What You Need to Know About Siding Services and Repair

There are many types of siding, and each has unique qualities and requirements when it comes to repairs and replacement services. One of the most common materials in Illinois is vinyl siding, and although vinyl has many benefits it also requires a fair bit of maintenance.

This part of your home can also be made out of a range of other quality products:

• Fiber cement, which is similar to vinyl because it's also man-made. Fiber cement generally mimics the appearance of wood.

• Stone, which includes limestone, granite slate and other quality materials sourced from a quarry. Natural stone typically has a high initial cost, but it lasts a long time and requires little maintenance.

• Brick, which also has a high initial cost and requires a mason to properly install it.

• Aluminum, which is durable and provides excellent insulating properties that can help reduce heating and cooling expenses.

• Stucco is typically a mixture of cement, lime and sand. It has insulating qualities, lasts a long time and can be textured for a unique appearance.

• Wood is traditional, and is often found on older homes. It's highly versatile and comes in many styles. Wood's advantage lies in its beautiful and natural look, but it can have issues with wood rot and water damage.

• Composite/engineered wood looks like the real thing, but it only contains a small amount of actual wood. It's also comprised of various fibers and strands that are combined to look like authentic wood. Engineered wood costs less than real wood and is very durable.

6 Issues Caused by Poor Maintenance

Each type of siding has pros and cons. But no matter what variety your home has, it's important to properly maintain it to keep your house in good condition, protect its interior, ensure your curb appeal remains attractive, and avoid costly residential siding repair.

There are six common concerns you should watch for.

1. Moisture Penetration

When installed correctly, vinyl and wood siding creates an effective moisture barrier. But, these materials are not waterproof. Even one small crack, chip or missing piece can let moisture sneak in. Once it becomes trapped between the walls of your house, it can result in mold growth and wood rot.

2. Mold & Mildew Build-Up

You should inspect your home's siding at least twice a year. Once in the spring as the weather starts to warm up and once in the fall before the cooler months set in. Keep your eyes peeled for signs of:

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

• Algae, which typically looks green, brown or black

Do not leave mold, mildew or algae unattended. The spores will continue to grow and damage your home, becoming very difficult—if not impossible—to remove. If you leave the damage for too long, you'll need replacement services rather than just a simple repair job. Too much built-up grime could also negatively impact the health of your family, particularly if anyone has respiratory issues like asthma.

Pay attention to the following trouble areas:

• Heavily shaded areas where shrubs or trees cover the walls

• Beneath gutters and drainage systems

• Areas surrounding vents for appliances like washing machines

3. Cracking & Bending Under Pressure

Most types of siding are dent resistant, but this does not mean they're dent proof. Fast moving, heavy objects can still make an impact if they hit your home with enough velocity. For instance, hail during a storm, rocks thrown by a lawnmower, or even baseballs chucked by your children could cause damage. Although a tiny crack or dent may not seem like a big deal, it's important to have these issues repaired as soon as possible. Weak areas tend to only get worse, and could possibly cause leaks, mold, wood rot, and structural damage that will leave you no choice but to invest in costly replacement services.

4. Buckling & Warping

A key difference between wood and vinyl is how the two materials are attached to your home's exterior walls. Wood is nailed down firmly with little wiggle room but vinyl needs to be hung from fasteners. This lets it expand and contract as the weather changes. If it's attached too tightly, the material can't move. Thus, it warps and buckles. If you notice your vinyl siding is warping, it's likely that it was not installed correctly to begin with.

5. Strange Noises

Do you hear creaking or banging noises coming from outside? No, it's not ghosts! Since vinyl is hung from fasteners, and subsequently not sealed tightly against your home, it might groan and squeak during windy days or nights. Most of these noises are nothing to worry about, but it's still a good idea to inspect your current vinyl siding after a storm to ensure nothing was damaged.

6. Issues with Flashing

Also known as waterproofing, flashing is fitted around areas to prevent moisture from sneaking into your home. Typically, it's a thin sheet or strip of water-resistant material that's installed at roof intersections, around windows and doors, and along the tops of foundation walls to move water away from your house. If flashing is not properly installed, it compromises your home's moisture barrier. The water could infiltrate your siding and cause rot, mold and other deterioration.

Professional Siding Repair

It's important to take care of your current siding so you can avoid costly replacements down the road. At Mr. Handyman of Wheaton-Hinsdale, we offer top-notch siding repair services for your property. Our team of service professionals have years of industry experience completing a wide range of jobs for homeowners throughout DuPage County. We've assisted with siding replacement, repairs, general maintenance and installation.

Our siding repair contractors provide quality service while also always prioritizing our customers' needs. Ensuring you have a seamless experience with our company is our foremost concern.