Your home’s siding does more than just improve its curb appeal; it is a crucial component that protects your space from the elements and maintains its structural integrity. Over time, wear and tear can take a substantial toll on your siding, leading to various issues that may require prompt attention. Recognizing the signs that your siding needs repair can help you address problems early, preventing further damage and ensuring the longevity of your home.

At Unlimited Siding, we understand how detrimental damaged siding can be to your home. But we also understand that it might be difficult to determine whether your siding needs repair or replacement. If you believe your siding may need repair but are unsure, keep reading to see what signs our team recommends looking out for. 

Signs Your Siding Needs Repair

1. Visible Signs of Damage

One of the most obvious signs that your siding needs repair is any visible damage. These signs of damage may include cracks, chips, or holes in your siding material. To protect your siding, it is important that you inspect your siding regularly. Any time you are doing yard work, take the opportunity to walk around your home and inspect for signs of damage. You should also be sure to inspect the siding following storms or strong, inclement weather that may throw debris into it and cause damage. 

2. Faded or Peeling Paint

If you notice that there is fading or peeling paint on your siding, this may be a sign of water damage or underlying issues with your siding material. While this fading and peeling can hurt your home’s curb appeal, that isn’t the most significant problem you’ll face. Moisture infiltration can cause the paint to lose its adhesion to the siding and peel away from the surface. If this is the case, your siding needs repair to prevent further water damage and deterioration of the siding material. 

3. Mold or Mildew

When there is the presence of mold or mildew on your siding, this is a clear indication that there is excess moisture and poor ventilation and a sign your home siding needs repair. Mold and mildew can impact the appearance of your home, but it also poses a serious health risk to you and your family. Prolonged mold exposure can result in respiratory health problems, especially for those who are immunocompromised. If you notice any signs of mold or mildew growth, it is essential to address any moisture issues. 

4. Pest Infestation

Substantial siding damage can provide the perfect entry point for pests such as insects, rodents, and birds. If you notice any signs of a pest infestation, such as nesting materials or droppings, you should take a walk around your home and inspect your siding for openings or damage that may allow pests to access your home. While your siding needs repair to keep these pests out of your home, you may also want to consider calling an extermination company to help remove any remaining pests.

5. Increased Energy Bills

As your siding ages and becomes damaged or deteriorated, it can compromise the insulation of your home. As this happens, you may begin to notice an increase in your energy bill as your HVAC system works harder to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. If you’ve noticed a sudden spike in your energy bills, it may be worth inspecting your siding for any signs of damage or deterioration that could be affecting its energy efficiency. If you spot damage, your siding needs repair to return your energy bills to their normal rates. 

6. Interior Water Damage

Interior water damage often signals a deeper issue and may mean that your siding needs repair. When it becomes damaged or improperly installed, it can allow water to infiltrate your home, leading to interior water damage. Addressing exterior siding problems promptly can prevent further water intrusion, preserving the integrity of your home’s structure and preventing costly interior repairs. If you notice interior water damage, it’s crucial to inspect your siding for any signs of damage or deterioration and schedule repairs to mitigate further issues.

7. Bulging or Warping

Bulging or warping in your siding is a clear indication of underlying issues, and your siding needs repair immediately. These deformations are often caused by moisture infiltration, which can compromise the structural integrity of your siding and lead to further damage if left to its own devices. Ignoring bulging or warping can result in more extensive repairs or replacement down the line, so it’s essential to inspect your siding regularly and seek professional assistance to address the problem as soon as possible.

Knowing When to Call the Pros

If your siding needs repair, knowing when to call the professionals is crucial to prevent further damage and ensure the job is done correctly. While minor cosmetic issues like small cracks or chips can sometimes be DIY projects, it’s best to leave more significant damage or structural issues to the experts. If you’re unsure about the severity of the damage or lack the necessary skills and tools, it’s safer to call your trusted siding professional for help. They can accurately assess the situation, provide expert advice, and complete repairs efficiently, saving you time, effort, and potentially costly mistakes in the long run.

Your Trusted Siding Professionals in Ogden, Utah

When your siding needs repair, it is essential that you work with a trustworthy siding professional, like our team at Unlimited Siding. With years of experience helping homeowners across the Ogden area and beyond repair their siding, we are confident that we can also restore your siding to its original condition. 

Whether you have vinyl siding, LP SmartSide siding, or board-and-batten siding, our team can easily repair it all. If your siding needs repair or you aren’t sure if it requires repair or replacement, reach out to our team today for support. 

When your vinyl siding is beginning to look a little dull, many homeowners will do whatever it takes to give it a necessary refresh. From giving it a good clean by hand to scheduling power washing, there are many ways to give it a fresh, new look. You might even want to paint your old vinyl siding to boost your home’s curb appeal. But is painting your vinyl siding your best option?

At Unlimited Siding, we understand the role your vinyl siding plays in maintaining the curb appeal of your home. However, painting the siding might not be the best decision for your home. If you want to paint your old vinyl siding, keep reading to see what to look out for before you begin this project. 

Can You Paint Your Old Vinyl Siding? 

If your old vinyl siding is beginning to look a little dull, you might consider painting it to give it a necessary refresh. But is this a reliable option for refreshing your vinyl? While you can paint your old vinyl siding, it might not be the best option for every home. In fact, unless your vinyl siding is in near-perfect condition, painting might not be a good option at all. Before you decide to paint your old vinyl siding, consider the following factors. 

Factors to Consider Before Deciding to Paint

1. Your Vinyl Siding Warranty

While you may want to paint your old vinyl siding, this might not be the best option for your home. It is a good idea to double-check any warranties associated with your vinyl siding to see if painting it will void the warranty. If your vinyl siding is still within warranty, you might be able to get any dull sections replaced. Reach out to your trusted vinyl siding professional if you are unsure whether your vinyl siding is still protected by its warranty. This will save you from making a costly mistake and voiding a warranty that can protect your home from any additional damage. 

2. Your Home’s Energy Bills

If your home is starting to look a little dull and your energy bill is beginning to go up more and more every month, this might be a sign that you shouldn’t paint your old vinyl siding, and instead get in contact with your trusted vinyl siding professional. Your siding plays a major role in maintaining energy efficiency in your home. When your bills begin to climb, paint won’t be sufficient enough to fill any gaps, and total replacement is a much more reliable option to bring your energy bill down again. 

3. Bubbling and Blistering Vinyl

When your vinyl siding is heated up by a grill sitting too close or excessive temperatures outside, it may begin to blister or bubble. Bubbling or blistering may also be a sign that there is water trapped behind your siding. Whether your siding has melted from warm temperatures or there is a crack that is allowing water to build up behind the panels, paint isn’t enough to address the problem. If you spot either of these signs, don’t try to paint your old vinyl siding, and instead contact a professional for replacement. 

4. Severe Storm Damage

You should be doing a thorough inspection of your vinyl siding before beginning any restoration projects. During this inspection, you may come across signs of severe storm damage, including cracks, chips, and completely broken panels. If you are dealing with this, it is in your best interest to not paint your old vinyl siding. Severely damaged panels of vinyl siding need to be replaced to protect your home from the development of more damage. 

5. Infestation Problems

As you prepare to paint your old vinyl siding, watch for signs of pest infestations in your home. Whether it’s ants and spiders or rats and mice, the presence of pests in your space means they have found a way into your home, and your vinyl siding might be to blame. If your vinyl siding isn’t properly secured, pests can find their way into your home, which can lead to even more damage within the space. Unfortunately, paint can’t block these pests, so it is best to replace your siding instead to keep them out for good. 

6. Persistent Mold or Fungus Growth

It isn’t uncommon for fungus or mold to grow on portions of your home that don’t have great ventilation or sun exposure. However, if you have addressed this mold or fungus before and it keeps returning, painting your old vinyl siding won’t be enough to keep it away. If you are dealing with a mold or fungus problem that won’t go away, you might want to get in contact with your vinyl siding expert before you pull out the paint. They can determine if this mold growth is a result of an underlying issue you haven’t caught. 

Replace Old Vinyl Siding with Unlimited Siding

If you wanted to paint your old vinyl siding but realized that it needs to be replaced, turn to our experts at Unlimited Siding. With years of experience installing vinyl siding to homes across the Northern Utah area, our team is confident that we can help you find the perfect siding for your home as well. From board and batten to LP SmartSide and everything in between, we’re confident that we have a great siding solution for your home. 

In addition to our vinyl siding services, we provide homeowners with soffits and fascia to ensure the exterior of their home is kept safe for years to come. If you are ready to begin a home exterior makeover or would like to speak to our team about the other services we provide, don’t hesitate to contact us today.