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Can I do repair work on siding myself?

As mentioned above, smaller repairs can certainly be attempted by a knowledgeable do-it-yourselfer. However, larger problems are best left to the professionals. They can look for other causes for the problem and bring your attention to a matter before it becomes a very expensive problem.

Can siding be repaired or does it always have to be replaced?

When inspecting your siding it is important to know what are cosmetic problems, and what problems indicate that you need to hire a professional.

Here are some of the cosmetic problems you can probably handle yourself:
• Painting every 10 – 15 years to maintain the weatherproofing of your siding. Other paint problems will show up as blistering, peeling, cracking, or buckling. Such paint problems are typically the result of bad paint job. If you have a good percentage of your home that demonstrates these problems, you’ll want to consider hiring a professional crew.

• Popped nails when your wood siding warps due to the weather. Drive them back into place and fill the resulting holes with wood putty, prime, then paint. If the nails do not stay, replace with screws.

• Split boards, you can repair this problem if it is a minor problem. Pry the boards far enough apart to coat both edges with waterproof glue, then fasten back in place with nails or screws.

• Holes from nails or screws can be filled with wood putty, then painted or stained to the color of the remainder of your siding.

• Masonry cracks in stucco, brick, or stone can result as your foundation shifts. Most homes will acquire small cracks in the normal process of aging. Larger cracks that leave big gaps could indicate that you have a structural problem with your home.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?

• Stucco – This is a very durable and inexpensive siding material. It can be applied very quickly. Stucco can be tinted prior to application and may never need to be painted.

• Stone veneer – Not as expensive as building your home out of stone, but just as beautiful. Most stone veneers are precast and can be made to look completely genuine. Always see the samples in person, however, as some are obviously of a lesser quality.

• Cement fiber – Cement fiber can be made to look like natural materials such as wood, stucco, and masonry. This is the siding for you if you want a wood-like look to your home without the maintenance. Because it is not made of wood, it is termite-proof, fire-proof, and can be designed to last for over 50 years.

• Wood clapboard – An eternal favorite for use as a home siding choice, wood is tops. Wood siding can frequently outlast many other forms of siding, provided that you give it the care and maintenance they need. Good quality wood siding is usually stained rather than painted, and periodic application of water-proofing is necessary to maintain its beauty.

• Brick and brick veneer - Brick is another man-made material that has been used for centuries. Bricks are made from clay that are kiln-fired and hardened to withstand environmental elements. Because it is made from the earth, in the form of clay, and creates very appealing colors. Solid bricks are much more durable than brick veneers, but both have a very long life.

• Cedar shingle – Also known as shakes, cedar shingles create a beautiful siding choice that blends in with the environment. These are typically stained and offer the natural look of real wood, but they require a little bit less maintenance than wood clapboard.

• Engineered wood – This type of siding includes the very common T1-11 panels, they are made from wood products and other materials. This choice is inexpensive siding, can provide a very beautiful look to the outside of your home and can last a long time. Because the wood is engineered, it does not look quite like real wood, but it is more natural appearing than vinyl or aluminum siding.

• Steel – Seamless steel can be engineered to look like wood, or it can have a traditional corrugated steel appearance. It is very strong and is not prone to shrinking or temperature fluctuations. This siding choice is completely fireproof.

• Aluminum – This is still being offered as an alternative to vinyl siding. It is easy to maintain and relatively durable, however it is easily dented when you bump into it, or from hailstorms. It will fade over time, but will not crack like vinyl siding can. As with other metal siding choices, this is fireproof. It will need to be painted.

• Vinyl – Made from PVC, polyvinyl chloride plastic, this choice will not rot, flake, or be tempting to termites. It is a very inexpensive siding option, and is inexpensive to install. It can crack and fade over time. People who are looking for “green” siding alternatives will not choose vinyl. It does have the advantage of being dyed, so it never needs to be painted.

What do I have to know about siding?

The main purpose of your siding is to protect your home. Obviously you want it to look good while it is performing its primary job, so you need to be aware of what to watch for as your home ages. Siding typically lasts about 20 – 30 years with proper maintenance, and a few siding choices can even last the lifetime of your home.

You need to inspect your home annually looking for siding problem areas which include where it meets the chimney, around doors and windows, around any venting openings, downspout supports, under the eaves, at ground level, and anywhere it touches bushes or trees.

What is siding?

Siding is the outside layer of your home and it serves two functions: 1) It provides the visual aspect of your home that is seen from the street, and 2) they serve to weatherproof the layers underneath, the sheathing, building paper, studs, insulation, and the interior of your home.

What is the benefit of having a professional install my siding?

Having a professional install your siding provides a guarantee that the warranty on your chosen siding is valid and that your job is done by experts. There are a few people who have enough construction experience to tackle the task of residing their home; however, it is usually a much better idea to have a professional installation done by people who have experience and the proper tools to do the job well.

What types of siding are there?

There are numerous types of siding that can be used to complete the outside of your home. Here is a listing of the most common types:
• Stucco
• Stone veneer
• Cement fiber
• Wood clapboard
• Brick and brick veneer
• Cedar shingle
• Engineered wood
• Steel
• Aluminum
• Vinyl

When do I know I have a problem with my siding?

Most people can tell that there is a problem with their siding just by looking at it. If you see holes, gaps, buckling, peeling, chipping, missing sections, major dents or cracks, then your siding needs attention. If these holes are allowed to remain untended, you risk allowing various dangerous elements to penetrate to the inside of your home, weather is one culprit, insects and other pests another. By maintaining the siding of your home, you will ensure the value of your home and the comfort and safety of those living inside it.