The Information You Need to Know About Plano Siding Repairs

When was the last time you thought about siding repair? Aside from admiring your home's facade, you probably haven't given it much thought. However, this part of your home deserves a little of your time and consideration. Also known as cladding, siding is an important part of your Plano, TX, home. It serves a variety of important functions. But when it's damaged, you need Plano siding repair right away. Otherwise, your home’s essential exterior protection could be compromised by that siding damage.

Cladding helps to keep your property safe from the elements, changing weather patterns, and even pests such as rodents and insects. Not to mention, it's a big part of your curb appeal. Cladding is often what people see first when they look at your house, especially since it takes up the most space on your home's exterior. It almost goes without saying that the better condition your cladding is in, the better your house looks—and the more protected it is. That’s why it’s important to keep up with repairs.

Siding is built to last, no matter what type of material lines the outside of your home. However, this doesn't mean that it can't get damaged and that it doesn't need routine repairs to stay looking its best. Weather events and accidents can cause serious damage. Also, different materials have different problems. Vinyl can warp if installed incorrectly, brick may crumble and wood can rot if exposed to too much moisture. The kind of Plano siding repairs you need depends on what type of material contributes to your home's construction. When damaged, certain materials may need to be replaced entirely, whereas other materials only need a few Plano siding repairs completed.

To keep your property in its best condition possible, and help you know when to hire our expert Plano handyman team to complete siding repairs, we put together the following guide. In it, you'll find details about different kinds of siding, common issues to look for, and insights from the pros at Mr. Handyman of Plano.

What is My Current Siding in Plano Made of, and Why Does that Matter?

There are tons of options available to Plano homeowners when it comes to cladding. Although you likely already know what type is on your home, if you're building or renovating you may be curious about what the pros and cons of different materials are. Also, all homeowners should be aware of the positive and negative benefits of their siding.

Stucco Siding

Made out of a mixture of cement, lime, and sand. The biggest drawback of stucco is that it may crumble or crack as the years go by. However, it possesses insulating qualities, is available in a wide variety of colors, and can last up to 50 years when maintained properly. As soon as there is a problem with your stucco cladding, you need to call in your local Plano siding repair experts before the issue worsens.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl is made out of a type of plastic called PVC (polyvinyl chloride). It is one of the most popular materials used on houses throughout Plano and the United States. Vinyl requires minimal maintenance, lasts a long time, is one of the more durable materials, and comes in many colors and styles. As an added benefit, this material is also water resistant, so you don't have to worry about wood rot. However, if installed incorrectly, it can buckle and warp. And, older types of vinyl may bleach in the sun.

Log/Wood Siding

Wood is one of the most traditional materials used to make cladding, and is often found on older homes as newer materials have grown more popular over the years. Despite its natural beauty, the biggest issue with wood is that it rots. Even treated wood can rot over time. So, this material requires frequent maintenance and repair.

Engineered Wood/Composite Siding

Engineered wood is a great alternative to wood for Plano homeowners who want the appearance of wood siding without the fuss of maintaining it. This material does contain a small amount of actual wood, but it's also composed of various fibers and strands that emulate the look of real wood. This makes it far less expensive than real lumber, and it lasts decades and is less likely to rot. That said, when damaged it can still have issues with moisture, which is why it's important to stay on top of Plano siding repairs.

Aluminum Siding

Aluminum is an excellent choice for Plano homeowners interested in energy efficiency. It can reduce the average cost of your energy bills significantly because it's insulating. It's also perfect to put on top of wood cladding to help protect it from wear and water damage. Aluminum is durable and naturally insulating. For this reason, Aluminum is also affordable and low maintenance. However, aluminum is very loud when it rains or hails.

Brick Siding

The main drawback of brick is that it's very expensive to install, and requires the help of an expert mason to ensure it is installed correctly. If not, then the brick may crumble or deteriorate rapidly. When installed properly, this material can last a lifetime. Made out of clay and shale, bricks are eco-friendly, absorb humidity better than other building materials (which reduces the risk of mold, mildew, and dust mites), and are non-combustible and flame retardant.

Fiber Cement Siding

Made out of cement, sand, water, and cellulose fibers, there are many benefits to having fiber cement siding. It's exceptionally durable because of the cement, which also makes it the most resistant to the usual problems with residential siding. It doesn't rot and is crack-resistant. It won't fade in the sun and holds up well to hail and rain. This material also lasts a very long time, up to 75 years with the right coating.

Siding Repairs in Plano, TX, You Should Know About

No matter what types of siding materials you have for your Plano home, staying on top of seasonal repairs is the best way to prevent damage that will worsen over time. Plus, upkeep is the best way to ensure your exterior walls look their best.

Naturally, certain types of damage are hard to avoid, like storm damage or an accident such as a car going through the front of your home. However, routine maintenance and repairing small issues before they escalate can prevent the need for more serious repairs.

Pro Tip:

The best way to maintain your cladding is by inspecting it regularly for signs of damage and booking a pressure washing service to keep your walls clean at least twice a year. Contact our Plano handyman team to learn more about the other benefits of a pressure washing service!

Cracking and Bending

Accidents happen, and even the strongest types of Plano siding can get damaged when exposed to enough stress. Fast-moving, heavy objects can result in the need for siding repairs in Plano. For example, objects that may cause dents and cracks include hail, baseballs, rocks, and vehicles.

Chips and Dents

Chips, dents, and small cracks may not seem like a big deal, but it's important that these issues are fixed promptly. Otherwise, even the smallest issues can spiral into big problems. Dents, chips, and small cracks that turn into bigger holes could result in water infiltration, leaks, structural damage, mold, and rot. Like any structure, once one area has weakened, eventually your home's overall structural integrity will also weaken.

Strange Noises

Unless you have aluminum siding, your cladding should not make loud or strange noises during strong winds or when it rains. If you notice rattling noises, then it's likely your cladding was not installed correctly or has somehow come loose. Either way, you'll need expert Plano siding repair services to fix the issue as soon as possible.

Moisture Damage

Even materials that are water resistant can have issues with moisture damage if they break or are not installed correctly. Water will infiltrate your house through even the smallest cracks and chips—let alone if an entire panel is missing. Water damage is a serious problem. Once it gets trapped between the walls of your house, it can result in wood rot, mold, mildew, and structural damage. These can result in really costly repairs.

Wood Rot

Wood rot is a byproduct of moisture damage. It's an issue that can escalate quickly and cause serious structural issues, so it's important to be vigilant. If you notice a problem, call the pros at Mr. Handyman of Plano to fix it as soon as possible. Signs that you have a wood rot problem include:

• Concentrated patches of orange/brown spore dust
• Gray strands of wood
• Mushrooms and fungal growth
• Damaged or decaying timber
• Damp or musty smell
• Brittle wood or wood that crumbles in your hand

The best way to test for wood rot is to inspect your property regularly with a flashlight and screwdriver. Use the flashlight to look at dark, tough-to-reach places. Probe the screwdriver into suspicious-looking areas. If it sinks in, you have wood rot.

Issues with Weather Proofing

Also known as flashing, weatherproofing is an important part of how your siding—and other areas along your home, prevent moisture damage. Made out of strips of galvanized steel, flashing is installed at roof intersections, along chimneys, along the tops of foundation walls, and around windows and doors. It needs to be installed properly, otherwise, it won't keep moisture out of your Plano home.

Mildew, Mold, and Algae

Mildew, mold, and algae need to be dealt with quickly before they have a chance to get worse. Signs of mold and mildew look like gray or white powder sprinkled with black specks. Mold spores will grow and spread, damaging other parts of your house and negatively impacting your air quality. Meanwhile, algae typically look green, brown, or black. It can stain your siding if not cleaned effectively. If you don't deal with mold, mildew, and algae promptly, you may be forced to complete a major siding replacement project in the future. Check for signs of mold, mildew, and algae around:

• Shaded areas where shrubs or trees cover the walls
• Areas around washing machines, vents, or other appliances that expel moist or humid air
• Beneath gutters and drainage systems

Buckling and Warping

While this issue mostly affects vinyl, it's important to address it because so many homes in Plano have vinyl cladding. Buckling and warping happen when the material has not been installed correctly. Because vinyl is made out of plastic, it expands and contracts when temperatures change. This means it needs to be attached to fasteners so they have enough space to expand and contract.

If it's attached too tightly, vinyl can't move properly. This puts stress on the material and causes it to warp. Unfortunately, while some types of damage can be solved with minor repairs, improperly installed cladding needs to be replaced.

Call Your Local Expert for Plano Siding Repair Today!

Do you think you have a problem with your cladding? Don't waste your time on other siding companies in Plano, TX. When you hire the experts at Mr. Handyman of Plano, you can have peace of mind knowing your home is in the best hands. As soon as you notice issues with your home's exterior walls, call our expert team. We offer outstanding Plano siding repair services, as well as a range of other popular services including fence maintenance, gutter cleaning, and door repair.

We are recognized throughout Plano for our dedication to outstanding customer service and professionalism. Each of our technicians has the years of experience, quality skills, and industry knowledge to complete a range of home repairs and improvements. Our team has brought our truly excellent workmanship to countless homeowners throughout Plano and the surrounding areas. As a locally operated business, it's our pleasure to serve a growing community of customers. In fact, customer care is always our top priority.

To book an appointment today, or to ask any questions about our services, we invite you to call our friendly customer service representatives at. We look forward to helping with your Plano siding repair needs!