The first thing everyone notices on a home is the exterior. When the siding on your house is
damaged or discoloured it does not present your house in the way you want it to; you work hard
to care for your home and you want it to reflect as such. There are many reasons a house’s
siding in Calgary may be damaged such as strong storms and high wind that often sends debris and
branches flying. Siding can even be damaged by neighbourhood children playing various sports
in which the ball might bounce off the house.
You may be worried if a section of your siding is damaged, rotten, coming loose or if you notice
a woodpecker has done some damage. Damaged siding could eventually cause serious issues for
your house including polluted or unwanted additional air, water, dirt, and pests getting inside of
your home. No matter what time or month of year it is none of these conditions are favourable.
When you notice damage, you will need to decide to repair the damaged siding or get it
completely replaced. It can be a tough choice and all homeowners want to make the responsible
and most sensible decision at the most cost effective price. We are happy to walk you through
the process of before you make your decision.
When Repairing Your Siding Is Feasible
When you notice areas of your home are missing sections of siding, there is no need to stress
out over the thought of an expensive fix. A local siding company will easily repair the missing
siding without needing a complete replacement on your home.
Repair is the more popular option for customers because it is typically less costly and a quicker
process. Siding repair is usually less costly and faster, but it is not always the answer. You should
opt for siding repair services if you notice the following:
Minor to Moderate Mildew and Mold
Mildew, mold, and fungus are all enemies of siding. If you spot any signs of rot or mold of any
type, it is best to call in the pros in ASAP for repairs. It is worth mentioning that mold is tricky. If
you locate and remove damage quickly it will cause fewer problems and siding repair will do just
fine. Before you decide on repair you must consider 2 things; first, you have to know exactly
why your siding has mold and secondly, you must be one hundred percent you have removed all
of the damage or it may progress to rot.
Holes
When there are holes in the siding this can lead to considerable damage. Holes will not only
allow moisture into the home, but they are usually a sure sign that birds or bug/insects are
gradually making their way into the walls!
Chipping and Cracking
If there are minor chips and cracks in the material, particularly if it is a small area or just on one
panel, they can likely be quickly and easily repaired. If there is a case of more extensive cracking,
you may have to replace one siding panel. However, this is technically a repair and quite low-
cost.
Loose Siding Panels
One loose siding panel may indicate the requirement for minor siding repair. Loose panels may
be caused by anything ranging from a shoddy and poor installation to strong storm winds. That
being said, in many cases the issue is quite easy to fix with a professional on hand.
Dents
Just like cracks, dents are very repairable. It usually requires a panel replacement, and should
not be a cause for stress.
Note: Many times the repair cost estimate does not include costs for disposal or removal of
existing siding and trim. It is important to ask your contractor about any repairs or structural
modifications as well as any work on soffit or fascia for the renovation process.
If you are considering repairing your siding, the price per square feet is as follows:
- Vinyl siding: $3 to $5
- Fiber-cement siding: $6 to $
- Cedar siding: $ 8 to $ 11
When Replacing Your Siding Is Feasible
However, there are times when as a homeowner your best option is to replace all the siding. If
you put this off just to save some money, it may cost you more in the long run if serious damage
is done to the exposed structure underneath. Doing a costly repair job on your siding that will
inevitably need to be replaced in a few years is not a great investment. You should also consider
the extent and type of damage.
If a big portion of your home’s exterior is affected, it usually means that the most cost-effective
and wise decision is to replace everything. Go for siding replacement in the following cases.
Excessive Maintenance
If you find yourself having to repaint, clean, and repair the siding on a yearly basis or even more,
then it’s high time to replace the siding.
Bubbles in the Siding
The presence of bubbles just underneath the surface of your siding is a certain sign that your
home needs new siding. Bubbles are a certain indication that water is trapped and any
indication that water is trapped under or on the siding is a red flag.
Dry Rot
Even if the rot seems minimal, it is a clear indication that the siding is starting to fail. It is best to
quickly address this issue and replace your rotten siding in order to avoid more extensive home
damage. If you tap on your siding using the handle of a screwdriver, it will reveal any dry rot
problems in your siding before they become discernible to the naked eye. Note that dry rot
often starts below the surface of your siding and will eat away the body of your siding,
essentially leaving only the top layer of your siding intact. Your siding can look quite good even if
the bulk its material has rotted away.
Faded Siding
Most siding is made to retain its colour for the lifespan of your siding itself. If your siding looks
old with obvious colour fade, then it should tell you that the waterproofing of your siding might
have run its course as well.
We always recommend that you talk to a professional about your replacement or reparation
options.
Note: Generally, it would cost you anywhere between $3 and $10 per square feet Installation.
Cost also depends on the kind of material you choose. Vinyl is the cheapest while fiber-cement
and cedar are more expensive. If you are considering removing and replacing your siding, the
price per square feet could be somewhere close to:
- Vinyl siding: $5 to $7
- Fiber-cement siding: $8 to $11
- Cedar siding: $10 to $13