Siding plays a vital role in defining a home’s appearance and protecting its structure against rain, wind, sun, snow, and other outdoor elements. Though modern siding options are built to last, due to the constant beating it takes over the years, repair or replacement becomes inevitable at some point. A damaged siding makes a property look unsightly and exposes it to water damages that can lead to severe issues over time.
Old and worn-out siding increases the possibility of pest invasion, raises energy bills, reduces the home value, and is hazardous to a building’s structural integrity. Cracks, rot, holes, corrosion, warped panels, leaks, mold, mildew, discoloration, exterior paint not holding up, rusty nails, water stains, and peeling interior paint are a few symptoms that the siding needs attention.
Upon noticing signs of damage, homeowners have to decide whether to repair the siding or replace it entirely. The decision primarily depends on the type of siding and the extent of the damage. Different benefits are associated with siding repair and replacement, and it is challenging to determine which is the better option out of the two for your home.
Siding Repair v/s Replacement
Repairs
Most people choose repair over replacement when their siding is relatively new and still has years of service life left. Entire siding replacement is expensive and time-consuming. People who have a tight budget choose repair over replacement to save money. It is cost-effective to repair or replace only the damaged and broken parts of wood or vinyl sidings than to install a new one. Repairs also make sense if the homeowner does not intend to stay in the same house for long. If the overall siding is in good condition and only has one loose, cracked, chipped, or dented panel, hire a professional roofer to fix only the damaged part.
However, there are a few drawbacks of siding repairs, especially in the ones that are old and aging. Repairs only provide a short-term solution to a bigger problem that may require major repairs down the line. Repairs only delay the inevitable and may not meet the manufacturer’s guidelines to honor the full warranty.
Replacement
If you have no plans to leave the existing home anytime soon, replace the old and damaged siding. Replacement is ideal if the house has poor insulation and more than half of the siding has suffered damage. Modern siding materials offer superior protection and are a worthy investment. They are available in varied styles that freshen up the home’s look, increase curb appeal, and make it look more attractive. A siding upgrade lowers the utility bills and also increases the home value. Homeowners can recover the entire remodeling cost of siding replacement.
Another significant benefit of siding replacement is newer materials require much less maintenance. A complete siding replacement comes with a warranty covering the materials and the workmanship.
The two major cons of replacing the siding are the cost and time required to complete the project. However, keeping the long-term objective in mind, siding repair is a wise investment that offers peace of mind that the home and the family will stay protected for years to come.
The best way to decide if it is better to repair or replace the siding is to hire a roofer. Experienced roofing contractors can inspect the siding to assess the damage and other factors to help make the final call. Whether you choose siding repair or replacement, both will keep the exteriors strong and protect the home from elements.
iRoof & Restoration are experts in siding replacement. We also offer roof inspections, roof replacements, commercial roofing and emergency roofing services throughout Colorado and Texas.