When it comes to home repairs, siding is often one of the most expensive and time-consuming tasks. Unfortunately, even the best-treated homes will eventually need some siding repair work. By following these seven simple tips, you can help avoid having to do costly and time-consuming repairs in the future.

Get the Right Material and Choose a Reputable Contractor

Whether you are picking replacement siding or choosing to do extensive siding repair work, it is important to know what material you want. It’s not always as simple as saying vinyl vs. composite. There are actually variations in each product that can impact quality and price. The contractor you choose will also play an important role in the appearance of your home, so it’s essential to take time and research those who provide this service near you. Be sure to read reviews online and determine if they have the experience and credentials necessary for the job you want to be done.

Proactive Inspections

Taking proactive measures to inspect your home regularly can help limit problems with siding down the road; however, when it comes to your exterior, you shouldn’t limit inspections to the siding alone. Be sure to check for damage around windows and doors as well as any other issues that may cause water infiltration into entry points. If possible, don’t forget about the roof as well. In fact, if you live in a region where severe weather is common, make sure to have a professional inspection conducted on a regular basis even if you can do most of the upkeep yourself.

Identify Signs of Damage

While proactive inspections are a good first step, it’s equally important to be aware of signs of damage without them first being pointed out by another individual. Siding problems tend to arise from within including decaying wood hidden behind cladding or steel support beams that have been impacted by water. If you notice any unusual stains or discoloration, be sure to investigate before they grow into a larger problem.

Regular Cleaning

When siding is in perfect condition, it should stand out in contrast to your home’s roof and windows. However, once dirt and debris accumulate on the surface of your siding, it can negatively impact its overall appearance. In order to avoid this from happening too often, be sure to schedule regular cleaning services for all areas of your property where siding is present including gutters and downspouts. Be wary of homes with dark exteriors as these materials tend to absorb even more heat than lighter shades making them difficult to keep clean in addition to looking dirty.

DIY Maintenance (When Possible)

While you certainly shouldn’t avoid hiring professional siding contractors entirely, you should make an effort to handle some work on your own. For example, cleaning your siding is often as simple as applying soap and water to a sponge or cloth then scrubbing gently; however, it’s important that all detergents are thoroughly rinsed away before the surface dries. Using too much soap can actually leave behind stains which will require even more cleaning in the future! Also, be sure to take steps to patch any spots where rot has begun to form so they don’t spread.

Address Outstanding Issues

If damage occurs despite your best efforts at preventing them, you need to address problems as soon as possible. Being proactive and taking care of smaller issues before they spread will save you a lot of extra work and money in the future. Don’t try to fix your siding on your own; instead, contact a professional who knows what needs to be done and how it should be completed for the best results.

Choosing the Right Material

Don’t forget that a siding contractor will not only provide you with aesthetic advice but also be an integral part of determining what material works best with your house and local climate. Remember, it’s always better to have a specialist handle project of this nature so you don’t have to worry about any mistakes being made along the way.

Investigate Trusted Contractors

As mentioned previously, finding a trustworthy individual or company is essential when deciding who handles your siding repairs. Make sure they have experience working in your area as well as credentials from reputable organizations such as Angie’s List and others that focus on customer service. Also make sure they offer guarantees on their work and warranties for replacement materials, both of which are good indicators that they aren’t out to take advantage of their clients.

Siding Installation Better Than Repair

If you think your siding is the problem, don’t be so quick to rush into making repairs. If it’s already damaged, there’s a chance that installation might be better than repair because you won’t have to deal with any existing issues! Also, if you have fully encapsulated steel beams underneath aluminum or vinyl exterior panels, this form of siding may not require much preparation at all; however, stick with professionals who can conduct tests on materials and provide guidance on how to proceed.

Upgrade Entire Exterior

Don’t forget about addressing other areas of your home such as windows, doors, and roofing. Upgrading your windows could increase the resale value if you plan to sell in the future, while a new front door is a great way to spruce up the appearance of your home. Plus, if everything matches in terms of material and color, it will look great from the outside as well! You’ll also need to consider potential changes along the exterior such as dormers or expansions so you have enough support from the structure.

Communicate with Professionals

If you have major renovations being done on your property, make sure everyone working on-site knows what’s happening at all times; this includes communicating details about any siding repairs that might be taking place. What starts out as an easy fix can quickly become a disaster if it isn’t handled properly, so make sure everyone is on the same page.

Maintain Careful Records

If you need to pay for siding repairs, you might receive some form of documentation in return showing exactly what work was completed and how much you paid. Make sure all records are maintained carefully because they can be very helpful when filing insurance claims or speaking with contractors who may have questions about your bill! Also, note that many companies will offer warranties for parts they have installed as well as finishes including paint coatings.

Add Value to Your Home

You can invest in replacement materials that look good but don’t match the quality of existing exterior surfaces. If possible, choose materials that are made of products that can last for decades including slate, copper, and cedar. In fact, many homeowners look to restore siding as opposed to putting in a new installation because the existing exterior has historic value as well as a unique appearance.

Consider Wind Resistant Styles

If you live in an area with strong wind conditions or frequent hurricanes, make sure your siding is up to par for this type of weather. Not only will anything from wood to fiber cement be appropriate but there are also options such as vinyl and steel that can stand up better against Mother Nature’s wrath! You may need to invest more money upfront but it’ll pay off over time by avoiding costly repairs after every storm system!

Don’t Forget About Maintenance

Even if you invest in top-of-the-line materials, there’s always a chance that something could go wrong. It’s important to keep an eye on your siding and address any issues as soon as possible; this means cleaning debris regularly and conducting inspections before the problem worsens. Plus, don’t forget about annual sealants or paint coatings which can go a long way toward protecting your home year after year!