Vinyl siding tends to be low maintenance, but there are some exceptions to know about. One of those is the effect of heat on vinyl siding. Learn about the potential problem of vinyl siding plus what to do if your siding becomes damaged.
Storm Damage
Summer storms can damage vinyl siding. Strong winds may blow the siding loose, while hail can cause holes to develop in the siding. If the damage is small, you may be able to replace a few pieces of vinyl siding, but if the damage is extensive, it may be better off to replace the siding.
Heat Damage
The biggest danger to vinyl siding is from summer heat. When exposed to extreme heat, vinyl siding may melt or buckle, warping so it no longer sits flat against the house. This effect is worsened if you place a grill too close to the vinyl siding, as the heat of the grill can cause the vinyl to melt. To prevent your grill from damaging your home siding, locate it at least 10 feet away from the siding.
Vinyl siding can also fade and discolor from the sun. If you have full sun exposure, there is no way of limiting the damage of UV rays on your vinyl siding; it’s just something that happens with age. While vinyl siding can be painted, the paint will chip, flake, and discolor over time. If your vinyl siding is old and discolored, it’s probably better to replace the siding with something fresh than to spend the time and money to paint it and buy yourself a few more years at best.
How to Handle Damaged Vinyl Siding
When vinyl siding becomes damaged, it may not be able to protect your home. It also looks bad. If the areas of damage are small, you may be able to replace them; however, your success will depend on the color of your home and the style of siding you chose. Trends change over time, so you may not be able to find the exact same color or style you chose, depending on when the vinyl siding was installed.
If the vinyl siding is extensively damaged, then it’s better to replace all the siding and start fresh. New siding will improve your home’s value and its appearance. To obtain a quote for siding repair or replacement, contact us today.
