House Siding Wichita, KS: What You Should Know About Repairs

House siding, also known as cladding, is an integral part of your house. It helps to keep your property safe from the elements, changing weather patterns and even pests such as rodents and insects. Cladding is often what people see first when they look at your house. It takes up a lot of real estate, and so it contributes greatly to your property's overall curb appeal and visual appeal. The better shape your cladding is in, the better your house looks. This serves to impress friends, neighbors and even prospective buyers (if you're thinking of selling). Ensuring it's in the best condition possible by staying on top of Wichita, KS, siding repairs is essential to maintaining the look and function of your home.

Even though most types of cladding are highly durable, they don't hold up indefinitely. Damage can occur because of accidents and harsh weather, such as storms. Also certain materials have certain pitfalls. Wood rots, and vinyl has a tendency to warp. Depending on what material is on the outside of your house, it has different Wichita siding repair considerations. Certain materials may need to be refinished, have a piece of siding replaced, or have other Wichita house siding repairs completed.

To help you know when to hire our expert Wichita handyman team to complete house siding repairs, and keep your property in its best condition possible, 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 the Wichita Metro Area.

What Type of Siding Does My Wichita, KS, House Have?

There are numerous styles, materials and designs available when it comes to cladding. While it may be obvious what type of siding you have, it's helpful to know a little more about it so you can troubleshoot issues before siding repairs are needed. Besides, if you're thinking of renovating or are building a new house, it's important to explore the different options available to you. To help give you more information about different types of exterior siding, we put together the following guide.

Log/Wood Siding

Wood is one of the most traditional materials used to make cladding. Although any type can be used, cedar and pine are the most common for Wichita, KS, siding. Despite its natural beauty, wood is prone to rot and other types of water damage. Even treated wood can rot over time. Subsequently, this material requires frequent maintenance and repair. For this reason, wood cladding is usually found on older houses—since newer materials have been developed that wear against the elements better.

Engineered Wood/Composite Siding

Speaking of modern materials that wear against the elements better, engineered wood has become a popular alternative to lumber. Containing a small amount of actual wood, composite cladding is made of various fibers and strands combined to look like real wood. It's much less expensive, available in a wide range of colors and finishes, and should last between 20 and 30 years if properly cared for. A prime benefit of engineered wood is that it's less likely to rot. However, if cracked or otherwise damaged, moisture may still be able to seep in and cause damage to other parts of your home.

Stucco Siding

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

Vinyl Siding

One of the most popular materials used on houses throughout Wichita and the United States, vinyl is made out of a type of plastic called PVC (polyvinyl chloride). Since it's made out of plastic, vinyl is very durable, requires minimal maintenance, lasts a long time and is available in a range of color choices and a range of styles. As an added benefit, this material is also water resistant, which is great for reducing the risk of mold and mildew in your home. However, older types of vinyl may bleach in the sun. Also, if installed incorrectly, it can buckle and warp.

Aluminum Siding

One of the more popular kinds of metal siding, aluminum is durable and naturally insulating. For this reason, aluminum is a great choice for Wichita homeowners interested in energy efficiency. It can reduce the average cost of your energy bills quite a bit. It's also perfect to put on top of wood cladding to help protect it from wear and water damage. Aluminum is also affordable and low maintenance. Its main drawback is that it's quite noisy during extreme weather, such as storms.

Real Brick Siding

Contrary to brick veneer, a real brick wall is initially quite costly to install. It also requires a mason to ensure it is installed correctly. 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. Bricks are also highly durable, long-lasting and have a timeless aesthetic. Along with the high cost, another downside of bricks is that the color choices are limited.

Real Stone

Natural stone lasts a long time and does not require a lot of maintenance, however, it's usually quite expensive to install. Many materials sourced from a quarry, including limestone, granite and slate can be used as cladding. Natural stone has special installation requirements that usually require a mason. Without proper installation, you may have issues with cracks that are hard to repair. These cracks could also lead to moisture damage, mold and structural instability.

Common Wichita, KS, Siding Repairs

No matter what types of siding materials you have for your Wichita home, it's integral to stay on top of regular upkeep. Maintenance is the best way to prevent damage that will worsen over time, while also keeping your exterior walls looking their best. While extensive damage can't be avoided, like hail or storm damage, maintenance can prevent a range of other problems. The best way to maintain your cladding is by inspecting it regularly for signs of damage, and booking a power washing service to keep your walls clean at least twice a year. Some red flags to watch for include:

Moisture Seepage

When installed correctly, cladding creates an effective barrier against moisture and humidity. But, even plastic materials like vinyl aren't totally waterproof. Water is sneaky. It 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 and structural damage.

Common Signs of Wood Rot

Wood rot is a pain to deal with. Yet, it's actually quite common in Wichita, so it's important to keep your eyes peeled for any signs of damage. If you notice a problem, call a professional handyman service—such as the pros at Mr. Handyman of the Wichita Metro Area—to fix it as soon as possible.

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. Other common signs of wood rot in Wichita include:

• Concentrated patches of orange/brown spore dust

• Gray strands on wood

• Mushrooms and fungal growth

• Damaged or decaying timber

• Damp or musty smell

• Brittle wood or wood that crumbles in your hand

Mold, Mildew and Algae Build-Up

Hearing you have a mold problem is a serious headache. However, mold, mildew and algae need to be dealt with as soon as you know you have an issue. Mold spores will grow and spread, damaging other parts of your house and negatively impacting your air quality. This is especially worrisome if you or your loved ones are elderly, have asthma or have allergies. If you don't deal with mold, mildew and algae promptly, you may be forced to complete a major house siding replacement in the future.

Common Signs of Mold, Mildew and Algae

• Mold and mildew look like a gray or white powder sprinkled with black specks

• Algae typically looks green, brown or black

Common Areas to Check

• 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

A common issue with vinyl, buckling and warping happens when the material has not been installed correctly. Because vinyl is made out of plastic, it expands and contracts when temperatures change. Thus, vinyl should be attached with fasteners to accommodate for this expanding and contracting. Fasteners provide a small space between house siding and the exterior wall, and enable this process to occur without damaging the material. However, if it's attached too tightly, the 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.

Cracking and Bending Under Pressure

All Wichita, KS, siding is designed to withstand certain levels of stress. After all, it does cover your home's exterior—so it needs to be strong. That said, most materials can be dented upon significant impact. Fast moving, heavy objects can result in the need for house siding repairs in Wichita. For example, objects that may cause dents and cracks include hail, baseballs, and rocks.

Usually, a small chip can be fixed with minor repairs. However, if that small chip isn't fixed promptly, it could get worse over time. Like any structure, once one area has weakened, eventually your home's overall structural integrity will also weaken. Dents that turn into holes or cracks could result in water infiltration, leaks, structural damage, mold and rot.

Flashing Problems

Also known as weatherproofing, flashing prevents moisture from infiltrating your roofing material by fitting around areas susceptible to leakage. Flashing is typically made out of galvanized steel, and is installed at roof intersections, around windows and doors, along chimneys and along the tops of foundation walls. It needs to be installed properly, otherwise it won't keep moisture out of your house. And as we know, where there is moisture, there is a risk of mold, mildew and rot.

Strange Noises

Does your house make strange and alarming noises when it rains, or if it's windy outside? While some siding options are naturally noisy, like aluminum, usually cladding is meant to be quiet. 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 Wichita house siding repair services to fix the problem right away

Call Your Local Expert for Wichita, KS, Siding Repair Today!

Don't waste your time on other siding companies in Wichita, KS. By hiring the experts at Mr. Handyman of the Wichita Metro Area, you can avoid costly repairs and replacements by ensuring your cladding is well cared for. As soon as you notice issues with your home's exterior walls, call our expert team. We offer outstanding Wichita house siding repair services.

Each of our technicians has the years of experience, quality skills and industry knowledge to complete a range of home improvement services. We are recognized throughout Wichita for our dedication to outstanding customer service and professionalism. Our team has brought our truly excellent workmanship to countless homeowners throughout Wichita and the surrounding areas—including in Andover and Park City.

To book an appointment today, or to ask any questions about our services, we invite you to call our friendly customer service representatives us today. We look forward to helping with your next home improvement project!