A Homeowner’s Guide: 6 Signs You Need Bellevue Siding Repair Services

Every modern exterior includes some type of siding to protect the building against moisture incursion, harsh weather and wildlife damage. It is your home's suit of armor, but it can't do its protective duties when it has suffered damage such as holes and cracks. Those are problems that must be solved with prompt Bellevue siding repair service.

When that material (also known as cladding) is compromised, it's an unsightly problem that lowers your property value and curb appeal. Much worse, it leaves your property vulnerable to severe water damage like mold, mildew and wood rot that can cause structural instability and expose your family to health hazards. Professional Bellevue siding repair services will help you avoid all those complications.

Since cladding is your home's first line of defense against so many issues, it's important to keep it in good shape with professional siding repair from a team of Bellevue handyman service professionals, like the craftsmen at Mr. Handyman of Southeast Bellevue. Our talented handymen have years of experience with siding repair. Bellevue, WA, homeowners can rest easy knowing that we can get your project taken care of effectively and efficiently.

Let’s learn more about siding materials and types, and how you can identify warning signs of damage that require immediate attention.

No Building Material and Type is Indestructible: Bellevue Siding Repair Comes to the Rescue

You probably already know what your current cladding is made of, but it's good to know what the choices are in case you need replacement instead of just siding repair. Bellevue, WA, homes have many different types with a wide variety of colors, styles and materials, such as:

Natural Wood 

Natural wood is ideal for nature lovers; it’s eco-friendly as long as it is renewable and biodegradable without having gone through any chemical treatments. Cedar siding is fairly common because it’s naturally rot-resistant and moisture-resistant. It’s known as a sustainable resource that grows fast throughout North America. In case of any issues, repairs are easy if underlying problems are early detected. While wood siding is one of the most expensive, it still highly reduces your environmental footprint, and you can get an amazing ROI.

Engineered Wood (plywood)

Engineered wood is made with zinc borate and has a smooth wax finish, making it rot-resistant. It has gone through various chemical treatments to make it durable so it will require little siding repair. Bellevue, WA, property owners who opt for engineered wood must remember to restain or repaint it periodically, depending on weather conditions.

Vinyl

Vinyl is a type of siding that is the most popular and cost-effective option that requires the least labor and time. The improved quality of vinyl resembles real wood if that’s what you prefer. Although more durable than other types, it’s vulnerable to extreme weather conditions like heat and can crack or warp which will require expert repairs. Vinyl is well-suited for a mild climate like Bellevue, WA. As it's based on petroleum, it repels insects and is low-maintenance.

Fiber Cement

This is another popular type you will frequently find. Fiber cement siding is made of a resilient mix of water and wood fiber molded into Portland cement, often to give it a lumber or brick appearance. Some formulations have additives like fly ash to enhance product performance. While the job requires expert masonry, you get guaranteed sturdiness and high security because it's fire-proof, termite-proof and prevents rot in most climates. Although labor-intensive, fiber cement gives Bellevue homeowners the best value long-term and is versatile, durable and low-maintenance, requiring the least repairs. However, periodic inspections are recommended to check for foundational cracks.

Composite

Composite is considered a durable and weather-resistant material. It can be made from various materials like scrap wood or pine. Composite is a more modern choice that contains no wood. It's made of inorganic minerals, stone, and polymeric resin and provides resilient, durable qualities in the final product. It's easy to install and offers an attractive wood-like appearance. You will find yourself requiring little to no need for Bellevue siding repair.

Brick Veneer and Solid Brick

You know traditional bricklaying is a form of building from the ground up like in the old days, but that is no longer common in North America due to its expensive and labor-intensive method. Brick veneer is more affordable because it’s produced in factories, arriving in the form of readymade panels. This enables fast assembly and installation, still providing efficient insulation for your home. You can easily install it over your home's sheathing. They are highly durable, low-maintenance and up to 40 percent cheaper than full brick. Still, they cost more than wood, fiber cement and vinyl.

Natural stone or stone veneer

If you like earthy vibes, then natural or synthetic stones are your best bet. Natural stone may be durable and colorfast but is difficult to source and reshape, and it’s considered one the most expensive siding. On the other hand, synthetic stone (veneer stone or manufactured stone) is lightweight and easier to cut, but often it offers a homogeneous look that tends to fade over time. Synthetic materials have a low density and weight, which make them easier to install with lath, mortar or grout, whereas natural stone is commonly installed on porous concrete and requires time and effort.

Metal 

Metal cladding has revolutionized modern construction and provides a modern vibe. It’s durable, easy to maintain and has a high-end protection system. The most appealing thing about metal is that it’s fire-, rot- and rust-resistant. The only downside is that materials like aluminum and steel leave behind high energy footprints, but buyers can opt for metal siding products infused with recycled materials. You will require an experienced handyman for siding repair. Bellevue, WA property owners with metal cladding can count on us to repair dents and corrosion.

Stucco

Stucco is suited for warm climates like the Pacific, mountain and South Atlantic regions. The mix consists of water, Portland cement, limestone and sand, which create a durable and fire-resistant compound. Stucco typically requires three specific layers that your Bellevue handyman can help you with. We can handle the scratch coat, and brown coat; plus, the final finish.

Are Soffit and Fascia Boards Part of Siding?

Soffits and fascia — which are both part of your roofline — are sometimes included in the same category as siding, which makes sense because they perform similar functions and are made of similar materials. Fascia boards run along the edge of your roof eaves, parallel to the exterior wall, and are usually where gutters are attached. Soffits cover the underside of the roof eaves and are ventilated to accommodate air flow in and out of the attic. They were traditionally made of aluminum or wood, but these days more builders and homeowners are installing a vinyl option because it's a durable choice that is easy to maintain. Any damage you encounter on your soffit and fascia will ultimately affect your siding and likely call for siding repair. Bellevue, WA, property owners are advised to keep up with their gutter cleaning to ensure their exterior drainage system is well-maintained.

What Causes Damage That Requires Siding Repair in Bellevue?

Your cladding is built to withstand a lot of abuse, but like everything else in life, it's not impervious and doesn't last forever. Eventually, it will need repairs. Here are some of the common situations that lead to Bellevue siding repair:

• Harsh weather like hail
• Impacts or pressure from items like ladders or tree branches
• Nail holes
• Improper installation
• Expansion and contraction from the freeze-and-thaw cycle in winter
• Moisture damage: wood rot, mold and mildew
• Intrusion by insects: termites, carpenter ants and beetles
• Attacks by wildlife (you may be picturing a moose charging at your house, but if you have wood, you know the real problem is woodpecker holes)
• Lack of maintenance
• Soil shifts and slopes in the foundation can lead to the need for extensive repairs

6 Signs You Need Bellevue Siding Repair

Want to know if you need siding repair right now or if it can last another season? Most of the problems with cladding relate back to the Bellevue homeowner's eternal struggle against excess moisture. When you're looking for damage, walk around the entire house and carefully examine the cladding from as many angles as possible. Here are six signs of damage that are crying out for repairs from Mr. Handyman:

1. Cracks, Gaps, and Holes

Any kind of cracks or holes, gaps between sections, or missing pieces of cladding are a huge problem, because they let moisture and pests into the interior of your walls. A hole or crack in vinyl siding is also an invitation to pests such as rats and squirrels who spend a lot of time looking for ways to get into your nice, comfortable house. If the damage is relatively minor and only occurs in a couple of places, your Bellevue handyman can seal up the problem spots with exterior caulking. But if there's a larger hole or dozens of small holes caused by hail damage, a replacement piece of siding installation will probably be more effective than repairs, both financially and for durability.

2. Increased Energy Costs

Your cladding needs to be as airtight as possible, and when it's not sealed properly or has degraded, it lets in air drafts that change the temperature in your home. This causes your HVAC system to work much harder to compensate, using a lot more energy and increasing your energy bills. Since heating and cooling are likely the biggest expense on your monthly utility bill, this decrease in energy efficiency can end up costing you a lot of unnecessary money to essentially heat or cool the outdoors.

3. Wood Rot

This repair warning sign only really applies if you have wood cladding (though it can obviously still affect wood trim and sheathing), but it's a big problem. Wood rot is a kind of decay triggered by wood-eating fungi that require moist timber to begin growing, and wood cladding is particularly vulnerable because it's constantly being soaked with moisture from rain and snow melt. It's worth noting that you can significantly reduce moisture damage, and wood rot, by keeping your gutters clean. Tidy gutters can happily collect all the rainwater that falls on your roof (just one inch of rain on a 1,000-square-foot roof produces 620 gallons of water) and channel it safely away from the house. Signs of rotted boards include:

• Soft spots: spongy and stringy surface 
• Webs with cracks
• Discolored areas that are lighter or darker than surrounding areas or have a yellow, white, or light purplish hue
• Wood breaking into cube-shaped chunks or crumbling into sawdust
• Mushrooms sprouting from wood (in very advanced cases)

4. Warping and Bulging

This is the reason it's important to check out your cladding from multiple angles. It's easy to spot a great big hole, but warped siding can be a lot less noticeable. If your cladding is bulging outwards or cupping inwards, it's a sign that excessive moisture is lurking in the unseen wall underneath — and you already know that's a huge issue that needs to be dealt with sooner rather than later for your safety and the protection of your property.

5. Interior Moisture Damage

Speaking of water damage, if you've spotted signs of it inside your house, it's quite possible that damaged cladding is the culprit. Keep an eye out for signs of trouble such as:

• Water stains on the wall or ceiling
• Softened, crumbling drywall
• Excess condensation on window panes
• Leaking water or air drafts coming from window frames, door jambs and even electrical outlets or light switches

6. You Want to Boost Curb Appeal and Property Value in Bellevue

Finally, this isn't exactly a sign of damage — but it's still a pretty good reason to make an appointment for Bellevue siding repair. If you're planning on selling your house in the near future or aren't going anywhere and just want to make sure your home is looking its best, then repairing damage to your cladding is a good place to start. It takes up a huge amount of visual space — strongly impacting your home’s aesthetic — and so it makes sense to keep it in great condition to help convince prospective buyers to seal the deal.

Count on Mr. Handyman for Expert Siding Repair in Bellevue, WA

When the cladding on your home or commercial property is damaged, you’ll need efficient siding repair. Bellevue, WA homes are in good hands because our professional service providers at Mr. Handyman of Southeast Bellevue are the smart choice! We are focused on providing high-quality workmanship and exceptional customer service on all types of home repairs. If you experience siding damage or want to inquire about replacement costs or want to learn more about siding options, we are here to help! We’re also 

Give us a call today to request a siding service, and we'll show you why our Bellevue handyman services are considered the best! We proudly serve Bellevue and many nearby areas, including Renton and North Bend. Trust our team to go the extra mile to ensure complete satisfaction with our siding solutions!