Get matched with top vinyl siding cleaning pros in Buhl, MN

If you’re trying to cover up damaged vinyl siding with some other material, properly repairing the damage is likely just as easy. Avoid covering up damaged siding under most circumstances. Water and mold can easily get trapped behind it and cause more harm than the damage already there. 

If you need a fast, temporary repair until you have time to fix the damage properly, use a generous amount of caulk or spray foam insulation to fill the gap, knowing that you’ll need to remove the material later. 

Warning signs of vinyl siding in need of replacement include cracks in the siding, serious fading of color, loose or missing boards, and boards that have warped or melted. If you notice these problems, it’s time to replace your vinyl siding or consider switching to a different type of siding that won’t have the same problems.

Vinyl siding lasts between 20 and 40 years, on average, but the timeline depends on the quality of the product you install, whether or not your siding professional installs the siding properly with room for expansion, the climate in your area, and more. With good maintenance on a high-quality siding in a moderate climate, you could get 50 years or more of life out of your vinyl siding.

While painting vinyl siding is never necessary, people who paint vinyl to update the look of their homes can potentially get the secondary benefit of giving siding a protective seal. However, the wrong paint can actually promote vinyl siding melting or warping by attracting sunlight and heat. It's important to choose a vinyl-safe paint color that is either equal to or lighter than the current shade to prevent attracting heat to a darker color. Most homeowners who choose to paint vinyl siding need to repaint every five to 10 years.