Guide
Repair or replace your siding?
Not every crack calls for new siding, and not every repair is money well spent. How to tell which way your walls are heading.
Signs on the wall
Usually repairable
- Damage limited to one wall or one area
- A few cracked, holed or missing panels with matching spares available
- Loose courses that can be relocked and fastened properly
- A single soft spot with a clear cause, such as a failed window flashing
Usually time to replace
- Vinyl that cracks when touched, or is chalky and faded all over
- Waves and buckles on every sunny wall from tight nailing
- Paint failing everywhere on wood within a season or two
- Water stains inside, or soft sheathing in several places
- No matching panels to be had for repairs
What lies behind the siding
The face of the siding only tells part of the story. Siding is a rain screen; the barrier and flashing behind it keep the wall dry. If water has been getting past them for years, a few new panels won't fix it, and a full tear-off lets the contractor rebuild the layers that matter.
On the other hand, plenty of siding is replaced for looks alone while the wall behind is sound. If it is the appearance that bothers you, say so; a contractor can price paint, partial replacement or re-siding and let you choose.
On the call
Questions to ask the contractor
- What exactly is failing, and can you show me photos?
- Is the wall behind the siding wet or damaged?
- Can matching panels or boards be found?
- What would a repair cost, and what would replacing the siding cost?
- How long should the repair last?
Calling about either
A call to this line reaches an independent siding contractor that does repairs as well as full replacements and new siding, so you don't need to know the answer before you pick up the phone. If it could go either way, ask for both prices at the same visit. The siding repair page covers the usual repair jobs.
Questions
Repair or replace: common questions
Is 20-year-old vinyl worth repairing?
Condition matters more than age. Sound, flexible siding with one damaged area is worth repairing. Siding that is brittle, chalky and cracking on every wall usually is not.
Can I repair now and re-side later?
Often, as long as the repair keeps water out and isn't hiding a wider problem. It is fair to ask for both prices at the same visit.
What if the replacement panels don't match?
Old siding fades and profiles get discontinued. A contractor may move matching panels from a hidden wall to the visible one, or suggest re-siding one whole wall so the difference falls at a corner.
Repair or replace, the call is the same
Talk to an independent siding contractor who works around Vineland
One call connects you with an independent siding contractor working in Vineland, Millville, Bridgeton, Newfield and Franklinville. Ask them to look at the walls and put the repair or the new siding in writing.
Cracked panels, a wall that let water in, or siding that has simply had its day?
Your call goes to an independent siding contractor serving the Vineland area who takes on repairs as well as full re-siding jobs.
Call (856) 269-8684Calls may be recorded. See the referral disclosure and privacy policy.