The best tips for siding repair depend on the type of siding that is being used. Some of the most common types are vinyl, cedar, aluminum, steel, and log. These types of siding have some similarities, but each has a few unique requirements as well. It is important to understand these variable aspects of the siding material in order to perform the best siding repair.
When making siding repairs on a house with vinyl siding, the biggest challenge is finding material that matches the existing siding. Damaged areas can be cut out, and holes can be patched with extra panels of siding from the original installation, if they are available. If the original siding is not available, it may be best to use panels from a less visible area of the home to repair damage in more visible spots. The panel that has been moved can then be replaced with the closest match available. Another tip for making a vinyl siding repair is to make the repairs during warm weather, as colder temperatures can make the vinyl prone to cracking.
Cedar siding repair most often involves fixing cracks that have formed in the wood. To fix smaller cracks, wood glue meant for exterior use or epoxy glue can be used to bond the wood back together. Small holes should be drilled at the end of cracks and in the middle of bigger cracks to aid in applying the glue and to prevent the crack from spreading. Cracks longer than 24 inches (60.96 cm) will most likely require replacment of the entire board.
For successful repair of aluminum siding, it is most important to prevent damage to other parts of the metal. The aluminum can be scratched, so tools that are designed to prevent such damage should be used. Masking tape can be used on either side, when making cuts in the siding, to protect the surrounding areas. Aluminum siding can also be bent using a hand brake, which can be very useful when trying to negotiate corners.
Steel siding repair is often required because of corrosion in the metal. It is best to use steel wool to scrub away the corrosion before refinishing the steel. Dents can be repaired by drilling a small hole in them and filling them with a substance like auto body filler. Thick layers of paint on steel will be prone to cracking, so it is best to apply paint in thin layers.
The most important considertation when repairing log siding is prevention of water damage. This is achieved by sealing the bare ends of any wood that is cut during the repair. All of the joints and seams created when making the repair should also be caulked with waterproof caulking. Oly screws are specifically made for use with log siding and will offer the best durability and appearance when making log siding repairs.
