When to Replace Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is a popular choice for many homeowners because it’s affordable, requires minimal maintenance, and lasts a long time.
But it can’t possibly last forever.
Even if you install the best brand and take great care of it, your vinyl siding will suffer damage and deterioration at some point. In this article, we’ll discuss some common signs that it’s time to replace your vinyl siding, as well as how to replace it and what to replace it with.
5 Common Signs that It’s Time to Replace Your Vinyl Siding
There are a variety of reasons your vinyl siding’s life may come to an end. While some small bumps and bruises can be quickly fixed with a simple DIY project, others may call for a complete vinyl siding replacement. Here are five telltale signs that you should look out for:
1. It Has Cracks, Dents, or Holes
Whether it be hail, frisbees, or rocks spit out from your lawnmower, any hard object can crack and damage your vinyl siding. This is especially common if your siding was installed decades ago and has weakened over time. Usually, the cracks or dents will be visible to you, and you may even notice them loosening some of the siding.
If there are holes in your siding, it could be due to an animal or insect infestation. Some insects, like carpenter ants and bees, will eat away at your home’s exterior. Others, like mice and squirrels, will try to graw through in search of food.
2. It’s Faded
Vinyl siding is a low-maintenance home exterior option because it doesn’t require regular painting. However, over time, natural elements like rain, snow, and UV rays from the sun may cause its color to fade.
If your house sits under the shade of some big trees, you probably won’t have to worry about any fading problems. However, if it’s out in direct sunlight, or if it’s only partially covered by shade, you may need to keep an eye on it. Although fading doesn’t cause any structural damage, it can look drab, lowering your home’s curb appeal and resale value.
3. It’s Leaking or Rotting
Vinyl siding has good moisture resistance, so it won’t rot on its own. However, if any water gets underneath your siding, fungus can start to grow on the wood beneath it.
Moisture within your vinyl siding can also seep into the interior of your home, which is a larger issue. If you see evidence of internal moisture, like peeling paint or mold, it’s important to find the source of the leak as soon as possible to prevent any further damage.
4. Your Utility Bills Have Increased
If you’ve noticed a recent spike in your heating and cooling bills, but don’t notice any obvious reasons for the change, you may be desperate to know what happened. Turns out, old and damaged vinyl siding could be the culprit.
When installed properly, vinyl siding often has great insulating properties, but any cracks, holes, or leaks will eliminate that. By replacing it, especially with an option rated by Energy Star, you’ll watch those high bills decrease back to where they were before.
5. You Want to Increase the Value of Your Home
If you’re looking for ways to increase the value of your home, boosting your curb appeal is one of the most rewarding options. And what better way to boost your curb appeal than to upgrade your vinyl siding?
Remove your old, outdated siding and replace it with a modern style and color. This can help your home stand out among others in your neighborhood, and catch the eyes of potential buyers if you’re looking to sell.
How to Replace Vinyl Siding
If your vinyl siding only has a few small damages, you can easily fix them with a quick DIY project. Follow these steps:
- Find an exact match to your current siding’s style and color. If that’s not possible, consider using a close match. You can then take a piece off a less-visible portion of your home and install that piece in the damaged area. At the same time, you can put the close match piece on the wall in the less visible area.
- Place your hand in a seam between two vinyl pieces, then pull and release the siding from the nailing strip.
- Remove the nails from the piece of damaged siding, then remove the damaged siding altogether.
- Push the new siding piece into the nailing strip.
- Nail the new siding in loosely, then cut it down to the right size with a utility knife.
- Lock the new siding in with a zip tool.
If your vinyl siding is damaged all around your house, it’s past the point of quick DIY repairs. You may want to contact a professional exteriors team to help you with the bigger replacement project.
What to Replace Your Vinyl Siding With
If you like the look and qualities of vinyl siding, you can just upgrade to a newer version of it. Check out vinyl siding in a variety of styles and colors from Standard Companies’ top brand manufacturers like Royal Exterior Portfolio, CertainTeed, or Georgia-Pacific.
If you want to switch it up, you could also explore other siding materials, like fiber cement, cellular composite, or engineered wood. Each style comes with its own unique benefits and drawbacks, so make sure you choose the right one for your home. Here are a few brands we supply and recommend for each of them:
- LP SmartSide – engineered wood
- James Hardie – fiber cement
- Celect – cellular composite
- Everlast – cellular composite
If your vinyl siding has seen better days, Standard Supply & Lumber has all the supplies you need to replace it with a beautiful, modern option. In fact, our brand new collaboration with Zeeland Lumber, Standard Zeeland Roofing & Siding, specializes in siding products and services for your home. Choose from high-quality vinyl, fiber cement siding, and more. Stop in or contact us online today for more information.