Although it is built for durability, vinyl siding is still susceptible to wear and tear. If you’ve noticed visible damage to your home’s siding, you may wonder whether repair or replacement is the best option. To help you evaluate the damage and make the right choice, New Jersey Siding & Windows, Inc., takes a closer look at the differences between vinyl siding repair and replacement and how you can decide which is best for your home.

Understanding Vinyl Siding Repair

When repairing vinyl siding, faded or damaged pieces are cut away and pulled out of the house. Once the piece is cut out, space is left to insert a replacement piece of siding. The new piece is then attached over the current siding with roofing nails.

Although vinyl siding repair is a viable option for some, it is hard to do well without professional assistance. It can be a good option for minor or highly localized damage but won’t work well for widespread or significant problems. Repair is also tricky because you don’t want to end up with a color that doesn’t quite match the rest of your siding. Despite UV resistance, all siding fades subtly over time, meaning new pieces may stand out against the existing siding. Additionally, vinyl siding is constantly improving. Continuous repairs mean you might miss out on the new options replacement could provide.

Indications Your Vinyl Siding Needs Replacement

Is vinyl siding repair or replacement the right choice? Evaluating the condition of your siding can be difficult, especially if you’re not sure what to look for. If you’ve noticed any of the following signs, there’s a good chance that your siding should be replaced rather than repaired:

• Rotting: When water seeps under vinyl siding, dry rot and fungus can form, especially if there is wood underneath the siding.
• Mold and mildew: When moisture gets into your walls through the siding, it becomes trapped there and creates mold and mildew.
• Peeling interior paint: Moisture can also be indicated by peeling interior paint, meaning that it is in the plaster or drywall of your home as well as your exterior siding.
• Cracking or loosening: If a rough hailstorm comes through or the kids habitually hit the house with balls while playing, your vinyl siding can become cracked. Regular wear and tear from heat and time can also diminish the strength of your siding.
• Warping or buckling: If your siding was nailed too tightly or at an angle, or if you use open heat sources too close to your home (e.g., a grill or fire pit), it may warp and buckle sooner.
• Pest damage and holes: Rodents and insects will do anything to find shelter and food, and this includes chewing through vinyl siding to get inside your home. The holes they leave behind can increase your utility bills and reduce the curb appeal of your home.

Vinyl Siding Replacement from New Jersey Siding & Windows, Inc.

If the damage to your siding is widespread or will make repair difficult, it may be time to replace your home’s siding instead. We offer a large variety of vinyl siding replacement choices to help you enhance your home’s curb appeal, make it more energy-efficient, and protect against harsh New Jersey winters. Our vinyl siding options include KP Siding, Royal Building Products, ProVia, and CertainTeed. Each of these high-quality brands comes in many arrangements to suit your needs and budget. You can also choose from an extensive palette of colors to give your house your dream look. For more information, contact the siding contractors from New Jersey Siding & Windows, Inc.