damage leads to many disasters that require ceiling and drywall repair, but those situations could be prevented with timely services like Newtown siding repair.

Pro Tip: Locating a leak is challenging if you can’t tell if it’s a roof, siding or plumbing problem. We recommend turning off your water and inspecting your walls, ceilings, basement and attic. If it has rained and most of the water stains show on your ceilings or walls, it’s likely a damaged roof or siding. Plumbing problems often occur inside walls or ceilings near your kitchen or bathroom.

3. Warping, Buckling, Bulging

Vinyl can warp or melt in extreme heat conditions. Sections can also bulge outward or cup inward, signifying the presence of major issues on the inner side (such as moisture damage). Improper installation could also cause these problems. Vinyl is not supposed to be nailed on to a house too tightly, but it could warp if it is. It’s best to consult your local handyman for Newtown siding repair if you see signs of warping.

4. Dents, Gaps, Cracks and Holes

These might be signs of storm damage or other wear and tear related to aging. Other possibilities are that squirrels might be chewing on your house. Or, woodpeckers have become partial to your cedar siding. If you notice these kinds of damage, it’s important to fix the holes right away—before they become access points for water and pests.

5. Increased Utility Bills

We are always happy to educate our clients about improving their home’s energy efficiency. Many homeowners in Newtown don't associate high utility bills with siding issues that call for repair, especially if they don't know how old and worn their cladding is, but that damage could reduce your overall energy efficiency. Your dependable Newtown handyman is here to inspect both your interior and exterior walls and let you know your high bills are being caused by issues that require repairs.

6. Stains from Damaged Gutters and Downspouts

Some homeowners in Newtown take pride in maintaining their house’s siding by using the garden hose or scrubbers, whereas some book an annual appointment with a pressure washer specialist. If you’re trying to clean away stains, you shouldn’t overlook your gutters or downspout during that routine maintenance.

Having clogged or damaged gutters means that your home can’t divert rainwater, leading it to spill over the side. This can stain your soffit and fascia boards—and even worse, it could cause structural damage from moisture buildup, starting with your siding. Our expert Newtown handyman team recommends keeping an eye on your exterior drainage systems. Maintaining them will help avoid stains and moisture damage in your cladding and reduce the danger of rot and pests attracted by moisture or standing water.

Pro Tip: Avoid keeping firewood and soil near your siding, as you don’t want to build a bridge for wood-boring insects to sneak into your home and have excess moisture nearby. Additionally, we recommend that you check any documents for a warranty in the case of severe damage. Many manufacturers offer 25 to limited lifetime warranties on siding. Often you will find that they cover a 15-year warranty against fading or flaking.

How Much Do You Pay For Newtown Siding Repair Services?

Your costs for repairs will depend on the material you have and how much damage is present. At Mr. Handyman of Newtown and Yardley, we offer upfront pricing with no overtime fees for all repairs and replacement services.

If you need replacement, your costs will also depend on material price, which is calculated per square foot. Below is what companies charge on average. (Please note that labor costs for installation and repairs are not included).

Average Material Costs

• Vinyl: $5

• Wood: up to $2-$6

• Fiber Cement: $6

• Metal: $3-$11

• Stone: $20

Is Your Home in Urgent Need of Newtown Siding Repair Services?

Whether you’re in Newtown or a nearby community, such as Washington Crossing or Richboro, the team of skilled professionals at Mr. Handyman of Newtown and Yardley is the smart option for expert Newtown siding repair and many other damage repair services.

Give us a call at 215-607-6465 to book an appointment or chat with our customer service reps about what we can do to fix up your property. We look forward to chatting with you today!