Wood siding is one of the most beautiful materials available and with proper installation, routine inspection, and repairs your siding can last many years in the elements. One green benefit of choosing lumber for siding is, at the end of its useful life, wood naturally returns into the earth. If your home’s wood siding is looking less than spectacular, it may be as simple as updating a few sections to make it appear new again. Here are a few signs to look for when deciding whether it’s time to repair or replace it:
- Loose boards – When boards are visually loose, you may be able to repair them by nailing or screwing them securely again. Although, if they’ve been stripped away from the home altogether, a replacement is likely necessary.
- Wood rot – Areas of siding that have rotting wood will need to be replaced. If you don’t have wood siding covering your entire home, assess the precise placement to determine why certain sections may be more susceptible to deterioration than others.
- Extreme discoloration – Discoloration may occur naturally due to weathering over time. Fortunately, it may simply need to be restained or given another layer of paint to freshen up the look. In many cases, a full replacement isn’t necessary and can help you save on renovation costs.
- Missing boards – It’s time for replacement when there are missing boards. Depending on the condition of the ones surrounding the empty space, you may need to only replace a few to fill in the gap. On the other hand, it may be the right time to update an entire section of your home’s siding, depending on the integrity of the rest of the siding.
How to Decide Whether a Repair or Replacement Is Best?
The color, structure, and level of deterioration of your wood siding can give you a good idea of whether it’s time to repair or replace it. However, if you’re unsure which route is best, there are a few additional factors to take into consideration.
First, make it routine to check your siding at the end of each summer because if there are any issues, you’ll want them fixed before the rainy season. Second, when deciding on a new siding replacement versus a repair, trust your own judgment. For minor defects, a repair could be as simple as a new coat of paint or recaulking. It could also mean the replacement of a few boards and leaving the rest intact.
Third, if you decide a replacement is necessary, keep in mind, it’ll typically require taking down all old siding and replacing it all once, since it all ties together. For this type of project, you’ll want to partner with a contractor to discuss your needs. They’ll work with you to determine a timeline, budget, and the amount of materials you’ll need to complete the job.
Wood siding replacement is a larger undertaking than repairing or repairing a few boards.
If you’re unsure about the particular color or type of siding of your home, bring a piece of it into one of our store locations and we can help you match what’ll look best for your home. And remember, if we don’t have the siding pattern in stock, we can typically match your existing pattern through our custom milling service.
There’s also the option of choosing another type of material when you want a change. Composite siding, metal siding, and fiber cement siding are popular alternatives and may fit in well with the aesthetic of your home when making a full update. They each have their own unique benefits and are durable and low-maintenance.
When it comes to updating the siding of your home, determine whether a repair may be the best first step or if it’s clear a replacement is needed. Either way, we can help answer your siding questions and work with your contractor to make the renovation process as seamless as possible.
We have several locations located throughout Southern California. Visit your local J&W Lumber store and let’s talk about what best fits your needs.