Siding Savvy: How to Determine If Your Siding Can Be Repaired or Needs Replacing

Determining Home Siding Repairs and Replacement Needs

Before deciding whether to repair or replace siding, identify the existing material and check whether a suitable replacement is available.

Identifying the availability of your siding material can be challenging, but it doesn't have to be. An easy solution is to consult a qualified siding contractor. It's not uncommon for homeowners to be misinformed about the availability of their siding due to a contractor's unfamiliarity with the specific product. In reality, the siding might still be manufactured and quite common; it just may not be something the contractor regularly works with.

A material-identification service can help compare existing siding with available products. Nearmap’s itel Material Matching service compares submitted material information to identify an exact or close match, if one exists. Check the provider’s current submission requirements and pricing before sending a sample. A matching report can inform a repair decision; it does not guarantee that a repair will be suitable for every damaged area.

Different materials react differently to damage. For instance, vinyl siding tends to crack, whereas fiber cement and wood may deteriorate or absorb moisture. A skilled contractor should be able to patch damaged panels of fiber cement and composite materials, as they are designed to be repairable. The same goes for vinyl siding; a skilled professional can use specialized tools to unlink a damaged panel and replace it, provided the material is still available.

However, aluminum siding presents a unique challenge. Damage typically occurs close to the ground level due to accidental impacts from lawn maintenance or weed whackers. Aluminum siding is tricky to repair because the panels are interconnected, and any modification tends to leave permanent marks. In such situations, if patching isn't feasible, you might need to replace the entire section, which often requires determining material availability, possibly through ITEL.

An additional consideration is whether the house wrap, which is critical for moisture protection, can be installed or brought up to code during the repair process. The siding acts as a secondary, protective barrier; the majority of water protection comes from the house wrap beneath.

Ultimately, you can either take the initiative to obtain samples and submit them for analysis or hire a storm restoration contractor to evaluate your siding and its market availability. Whichever route you choose, it's essential to address siding issues promptly to maintain your home's structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.