You may not think too often about the siding in your home. However, it is more important than you may give it credit for since homes have siding for several reasons. Siding is the protective material attached to the exterior side of a wall of a house or other building and it forms the first line of defense against the elements, such as sun, rain, snow, heat, and cold.
Siding also adds aesthetic appeal to the house’s exterior and can come in many colors and styles. It provides insulation and helps keep the home cool in summer and warm in winter. It also prevents water damage, mold, mildew, and rot that can weaken the foundation and cause health problems to those who live within the home.
Whether your siding is getting old or showing issues or if you want to replace your home’s siding to give it an updated look, the siding experts at GotRot are ready to help you see your project become a reality. Let us stop by your home and offer you several options to resolve all your siding issues. Call us today.
Are There Different Types of Siding?
There are many different types of siding that you can choose for your home. Some of the most common ones are:
Vinyl siding: This is a durable and affordable type of plastic siding that comes in many colors and styles. It does not need painting and is low maintenance.
Wood siding: This is a natural and attractive type of siding that can give your home a rustic or classic look. It can be painted or stained to suit your preference. However, wood siding requires more maintenance and can be prone to rot, insects, and fire.
Metal siding: As opposed to wood siding, this is a strong and durable type of siding that can resist fire, insects, and weather damage. It can also be recycled and is energy efficient. However, it can be expensive, noisy, and prone to rust and denting.
Fiber cement siding: This is a composite type of siding that is made of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers. It can mimic the look of wood, stone, or brick. It is resistant to fire, insects, rot, and weather damage. However, it can be heavy and brittle.
Brick siding: This is a classic and elegant type of siding that is made of fired clay bricks. It is durable, fireproof, and low maintenance. However, it can be costly and susceptible to moisture damage.
Stone siding: This is a natural and beautiful type of siding that is made of real or manufactured stone. It can give your home a unique and luxurious look. It is durable, fireproof, and low maintenance.
How Do I Choose the Best Siding for My Home?
Choosing the best siding for your home depends on several factors, such as your budget, your taste, your climate, and your maintenance preferences. According to Consumer Reports, some of the things you should consider before buying siding are:
Water resistance: Water-resistant types of siding will have longer life spans and prevent moisture damage, even if it comes from a leaking roof.
Durability: Durable types of siding will resist impact, wind, fire, insects, and rot. They will also last longer and require fewer repairs or replacements.
Insulation: Insulated types of siding will help keep your home cool in summer and warm in winter. They will also save you money on energy bills and reduce noise.
Aesthetic value: Aesthetic types of siding will match your home’s style and architecture. They will also come in a variety of colors and textures to suit your preference and some may even mimic wood siding.
Cost: Cost-effective types of siding will fit your budget and offer a good return on investment. They will also have low installation and maintenance costs.
You should compare different types of siding based on these criteria and weigh the pros and cons of each option. When you work with the experts at GotRot, you have the peace of mind of knowing that we always check your local building codes to help you make a final decision, regardless of whether you need siding replacement or repair.
Common Signs of Siding Issues
Siding issues can cause serious problems for your home, such as water damage, mold, dry rot, insects, and energy loss. Therefore, it is important to inspect your siding regularly and look for any signs of trouble. Some common signs of siding issues are:
Cracks, warps, or dry rot: These may be the most obvious signs that your siding is damaged beyond repair. It means it can allow water and pests to enter your home and damage the structure and insulation.
Blisters or bubbles: These are signs that your siding has been exposed to excessive heat or moisture. They can indicate poor installation, low-quality materials, or lack of ventilation.
Fading or discoloration: These are signs that your siding has been affected by UV rays, weathering, or pollution. This can reduce the curb appeal of your home and indicate that your siding is losing its protective coating.
Loose or missing nails: These are signs that your siding is expanding and contracting due to temperature changes. It can also indicate moisture damage or rusting. Loose or missing nails can make your siding vulnerable to wind damage and detachment.
Seams or caulk cracking: These are signs that your siding is not properly aligned or sealed. It can create gaps that allow water and air to infiltrate your home and cause damage and energy loss.
Bouncing or rattling: These are signs that your siding is too tight or too loose. It can indicate improper installation, shifting foundation, or poor-quality materials. Bouncing or rattling can create noise and damage your siding.
Weeds near the foundation: These are signs that there is excess moisture near your foundation that can cause problems for your siding. It can also point to cracks in your foundation that allow weeds to grow through.
If you notice any of these signs of siding issues, you should contact GotRot as soon as possible to fix them. Ignoring them can lead to more serious and costly problems in the future.
What Can Happen If You Put Off Siding Repairs?
Putting off siding repairs can have serious consequences for your home and your wallet. Some things that can happen if you delay siding repairs are:
Water damage: Damaged or missing siding can allow water to penetrate your home’s walls and cause rot, mold, mildew, and structural damage. Water damage can also affect your interior walls, paint, wallpaper, and insulation.
High energy bills: Damaged or missing siding can also create gaps that let air escape or enter your home. This can affect your indoor temperature and make your heating or cooling system work harder to keep you comfortable. High energy bills can also indicate poor insulation or ventilation in your siding.
Decreased home value: Damaged or missing siding can also reduce your home’s curb appeal and aesthetic value. This can make your home look old, worn, and unattractive. It can also lower your home’s resale value and make it harder to sell or refinance. Potential buyers, appraisers, and insurers may notice siding damage and deduct it from your home’s worth.
Therefore, it is important to repair siding issues as soon as you notice them. Ignoring them can lead to more expensive and extensive problems in the future. You should contact GotRot to inspect your siding and recommend the best solution for your home.
Siding Repair Process
The siding repair process depends on the type and extent of the damage. However, some general steps are:
Identify the damaged siding: We look for signs of cracks, warps, rots, blisters, bubbles, fading, discoloration, loose or missing nails, seams or caulk cracking, bouncing or rattling, weeds near the foundation, or others. We measure the size and location of the damage and determine the type and amount of materials needed to fix it.
Remove the damaged siding: We use a siding removal tool or a zip tool to pry up the siding above the damaged section and detach it from the wall. We cut or pull out any nails or screws holding the damaged siding in place, always being careful not to damage the surrounding siding or the underlying structure.
Repair or replace the damaged siding: Depending on the type and extent of the damage, it may be repaired with filler, caulk, or paint. Alternatively, you may need to replace the entire section with a new piece of siding that matches your existing siding in color and style. In these cases, we cut the new siding to fit the gap and attach it to the wall with nails or screws. Always making sure the new siding is aligned and locked with the adjacent siding.
Finish and seal the repair: We check for any gaps, cracks, or unevenness in the repaired siding and smooth them out with sandpaper, caulk, or filler. We apply a coat of exterior paint that matches your siding color to cover any marks or stains and create a moisture barrier and seal the edges and seams with caulk to prevent water and air infiltration.
Call GotRot Today
The siding repair process in Seattle, WA can vary depending on the type of siding you have and the specific problem you are facing. If you are unsure as to how to proceed or if the damage is extensive or structural or if it may require a siding replacement, do not put off calling GotRot right away. We will stop by your home and offer you the best solutions for your siding issues. Call us today.