The condition of your siding can dramatically impact your home’s appearance and value. Some siding damage is easily repaired, while others are indicators that it’s time to consider a full replacement.
Wood and fiber-cement siding cracks can often be repaired by applying epoxy putty, allowing it to cure, then sanding and staining the area. You may be able to use this method for holes up to two inches in diameter in lap and board and batten siding. However, if you need some experts, you can call Charleston Siding Repair.
If your home’s siding is warped or bulging, it can become a serious problem. The wavy areas of your house will not only look unsightly, but they could also allow moisture to seep through to the interior. As a result, your wallpaper or paint may start to peel. If the issue is left untreated, it can lead to structural damage and other costly issues. This is why it’s important to take immediate action when you notice these signs of wavy or bulging siding.
Wood usually warps when it is exposed to excessive moisture, either through water or humidity. It can also be caused by the movement of the earth or the sun’s rays. Some homeowners may be able to fix these types of problems by themselves, but more severe issues will likely require the services of a professional siding repair company.
One way to fix this type of issue is to soak the affected boards in water. This will cause the wood fibers to swell and shrink, which will help flatten out the board. Once the wood is dry, it can be sanded down and repainted. You can also use a wood sealer to keep the moisture from coming back.
Another method for fixing a warped or bulging board is to apply heat and water simultaneously. First, wipe the concave side of the board with a damp towel. Then place a hot iron over the towel to heat it up. This will cause the wood to expand, causing the warped side to flatten out.
If you are noticing that a section of your siding is wavy or bulging, it’s time to call in the professionals for a siding repair. By noticing the issues early, you can prevent the damage from spreading and save yourself money in the long run.
It’s also a good idea to regularly inspect your siding for any damages or wear and tear. Many of these repairs are simple and can be easily fixed by a Grand Rapids siding repair company. If you are looking for a reputable and experienced siding contractor, contact us today. We would be happy to answer any of your questions and provide you with a quote.
Cracked or cracked mortar
The mortar between bricks is what holds a brick wall together. If this material begins to crumble or break apart, it is time to chisel out and replace the old mortar (a process known as repointing). This is a job best left to professionals who are skilled at using hand tools and lime mortars similar to those masons used 100 years ago. It is important to keep in mind that repointing isn’t just about filling in cracks and gaps; it’s also about changing the way the joints look. A brick wall with well-executed repointing will have uniform mortar joints that are the same color as the rest of the walls and that are evenly spaced.
When it comes to brick walls, even a small, hairline crack can lead to problems. The reason is because Mother Nature is constantly wearing away the ultrathin cement or lime paste that coats each of the tiny bits of sand in the mortar. This causes the sand to show through in various colors, and over time, this can cause the mortar to separate from the brick.
If the cracks in your brick wall are limited to the mortar joints, they can usually be repaired by removing the cracked material with a hammer and cold chisel or a flat utility chisel that is narrow enough to get into the joints. Make sure to wear safety glasses and a dust mask as you work. You want to remove all the old mortar to a level that will allow the new mortar to bond with the bricks. If you don’t, your repair will fail.
It’s best to use a mix of hydrated lime and fine silica sand for the mortar. This will help reduce the amount of water that is absorbed by the sand, which can prevent future cracking or crumbling.
Once you have removed the old mortar and cleaned the open joints, mist them lightly with water. You don’t want to soak them, but you want the bricks to be damp so that the new mortar will bond properly.
Sagging or pulling panels
Whether they’re caused by high winds, hail, or sports ball impacts, these dents and tears aren’t just unsightly. Depending on the type of siding you have, they may also indicate moisture damage or even rot. It’s important to catch this kind of damage early on to avoid further problems down the line.
Vinyl siding, in particular, is very durable, but it’s not immune to storm damage. The best way to keep up with this kind of damage is by performing regular maintenance and inspections. This is a great time to check for signs of water damage like stains, warping, or bubbling, and insect infestations, including ants and wasps.
For small divots and holes less than an inch in size, you can often repair them by applying a patch. Before you do, be sure to remove the damaged panel by cutting around it with a utility knife. Next, apply a bead of caulk to the area and smooth it with your finger. Once the caulk is dry, trim it and sand down any visible edges so that it blends in with your siding.
If you’re looking to fix a larger hole or crack, the process is slightly different. First, you’ll need to remove the damaged section of your siding by using a hammer or pry bar to loosen the nails that secure it. Once the damaged panel is removed, use a tape measure to determine the exact measurements of the gap and cut a replacement patch from a piece of new vinyl siding. Be sure to include a two-inch overlap on each side of the replacement patch so that it’s fully secured.
If your siding has been damaged due to a recent storm, it’s important that you make contact with a contractor to have it repaired as soon as possible. Not only will this protect your home from further damage, but it could also help you get compensation from your insurance provider for the repairs or even replacement costs. Keeping up with these maintenance tasks will ensure that your siding lasts longer, and it will prevent insects and rodents from being able to use the holes or lifted panels as entry points into your home.
Rot
One of the worst problems you can have with your siding is rot. Fungi can thrive in damp wood, and once they start eating away at the siding, it’s not long before you have a huge problem that may threaten the stability of your home. Usually, rot is caused by moisture that seeps into the wood structure from poor installation or from issues inside your home, like a leaking roof. If you have any spots of rotting, it’s essential to fix them before they spread, but painting over them isn’t going to help as the fungi will still grow.
Most of the time, you can spot rot by noticing holes in the siding. But rot can also be hidden under paint and other things like a crumbly texture. You can do a quick test for this problem by poking at the wood with a screwdriver. The wood should feel firm and hard, but if it starts to disintegrate or feels soft, that’s a sign of a rot problem.
A rotted board can’t hold up against the wind or other weather conditions, so it’s important to repair it as soon as you notice it. If the rot is severe, you’ll have to replace it entirely.
In most cases, if the rot is in a small section or in the middle of a panel, it’s best to simply patch the hole with clapboard siding that matches your house. To do this, first use a utility knife to cut out any caulking and paint around the damaged area. Then, using a jigsaw or hole saw, cut out the damaged board. Once the gap is opened, use spray foam sealant to fill it up and cut off any excess once it’s cured. Now you can insert the replacement and nail it in place with 8-d nails.
It’s essential to take a regular look at your siding to make sure it doesn’t develop any serious problems like dents, cracks, or rot. This way, you can catch them early and save yourself the expense of replacing your entire siding. Regular maintenance and yearly inspections will keep your siding in good shape, and you should also make sure to check your gutter system regularly for leaks that could lead to rotting wood underneath your siding.