Steps for Protecting Your Home Siding from Weather Damage
The home’s exterior must be kept safe from weather and other elements that could cause siding damage, such as fading from the sun, water damage from rain and storms, scratches and dents from debris and hail, and even being torn off by the wind. Proper siding installation and regular siding maintenance from reputable handyman professionals are essential to protect it and ensure it lasts long.
As far as weather is concerned, it’s not always easy to predict, and storms are getting stronger every year. While the siding protects the home’s foundation, structure, and family members, it can still get damaged if extra precautions aren’t taken. That’s why it’s important to regularly inspect your siding and take the necessary steps to repair or replace any damaged areas.
Read the blog post below to learn some helpful steps for protecting your home siding from weather damage.
Assess The Siding Damage
The first and foremost job is to assess the damage caused by storms or bad weather. While some of these signs might appear cosmetic, they can quickly lead to further decay and damage in the siding and your home. So, regular inspections can be extremely beneficial in spotting and repairing any issues that may arise. Let us have a visual overview of the signs to look out for.
- Peeling – Paint that starts to peel away from the siding might indicate underlying moisture damage caused by a storm. The water leaks can cause the paint to peel off without breaking as if it were still wet or damp. This can especially be observed in wooden siding. You must get an inspection done if the paint can be peeled away in large strips.
- Cracking – When any minor splitting or cracking appears in your siding, it’s worth having a professional take a look and perform repairs to reduce the risk of further damage. Especially if you notice cracks running parallel, these can be cause for concern as they may impact how water-resistant your siding is. And if not treated quickly, these issues can become bigger problems like mold and rot, which are much more costly to repair.
- Chipping – Generally, chips occur at the bottom of a panel of siding, where there is no flexibility. Repairing chipped siding is not always simple and often requires replacing entire panels. When it comes to repairing chips in vinyl or wood siding, it’s best to call a professional who knows how to make sure that your repair job looks seamless and blends into the surrounding area.
- Holes – Holes can be an entry point for pests, rodents, and water that can cause further damage to the insulation of your home or other interior parts. Hail-like precipitation and debris can cause holes in the siding, making it important to check your home’s exterior immediately and call experts for a repair.
- Denis– When the storm and wind speed are severe, debris from your yard can be picked up and hurled against the siding of your home. This can lead to dents in aluminum siding, which does not seem like a big issue but can contribute to rust or cracks down the line. It is important to inspect for dents on aluminum siding and repair them as soon as possible to avoid cracking or breaking.
- Displacement – The wind speed at a particular place can sometimes be so high that it could tear off your siding completely and disperse it around the yard. If this happens, contact a professional for replacements as soon as possible.
Other areas like roofing, driveways, doors, windows, and decks should also be checked for possible damage and repairs. An inspection will also help determine the cause and severity of any damage, which can then be used to identify the best course of action.
Related Read: Major Warning Signs That It’s Time For New Siding in Your House.
Undertake Professional Inspection
Since all the indications of siding damage must be inspected by a professional, it is advised to get a professional inspection done if the storm is severe and there’s debris in your yard. A skilled handyman can assess your siding and notice things the untrained eye might miss, which is essential for reducing complications.
It’s also important not to get on your roof to try and get a better visual of roofing or siding damage, as that could be dangerous. You must leave the job to a professional trained in performing safe visual inspections and home repair services for this weather-related damage.
Invest In Weatherproof Siding
Now comes the first step you can take to protect your home by investing in weatherproof siding. This could be aluminum, wood, fiber cement, or vinyl, but you must remember that some kinds are more prone to certain weather than the rest. Talk to a professional and research the material that is best for your home and one that can protect it from further damage.
Ensure Waterproofing Of The Siding Installed
Keeping the water out of your home and, most importantly, out of your walls is a must. Check any gaps or holes in the siding and seal them with caulk. Additionally, ensure that proper layers are installed beneath the siding, such as flashing, house wrap, sealants, caulk, and trim, to waterproof your home truly. If you’re unsure of the process, contact a professional handyman in Corpus Christi Texas, to fix the problem and help protect your home from water damage.
Maintain Your Exterior Siding
Protecting your siding from weather damage and performing routine maintenance is important. Clean your siding regularly and check for any water damage, loose panels or pieces, or other issues. Different types of siding must be cleaned differently, like vinyl, wood, aluminum, and fiber cement. If you need help cleaning your siding type, it’s best to ask the professional who has helped you install it. Taking care of your exterior siding is just one way to keep your house looking its best and show that you take pride in ownership.
Keep Gutters Clean For Maximum Protection
The gutters can collect and redirect rainwater from the siding of your house. To get maximum protection against bad weather, it is necessary to keep your gutters clean and clear of debris.
Get Repairs Promptly If Needed
During the temperamental seasons, the storm can become quite severe and cause major damage to your home setting; getting it fixed as soon as possible is important. A handyman professional inspecting and repairing the damage as soon as possible will help avoid further problems.
Related Read: How Handyman Services Helps in Making Your Home Better.
Replace Siding That Is Beyond Repair
When you experience that your home’s siding is beyond repair, it is important to look into your options for replacement. Replacing the siding can give your home a facelift, make it more aesthetically pleasing, boost the property value, and add a strong layer of protection against further storm damage. A handyman can help you replace your siding with the same material and color as before, or you can take it as an opportunity to switch up the style.
Wrapping Up
Regardless of your route, taking action on your siding and roof problems should be a priority to ensure your home is protected from the worst weather conditions. Investing in local handyman services can help you from start to finish, from initial inspection to complete installation.
Contact these professionals today to get your hands on high-quality siding installation and ensure these storms can no longer harm your home. Maintain the high standard of your home and keep it safe from weather damage today.