Your home’s siding plays a big role in maintaining its appearance and securing its structure from external elements like air, wind, moisture, and pests. But when it becomes damaged, our team often gets the question of whether fixing damaged siding is a DIY project or not.
Yes, you can fix your damaged siding yourself, in certain situations. However, depending on the size and extent of the damage, you should outsource the work to a professional.
Whether you have vinyl, aluminum, cedar, or any other type of siding, knowing how to repair it can save you time and money. If you’re attempting to DIY the repair project, this blog post will explore types of siding damage and effective methods for siding repair that you can do yourself. We will also highlight the situations in which hiring a contractor is advisable.
What Are The Different Types Of Siding Damage?
There are a few different types of damage that your siding can take on. Being able to identify them is important to being able to prevent costly siding repairs and replacements. The most common types of siding damage are:
- Cracks and holes: When you look at your house, you might see small cracks or holes on the siding. These can happen because of hail, flying debris, or just wear and tear over time.
- Warping or Buckling: Sometimes, your siding might start to look wavy or bent. This is called warping or buckling. It can happen when water gets trapped behind the siding or when it’s installed incorrectly. If you see this, you’ll want to look into house siding repair options to protect your home.
- Loose or Missing Pieces: Over time, the pieces of your home’s siding can become loose or fall off, leaving gaps that can let in water and pests. Keep an eye out for any siding that’s hanging or missing.
- Mildew or Mold: Sometimes, you might see dark spots or fuzzy patches on your siding. This could be mildew or mold, which grows when there’s too much moisture.
- Pest Infestation: Insects and small animals might try to make your siding their home. You might be able to see little holes, hear strange noises, or notice bugs crawling around. This is a problem for both wood and aluminum siding.
How to Fix Different Types of House Siding
When your home’s siding gets damaged, you might worry about expensive repairs. But don’t panic! You can often fix siding yourself with some simple tools and a bit of know-how. This guide will help you repair various types of siding with brief overviews for each.
Keep in mind that for the most effective repairs, a professional’s help can be beneficial.
#1 Vinyl Siding Repair
If your vinyl siding has a small hole, dent, or crack, you can fix it with filler and paint.
- Sand the area with 100 grit sandpaper and clean up the edges around the hole.
- Use a putty knife to apply exterior filler to the hole.
- Scrape away any extra and smooth it out. Let it dry, then sand it again with 220 grit paper and wipe it clean with a damp rag.
- Once it’s dry, paint it to match your siding. For bigger damage, you’ll need to replace the siding panel. Use a siding removal tool to pry up the siding above the damaged part.
- Remove any nails or screws holding the damaged siding in place. Take out the old piece and put in a new one, lining it up carefully.
- Screw it back into place with a drill. Use the removal tool to pop the new siding into the row above. Touch it up with paint if needed. You can find siding repair kits to help with this job.
#2 Wood Siding Repair
When your wood siding gets small cracks or holes, you can fix it yourself.
- You’ll need to get some waterproof wood filler that expands with the wood.
- Clean the damaged area by removing loose paint and any rot.
- Then, sand the spot to make it smooth. Mix the wood filler as the instructions say and use a putty knife to put the filler in the damaged area.
- Press it in deeper with your finger, but wear gloves! After the filler dries completely, sand it in the same direction as the wood grain.
- If many boards are damaged, you’ll need to replace them. To do this, cut away the caulk with a utility knife. Then, cut the board with a saw and pry it off.
- Measure and cut new boards, then nail them on with stainless steel nails. Finally, seal the seams with caulk, adding primer and paint.
#3 Fiber-Cement Siding Repair
Fiber-cement siding is tough, but it can still get small holes or cracks. You can fix this yourself with a repair kit made just for fiber cement or with cementitious fillers.
- Follow the instructions on the filler to mix and apply it. Once it’s dry, sand it until it’s smooth and paint it to match your siding.
- For bigger repairs or if you need to replace boards, start by taking off the damaged boards from the top.
- Try to remove the nails first by cutting them with a hacksaw. Be careful not to hurt the weather barrier behind the panels.
- If it’s damaged, fix it with special tape. Then measure and cut new boards to fit and start installing them from the bottom.
- Fasten each board to the studs with nails or screws that won’t rust. Put the fasteners 1 inch from the top of the board and not too close to the ends.
- Caulk the seams to keep water out, then prime and paint to finish.
#4 Stone Veneer Siding Repair
If your stone veneer siding has small cracks or scratches, you can fix them easily.
- Starting by finding some stone putty that matches your siding color.
- Mix it as the instructions say and then use a putty knife and evenly spread the putty on the damaged spot. Make it smooth to make the next step easier.
- After the putty is completely dry, sand it so it’s even with the rest of the stone. This should make the damage less noticeable.
- However, if you need to replace a whole stone, the process is not as simple. You’ll need to replace the entire section, not just one stone. This is more than just a quick fix, so it’s best to ask a professional for help with this kind of repair. They can give you advice about your specific wall’s situation and help you decide the best way to fix it.
#5 Composite Siding Repair
Composite siding is made from wood and wood particles bonded into panels. When it gets holes or scratches, you usually need to replace the whole panel instead of patching it. To do this, you’ll need a pry bar and a hammer.
- Put the pry bar into the seam at the bottom of the damaged panel and tap it with the hammer.
- You might need to loosen all four sides of the panel. Once you’ve removed it, measure it so you can get an exact replacement.
- If you need to paint the new panel, clean it, prime it, and sand it first. Paint all four sides before you put it up.
- When you’re ready to install it, nail the panel back into place with galvanized steel nails. Make sure the boards are touching each other, and use caulk to seal all the seams.
#6 Aluminum Siding Repair
When your aluminum siding gets damaged, you can often repair it yourself.
- For small dents, you can use a filler designed for metal. Clean the area first, then apply the filler with a putty knife.
- Once it’s completely dry, sand it smooth and paint it to match your siding. For larger damage, you might need to replace sections of the siding.
- This can be tricky, so be careful not to bend the siding.
- Start by removing the damaged piece. You’ll need to unlock it from the pieces above and below.
- Cut a new piece to fit, using tin snips. Slide the new piece into place, making sure it locks with the surrounding pieces.
- Nail it in place, being careful not to drive the nails in too tight.
#7 Brick Siding Repair
Brick siding is strong, but it can develop cracks, mortar issues, or white salty deposits called efflorescence.
- For small cracks in the bricks, use a masonry crack sealant or epoxy filler. If the cracks are big, you might need to ask a professional about replacing the brick.
- If the mortar between bricks is crumbling, you’ll need to replace it. This is called repointing. Remove the old mortar and put in fresh mortar.
- To remove efflorescence, use a stiff brush and water to scrub it away. If it’s stubborn, you can use a special efflorescence cleaner.
#8 Stucco Siding Repair
Stucco can crack or chip over time, but you can fix it yourself. For small cracks or chips, use a stucco patching compound.
- Clean the area first, then apply the compound with a putty knife. Smooth it out to blend with the surrounding stucco.
- For larger cracks, you might need to use fiberglass mesh tape for enhanced durability. Apply the tape over the crack, then cover it with multiple layers of stucco patching compound.
- Let each layer dry before adding the next. If you see water damage on your stucco, it’s important to fix the source of the leak before repairing the siding.
- Remove the damaged stucco and change it with fresh stucco mix. This process can be messy, so wear protective gear.
When To Avoid DIY Practices & Call A Professional For Siding Repair
Here are certain situations where you should completely avoid attempting DIY repairs and hire a professional straightaway!
1. When you’re not sure what you’re doing, it’s okay to ask for help. Siding repair can be tricky, and if you make a mistake, it could lead to bigger problems.
2. When the damage is really big or covers a large area, a pro might be your best option. They have the right tools and know-how to handle big jobs.
3. If you spot any signs of water damage behind your siding, call a pro right away. This could mean there’s a bigger issue that needs expert attention.
4. For houses with two or more stories, working up high can be dangerous. If you’re not comfortable on tall ladders, it’s safer to hire someone.
5. When your home is pretty old, the siding might be tricky to work with. Professionals know how to handle different types of old siding.
6. When you’re short on time or tools, a professional can often do the job quicker and with better results.
Call Miller Roofing and Renovations For Siding Services In Memphis, TN
If you are looking for durable siding services in Memphis, TN, and the nearby areas, then we are here to assist you. At Miller Roofing and Renovations, we aim to provide top-quality siding installation, repair, and replacement. Trust us as your reliable experts, and we will make sure to serve you with valuable results. For a free quote today, please call us at (901) 457-9405.
