All house siding deteriorates over time. In some cases, however, certain parts may break down faster than others. Storms, fallen branches, and manufacturing defects can cause localized damage to individual boards or sections without affecting the whole house.
In these cases, replacing the damaged section may be more cost-effective than putting new siding on your whole home. This decision must be made with care. Replacing just one section may risk damage to the siding around it.
New Jersey Siding & Windows, Inc., provides replacement siding and other home improvement services to customers in northern New Jersey. Here, we discuss the ins and outs of replacement siding and when it’s safe to replace individual sections.
What Damages Home Siding?
Your home’s siding is its outermost layer and its first defense against environmental hazards. As such, it’s exposed to a wide variety of possible sources of damage. Here are just a few ways a section of house siding can become damaged:
- Fallen branches after a severe storm
- Manufacturer defects that cause warping
- UV damage on sections that receive the most sun exposure
- Heat damage, especially to low-end vinyl siding
- Dents from accidents or maintenance
- Serious rot or mildew
When your siding becomes damaged through any of these causes, it can no longer perform its role of protecting your home. You need to install replacement siding to keep weather exposure from affecting your home’s structure. Otherwise, it could cause problems that are far more expensive to fix.
Replacing Individual Panels of Siding
Replacement siding is a significant investment, especially when replacing the siding all over your house. Luckily, it is sometimes possible to replace only a single section. This solution lets you keep the undamaged siding on the rest of your home, saving money by avoiding unnecessary expenses.
When replacing a board or panel, your siding installer will remove the affected panel and exchange it for a new one. This is easiest with vinyl siding, which is lightweight and relatively easy to repair, but can also work with composite siding and other materials. If an entire wall is damaged, then the installer may need to saw through boards to remove all the damage. Sometimes, boards can be cut partway and refit using adhesive. In other cases, it is more practical to replace the entire board.
Risks with Replacing Individual Siding Panels
Though replacing individual sections of siding can be cost-effective, it’s also risky. When removing a single board or section from the middle of a wall, you might cause damage to the siding around it. In addition, if boards have been cut and joined together using adhesive, the attachment point may be more vulnerable than solid sections of siding. This creates a weak spot that’s prone to further damage – potentially requiring a second replacement.
Because of these risks, working with experienced installers is imperative. Knowledgeable siding experts have the expertise to remove boards without damaging the siding that’s still in good condition. They can also join boards securely, ensuring a replacement that will last.
Even if the installation goes well without any complications, you are still replacing years-old siding with brand-new material. The replacement sections will not have received the same sun exposure or weathering as the rest of your home. Even if you purchased the same color and type of siding from the same manufacturer, the new material may look strikingly different. Color-clashing siding isn’t an appearance most homeowners would prefer.
Choosing a Siding Installation Company
Before planning a siding replacement installation, we recommend reaching out to your local siding installation company for guidance. Their experience will be invaluable when it comes to deciding how much siding to replace and ensuring a successful installation process without further damage or complications. Your siding experts can help you:
- Evaluate your siding for damage you may have missed
- Determine how much siding is safe to replace
- Suggest ways to disguise a color clash between new and weathered siding
- Remove damaged sections without damaging the panels around it
- Perform a successful installation with results that will last
Most importantly, an experienced siding installer can prevent additional damage and an unsatisfactory result – helping you avoid expensive repairs and replacements down the road.
Replace Damaged Siding with New Jersey Siding & Windows, Inc.
If a section of your house siding is damaged, get in touch with New Jersey Siding & Windows, Inc. Located in Randolph, we serve all of northern New Jersey with replacement siding products and installation. Our company has over 20 years of experience in the industry, so you can be confident in the quality of our advice and handiwork. Contact us to learn more or to request a quote.
