Signs That It Is Time to Repair Your Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding can be damaged in several ways. Cracks in the siding are usually the first sign that repair is needed. You may also see holes in the siding, missing sections, loose or hanging sections, or in hot climates, you may find siding that has warped or melted.
Any of these issues signal a need for repair. Not only can cracks, holes, and loose siding detract from your curb appeal, they can also allow moisture and insects to get behind the siding more easily. This leads to damage and moisture problems, which can cause more serious issues. Repairing your vinyl siding as soon as you notice these issues can maintain your home’s appearance and value while also preventing more serious issues in the future.
Vinyl Siding Repair Cost by Type of Issue
Vinyl siding can be damaged in several ways. Some problems are relatively easy to fix, while others necessitate replacing the damaged planks. The repair cost is dictated by how large or widespread the issue is. Small cracks and holes cost significantly less to repair than larger cracks and holes, and issues confined to a single plank cost less than issues impacting several planks:
| Issue | Average Cost to Repair |
|---|
| Damaged Soffit | $20 - $30/linear foot |
| Holes (patching) | $50 - $150 |
| Cracks | $50 - $150 |
| Loose Planks | $100 - $200 |
| Warped Planks | $150 - $300 |
| Damage | $150 - $300 |
| Mold | $500 - $700 |
Vinyl Soffit Repair
The average cost to repair vinyl soffits is between $20 and $30 a linear foot. The soffit is the perforated or ventilated covering installed on the underside of your roof overhang. It covers the rafters, protects from the elements, and facilitates airflow. Soffits can become damaged by rodents getting into the rafters, excessive moisture problems, or ice dams. To repair a vinyl soffit, the affected sections must be removed and replaced with new soffits. This costs between $20 and $30 a linear foot. Most soffit pieces are roughly 12 linear feet in length, but some can be shorter.
Vinyl Siding Patch
The cost to patch small to medium-sized holes in vinyl siding ranges from $50 to $150, depending on the size and scope. A very small hole can be patched using caulk on the siding’s exterior. The caulk dries, and the excess is cut away and painted to match. A larger patch requires that the siding be removed from the house. The affected area is trimmed to be smooth, and vinyl is placed on the back. The front is caulked, smoothed, and painted to match, and then the siding can be reinstalled.
Repair Cracked Vinyl Siding
The average cost to repair cracked vinyl siding is between $50 and $150, depending on the size. Thin isolated cracks can be fixed with caulk. The caulk is applied to the vinyl’s exterior, smoothed, trimmed, and painted to match. A larger crack requires that the plank be removed and a new section installed. Cracks can turn into holes, so sometimes, patching can be done on the inside, which can then be reinstalled. However, if the holes and cracks are large or widespread, replacement is usually recommended.
Fixing Loose Vinyl Siding
The average cost to fix loose vinyl siding ranges from $100 to $200. Loose siding can be fixed in a few ways. Sometimes, it must be reset into the piece below since the siding is meant to interlock. If numerous pieces are loose, the entire section of siding should be removed and reinstalled. If the top row is loose, discreet nails or screws can sometimes secure it. If you live in a windy area and your siding frequently becomes loose, discreet nails or screws may be needed in multiple areas to secure it permanently because the interlocking method may fail in high winds.
Repair Warped Vinyl Siding
The cost to repair warped vinyl siding averages $150 to $300 per section. Vinyl siding can easily warp from heat. If you live in a hot climate, the siding can soften in the sun, melt, and warp. If you live in a cold climate and your home is close to your neighbors, you may notice warping if your neighbor has low-E glass. The sun’s rays reflecting off the glass and onto your siding may be hotter than usual, resulting in warped siding. Once the siding has warped, the only way to repair it is to replace the affected planks. This means removal of the old planks, disposal, and replacement. Usually, this is charged by the 10’ by 10’ section. If this issue is more widespread, consider replacing your siding with a different material because the new planks are also in danger of warping.
Replacing Damaged Vinyl Siding
The average cost to replace damaged vinyl siding is between $150 to $300 per 10’ by 10’ section. Vinyl siding is fairly easily damaged. It can soften, melt, and warp in hot weather or direct sunlight. It can also become very brittle and crack, split, or break in cold climates. This is particularly problematic with impacts, such as those sustained from hailstorms. It can also be easily damaged in high winds, especially if objects become airborne and propel into the siding. The only way to deal with this damage is to replace the affected sections. Because the color of vinyl can fade, it is common to replace all the siding in one area so that the color matches, and the repair is less noticeable.
Remove Mold from Vinyl Siding
The cost to remove mold from vinyl siding ranges from $500 to $700 on average, depending on how extensive the issue is. While vinyl is made of plastic and not porous, it can become contaminated with surface dirt, mold, and blue-green algae. If the issue is small, it is easy to remove with diluted bleach in water and a scrub brush. But if your home is covered in mold, algae, or grime, your best method may be to pressure wash. Pressure washing blasts off the surface contaminants so that the siding below is clean. Pressure washing cannot hurt the surface or color because vinyl is not painted, but it removes any mold, mildew, or algae.
Labor Cost to Repair Vinyl Siding
If you have some small isolated cracks or holes, you can hire a handyman to make the repairs for as low as $50. However, if you need your siding replaced or have more serious issues that need repair, hire a siding professional. They typically charge around $50 to $150 an hour, or roughly $150 to $250 for a 10’ x 10’ section. For small repairs, they usually charge a minimum of $50 to $100, even if the repair takes less than an hour to complete.
Factors Affecting the Cost to Repair Vinyl Siding
Several factors impact your repair cost. The first is the issue’s size and scope. Small cracks and holes smaller than a quarter are easily repaired. Larger cracks and holes mean that the siding must be removed from the wall to repair, which increases the cost. If the siding is in the middle of a row, this is more difficult to remove and replace than a section at the top or bottom of a run. Sections on the second story or higher also cost more to repair than sections that can be reached and repaired from the ground.
If you have leftover siding from the original installation, your costs are lower because these materials can be used for the repairs. If you need to purchase new siding to make the repair, your costs are higher.
Finally, location and weather impact the cost to repair. Very hot or cold temperatures impact how the siding handles, which can increase your costs.
Causes of Vinyl Siding Damage
Many events can damage vinyl siding. It softens quickly in heat and direct sunlight, which can cause it to melt and warp. It can freeze, becoming brittle in very cold temperatures so that if the siding was struck by a falling tree branch, hailstone, or even someone bumping it, it can crack, split, or break. It can remain more brittle after several cold winters, so any impact can cause a break or hole. In addition, high winds can cause the siding to loosen or come away from the wall.
Thicker vinyl sidings and vinyl with foam insulation tend to hold up slightly better to impact than hollow vinyl siding does, but any vinyl can crack or break. This includes stray baseballs, accidental bangs or knocks, falling tree branches, hailstones, or furniture.
Taking Care of Your Vinyl Siding
Some damage to your vinyl may be unavoidable, such as in the case of hail, loose tree limbs, or accidental impacts. Ideally, vinyl siding should be installed in locations with a moderate climate to avoid the warping or cracking that can occur from hot and cold climates.
Otherwise, clean your vinyl siding to remove surface dirt, debris, and algae. Check the caulking around windows and doors regularly, and replace it as needed to keep the seal intact to prevent moisture from seeping in around these areas. If you notice small cracks or holes in your vinyl, repairing them quickly can prevent them from spreading and becoming much larger and more costly issues to repair.
Enhancements and Improvement Costs
Cost to Paint Vinyl Siding
While vinyl siding does not need to be painted like wood, it can be painted if you want to change colors. The vinyl must be primed with an adhesive primer for the paint to adhere to. Then, it can be painted like any other siding. The cost to paint vinyl siding is usually between $5,000 and $6,000, depending on the home’s size.
Clean Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding has a texture that can mean it holds onto dirt and grime easily. It can also be affected by mold, mildew, and algae. Cleaning vinyl siding can be done in small areas by hand with a stiff-bristled brush. However, it is more efficient to power wash. The average cost to clean the exterior of a home is between $500 and $640.
Additional Considerations and Costs
- Unless you are recovering the majority of your home, you do not need a permit to make moderate repairs to your vinyl siding. If you are concerned with the project’s size, speak to your town or city hall for more information.
- Vinyl siding can be easily pressure washed. It does not have issues with peeling or surface texture changes like other sidings because it does not have paint.
- Vinyl siding is made of polyvinyl chloride. It does not contain harmful substances, such as asbestos fiber.
- Blue-green algae is very common in many areas and affects your siding and roof. You can disrupt it with copper or zinc flashing at the tops of your walls. This does not prevent all algae, but it can keep it from getting out of control.
- If you have insulated vinyl siding and the insulation becomes damaged, you must replace the entire plank with the insulation to make the repair.
FAQs
- Can you replace pieces of vinyl siding?
You can. Vinyl siding click locks into itself, so a special tool called a zip tool separates them. You can then lock a new piece into place.
- Does homeowners insurance cover vinyl siding?
This depends on the issue. If your vinyl was damaged in a hail storm, then it is likely to be covered. If it has become damaged because of your climate, then no, it will not likely be covered.
- How many years will vinyl siding last?
Vinyl siding lasts roughly 20 years before it needs to be replaced. However, it can start showing signs of damage after just 1 year.
- How often should vinyl siding be cleaned?
Vinyl can be cleaned as frequently as you need or desire. It is not harmed by frequent cleaning.
- What is the best vinyl siding cleaner?
Pressure washing is the most effective way to clean vinyl siding. However, if you have a small area to clean, diluted bleach and water and a stiff-bristled brush does the job.
- Why is my vinyl siding turning green?
This is likely the growth of something - mold, mildew, and blue-green algae can all affect the exterior of vinyl siding. You can remove it with a pressure washer.
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