Can the Siding on My Seattle Home Be Repaired?

Picture of the front of a home with new siding installed by EcoSide

A look at repairing vs. replacing siding

If you’ve found damage to your home’s exterior you may be asking yourself if siding can be repaired, rather than replaced. The short answer is ‘yes.’ In certain circumstances siding can be successfully repaired. In fact, it may even be preferable in some cases.

Of course, the answer you’re more likely to get is ‘it depends.’ There are several factors to consider when deciding to repair your home's siding versus replacing it. But, before we get into that, let’s look at some of the indicators that your siding needs to be repaired or replaced to begin with.

How to know when to repair or replace your siding

There are several signs you can look for, even if they are not visible, to determine if your siding needs repair or replacement. Knowing what to look for can help you catch problems before they get too big.

Visible Signs of Damage

The number one indicator is, of course, visible signs of damage. Look for telltale clues like horizontal cracks, holes, warped boards, areas of rot, or soft spots. These are all signs that it’s time to address the issue. Another indicator of damage can be worn out or damaged caulk. If you have vinyl siding that looks worn or faded, this could be an indicator that it’s time to replace it.

High Utility Bills and Uneven Temperatures

Are your utility bills out of control or not in line with your neighbors? Are you noticing warm or cold spots (depending on the time of year) in your home? These could be signs that your siding is not doing its job any more.

Before deciding to repair or replace your siding you’ll want to check for other causes first. Look for signs like missing or damaged insulation in attic spaces and walls, gaps and cracks around windows and doors, or issues with your heating and cooling system.

There are many layers that comprise your home's walls, each of them offering some level of protection, but the siding is your first line of defense. Once you’ve ruled out other causes, check for air leaks and cold spots, then look for corresponding damage to the siding on the outside of your home.

Moisture Problems

Have you noticed your home has a moisture problem, either inside or outside? Inside your home, if you see dark spots on walls, peeling paint or wallpaper, or water leaking through the walls or ceilings, you may have a siding problem. Again, look for corresponding signs or damage outside your home.

Outside the home look for signs like bubbled or warped siding, or areas of rot and decay. Other indicators are mold and mildew on exterior walls.

Before making any decisions about siding, you’ll want to rule out a leaky roof, damaged gutters, or other issues as the source of your moisture problems.

How to determine if the damage is repairable

Now that you've done a thorough inspection, if you've found any damage, you may be wondering if you can simply repair the damage or if you'll need to replace all of your siding.

LEFT: Damaged siding is being removed from the back area of a house. RIGHT: Close up of hidden damage found under siding. — Damage underneath existing siding being removed and repaired

If the damage you've found is contained to a small area it is possible that a repair is all you need. One option people may be unaware of is partial siding replacement. If the damage is contained to only one area or one side of your home, it can be possible to replace just that section.

Once you’ve made your evaluation you may want to get a second opinion. Siding is an important part of keeping your home protected and making the right decision now can save you time and money in the future. Consider having a professional siding contractor inspect your home and assess the damage. Most reputable siding contractors will offer free estimates. Look for someone that is an expert in siding repair, as some contractors only offer siding replacement, and may not have the experience to determine what type of damage is repairable.

Benefits of repairing vs. replacing your home’s siding

Why might you choose to repair a portion of your siding, rather than replace it? There are several factors to consider, like cost, convenience, or even curb appeal.

Repairs can be more affordable

You may only have a small area of damage while the rest of your siding still has many good years of protection left. In this case, repairing damaged sections may be more cost effective. The repair will protect your investment in your home while saving you money on a full replacement.

Damage due to weather or environment

All types of weather and seasonal elements can have a damaging effect on your home’s siding. Rain, snow, wind, and changing temperatures, can all cause damage to your its exterior. This is especially true in an area like Seattle with its short, dry summers followed by extended periods of moisture and rain throughout the year.

Homes tend to take brunt of harsh weather on the south side while the others remain relatively protected. An option here could be to do a partial replacement, where only a limited number of sections are replaced on your home but not all the siding. Using a durable product like HardiePlank lap siding can increase the weatherability on that side of your home with its weather specific primer.

Damage may be minor or localized to one area

You may have damage from a busted downspout, or insects, or moisture on a shady side of the house. These small areas need to be repaired but the rest of your siding is in good condition. In these cases, a small repair can save you money and protect your home.

Something else to consider: curb appeal

While we’ve mainly focused on damage to your home, here’s something else to consider: giving your home a facelift with a partial siding replacement.

LEFT: Damage to siding in the upper portion has left this house looking shabby. RIGHT: Repair to the siding has increased this home's curb appeal.

Maybe you just want to change up the look of your home or you're getting ready to put it on the market. Either way, new siding can increase your home’s perceived and actual value. Replacing the siding on the front of your home is a great option for an inexpensive makeover. You get all the benefits of an upgrade to your home’s curb appeal without the cost of replacing all its siding.

Can I DIY or should I hire a professional?

While you may be able to repair some minor damage yourself, for bigger issues your best bet is to hire a professional. You may be able to identify visible damage, but there may be hidden damage you’re unable to detect. A professional contractor, experienced in siding repair, will be able to complete the job efficiently and catch other potential problems, stopping them before they can occur or get worse. They may also suggest tips to make sure that more damage to your siding can be avoided in the future.