Siding Repairs | Milwaukee & Wauwatosa
Need some siding repaired, or a small section of your home or garage sided? We’ve got you covered.
Siding Repair FAQs and Considerations
What are the different types of siding?
You have lots of options when it comes to siding for your home. Vinyl siding is the most popular option today because of its durability, relatively low cost, and the lack of maintenance required to keep it looking good. Other types of siding options include wood and wood composites, masonry, metal, and synthetic materials. Among these categories are variations such as insulated vinyl siding, fiber cement siding, and cedar siding.
How does vinyl compare with other types of siding?
Vinyl siding is a great option when it comes to insulating your home and protecting it from the elements like strong wind and rain. Vinyl siding is also durable and relatively cheap compared to other types of siding material. Finally, you can purchase vinyl siding in a variety of different colors depending on the look you are going for. All of these elements make vinyl a popular choice for siding today.
Does vinyl siding require any maintenance?
Vinyl siding is actually one of the most low-maintenance types of siding, especially considering it doesn’t require paint. That being said, to keep your siding looking good for the long-term, you can plan to wash it once or twice a year to remove buildup of mold, mildew, and dirt.
How long does vinyl siding last?
Durable vinyl siding is engineered to last a long, long time. Resistant to changes in temperature, moisture, and wind, it takes a lot of damage to need to completely replace the vinyl siding on your home.
What are common issues that can cause vinyl siding to need repairs?
We commonly repair vinyl siding that has experienced cracks or bending. These issues can happen due to a heavy object hitting and damaging the siding (an example would be if heavy branches hit the sides of a home during a storm), and other sources of intense pressure. Buckling is another issue we address and repair when it comes to siding. Vinyl, like so many other materials, is susceptible to movement when the temperature changes drastically, particularly when it was not installed correctly. Finally, we occasionally repair siding that has melted due to proximity to a barbecue grill or other source of intense heat.
Can I repair siding myself, or should I hire a professional near me?
While you can repair siding yourself as a DIY project, this is not the best solution for everyone. DIY-ing a siding repair job can be more cost effective and easier to schedule than hiring a professional, but can be a big hassle. You would need to purchase your own materials and supplies, understand the building codes in your area, and be prepared to address any damage to your house that you discover after you begin. Mistakes on this type of project can be costly and time-consuming to fix.
By hiring a professional to manage your siding repair project, you are ensuring the work gets done by an expert who is insured, bonded, and licensed. You’ve got a signed contract if something goes wrong, and we take care of everything from building codes to demolition to cleanup. Finally, at Best Handyman, we guarantee our work for up to 1 year, and you won’t see a bill until the work is complete.
But don’t take it from us – only you know what is right for you. To discuss your specific needs, give us a call today.
Why should I hire Best Handyman for my siding repair project?
We may be biased, but when you choose Best Handyman for your siding repair project, we know you will get the best work for the best value. We have more than 20 years of experience providing handiwork services to homes in Wisconsin, offer a 1-year guarantee on all labor, and are proudly to be locally owned. But don’t just take it from us – give us a call to schedule your appointment today!
What kinds of siding repairs does Best Handyman offer near me?
Our team of experts can address most issues with vinyl siding – we have seen it all! Give us a call today for a FREE estimate and to discuss your siding repair needs.
Do I need to be home during this project?
While a siding repair does not usually require our tech to enter the home, we may have questions during the installation that only you can answer. Also, we can offer helpful maintenance tips while we are there, and answer questions you may have about the project. We are happy to speak with you to find a time that works with your schedule. Give us a call today!
Siding or paint?
There’s nothing like slapping a new coat of paint on a home to improve its aesthetics, and if you’ve ever watched those design shows on cable then you know this is exactly what they do almost anytime they “fix up” a room. Unfortunately, doing this to the outside of your home isn’t very practical – it costs a lot of money and takes a ton of time, and that’s if the weather holds. So, more than likely if you’re on this page, when it comes to revamping the outside of your house you’re going with new siding.
How will new siding affect my energy bill?
Siding isn’t just good for making your home look great and adding curb appeal. It can also save you money on your energy bill, and if you used certain approved materials – those being insulated siding – then you can get a tax credit for a percentage of what it costs you to improve your house. Siding also acts as a great insulator to your home, which will keep your home warmer during those cold Wisconsin winters, and cooler during our hot & muggy summers.
Vinyl siding doesn’t have the benefit of energy savings or tax credits, but it is cheaper and looks great. Paint chips and fades, and honestly, so does vinyl siding but at a much lower rate. A home can have the same siding for twenty years, and as long as it’s washed occasionally, its color and integrity will hold. You simply can’t say the same thing for paint.
Is siding a DIY project?
The real question when it comes to siding (after you’ve decided what kind to get) is, “Should I do it myself, or should I get a contractor to install it for me?” This depends on a couple of things, the two most prevalent being: 1) How much time do I have to commit to a project?, and 2) How handy am I around the house? Know going into this that you’re not going to get it done over the weekend. Experienced contractors can take days to replace siding and that’s weather permitting.
Also, keep in mind that tearing old siding off isn’t as simple as just removing the old siding. You have to be knowledgeable enough to repair damaged sections of the exterior. You will also be responsible for removing the old siding once it’s torn off and if you can’t do this yourself it’s going to cost you. Below is a list of the pros and cons of DIY siding:
Pros of DIY Siding:
- You don’t have to replace all the siding – it’s easy to replace damaged sections or touch up nicks and blemishes.
- It’s cost efficient.
- You can complete it on your schedule. If something comes up and you need to go out of town, no problem.
- It’s easier to customize the look you want as your go. That is, if you change your mind about style at any point, it’s no big deal.
- The self-satisfaction of having done something on your own.
The last point may seem like it’s pandering, but it’s not. There’s certainly something to be said for fixing-up your place on your own, and the sense of accomplishment that comes with it. At Best Handyman, we love that feeling of accomplishment after completing a big project and making a home look great!
Cons
- You don’t have the know how to get the job done.
- If you’re not already well outfitted, there’s going to be some expense in getting all the tools you need to effectively get the job done.
- All of the material expense is going to be on you, as well as the transportation of that material and any existing material you need to dispose of.
- You have to figure out the building codes yourself.
- You may find more damage to your house after you begin.
- If you don’t know what you’re doing, it’s easy to make a mistake and those mistakes can be costly and time consuming to fix.
You can eliminate a lot of the above concerns by hiring a contractor like us. It’s not really worth going into how you should go about hiring a contractor: If you’re reading this article, then you know how to use the internet and that means you probably know how to search for contractors in your area. What is a good thing to remember is that after you get bids, don’t necessarily go with the cheapest one. McDonald’s is cheap but it’s not good for you… Instead pick a contractor that appears professional and that you feel like you can trust. Remember, they’re going to be working on your home, so don’t automatically try to cut corners. Here are some pros and cons of hiring a contractor:
Pros of a Siding Contractor
- Professional contractors are insured, bonded, and licensed.
- You’ve got a signed contract if something goes wrong.
- They know what they’re doing and they do it for a living.
- They take care of everything from demolition to cleanup.
- You’ll get to decide on a budget you’re comfortable with, that way if something unexpected comes up, you’re covered.
- You’ll get a warranty.
- You don’t have to worry about any of the equipment or tools.
- All permits and building codes will be taken care of.
Cons
- Like with most services, labor can be costly.
- They’re availability might not fit in with your schedule.
- The work may be performed differently than you anticipated.
- If they aren’t holding up their end of the job, you may have to give them the axe.
Take some time before you decide with way you want to go – DIY or professional installation. Only you know what’s right for you. Happy remodeling.