Still Water Home Builders

Custom Home Building & Siding Installation Professionals

Our custom home builders and siding installation professionals are some of the best in their fields. We're proud to provide quality building services throughout Oklahoma - please contact us for a consultation today!

Cost To Install Vinyl Siding

Every house in America has cladding of some sort and for good reasons. Siding is the finishing touch to your home, protecting it from the elements while also adding aesthetic value. But what are your options? There are many different types of siding on the market today, with vinyl being one of the most popular […]

6 Things to Ask Your Home Builder Before Signing the Contract

Homebuilders work hard to make your dream home a reality while making sure the process stays as smooth and easy as possible. However, this doesn’t mean you should be an uninformed client! Asking questions is an excellent way to understand the project’s details and if your potential contractor can provide your needs and execute your […]

20 Ways to Reduce Home Building Costs

For some of us, building a house is the most expensive investment you will ever make. After all, it is where you’ll spend the majority of your life and call it home. The process can be overwhelming with many decisions to make and the cost that goes with it. But not to worry! This blog […]

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Types of Siding?

Want your house to look its best? Your home’s exterior is the first thing people see, and it significantly affects how visitors or even buyers perceive it. Investing in quality siding pays off with increased property value and better curb appeal. You may not think much of your cladding, but it should never be something […]

What Should I Know Before Repairing My Vinyl Siding?

If you’ve recently looked at your home’s exterior, chances are you’ve found cracks and patches of the paint fading away. Besides being painful to look at, your home’s security will also be compromised. Now would be an excellent time to make repairs on your vinyl siding before things get worse. But before you look for siding repair tutorials on YouTube or head over to the hardware store to buy supplies, here are important facts you should keep in mind.

How Long Does Vinyl Siding Last?

Can you remember that time when your vinyl siding was still freshly installed? It must have felt good looking at your home with such a beautiful exterior. But as years pass by, the once eye-catching façade is now looming in the shadow of its glorious past. The question when can you expect these adverse changes to your home? Lucky for you, it should take a long time. Vinyl siding is one of the most durable siding materials in existence. Generally, it averages 30-50 years. However, it would all depend on your location, weather elements, and quality of installation. 

Signs That It’s Time to Repair Your Siding

When it comes to siding repair, the first thing you should know is when to start fixing your exterior. You don’t want to spend resources on materials that still work or approach the problem when it’s too late. That said, here are some hints to remember:

  • Holes and cracks in the siding can cause moisture infiltration, mold growth, and termite infestation. Water would be the biggest issue here. It can leak into your home through the cracks and weaken the material.
  • The paint has faded. UV rays and other natural elements will eventually take a toll on the exterior of your home. Although faded paint isn’t much of a protection issue, it can affect the house’s aesthetics. If you want to increase your home value, keep the color looking fresh!
  • A high energy bill. If you have an unusually high energy bill, it may be time to take a look at your siding. It might be the culprit when moisture seeps into the insulation and blocks air circulation. This means that more heat will stay trapped inside the home–causing your energy consumption to go up.
  • Warping from excessive sun exposureVinyl siding is notorious for popping out of place when exposed to extreme temperatures that it can withstand. The result is an irregular appearance and durability issues. 
  • After a storm. While you can count on vinyl siding’s durability, there’s no telling the scale of damage a storm can bring to your home. Be sure to check your exterior for any cracks or changes in the overall composure of the panels.

DIY vs. Hiring Professional Contractors

When they see problems with their vinyl siding, one common question by homeowners is whether to fix it themselves or seek professional help. Well, the general rule of thumb is when you’re dealing with a few small holes, it won’t hurt to patch it up yourself. However, if the damage involves several panels, it would be best to leave it to the experts. 

Fixing Small Cracks and Holes

What is considered a small hole that you can repair? Well, if it’s something no larger than a dime, you should be able to patch it up easily—no need to remove the entire board. Just buy an extra-grade caulk of similar color as your vinyl siding from the local hardware. Start by cleaning the area around the hole first. Next, fill it with caulk and let it dry for a few hours. Finally, cut out the extra layer with a knife and smoothen out the surface until it is level with the board. Voila! Congratulations on your first successful attempt to fix your siding.

Repairing a vinyl siding largely depends on the extent of the damage.

Conclusion

Repairing a vinyl siding largely depends on the size of the damage. Small fissures can be easily patched using DIY methods. Hiring professionals might seem like a waste of money, but looking closely, they actually reduce the cost by making sure the repairs will last for many years to come.