Discover the Must-Know Info About Calgary Siding Repairs!

When you look at your beautiful Calgary home, what is one of the most stand-out structural qualities? Your siding. It takes up the majority of real estate on your house, and is what draws the eye to your home. Perhaps you live in a community where all the homes are built in varying shades of stucco, or have an older residence with vinyl siding. Either way, it's an important part of your house and when damaged, it requires immediate Calgary siding repairs.

Sometimes called cladding, this part of your home serves many important functions. It's aesthetically pleasing and contributes to curb appeal, protects your property from changing weather (not to mention, Calgary's freezing winters), and can even help deter pests from getting into your house. If you're thinking of selling your home in the near future, then it's very important your cladding is looking as good as possible, since curb appeal is one of the most important factors in whether prospective buyers will maintain interest in your property.

Even though most types of cladding are highly durable—after all, they do protect your home from a range of hazards—over time damage can still happen. Harsh weather, wear and tear and more can cause your perfect siding to break, crack or warp. Different materials have different Calgary siding repair considerations, so it's important to know what issues to watch for when it comes to the cladding ensconcing your home.

To help you know when you might need Calgary siding repairs—and consequently when to reach out to our pro Calgary handyman team—we put together the following article. Keep reading to learn more about red flags to watch for, what your cladding material's pros and cons are, and additional tips from the hardworking team at Mr. Handyman of Calgary South

What Should I Know About Calgary Siding Repairs?

No matter what types of siding materials you have guarding your Calgary home, it's integral to maintain your cladding. Like anything in life, without routine maintenance, issues can really pile up. It's essential to try and prevent the risk of damage as much as possible, because this in turn helps prevent the need for Calgary siding repairs. Granted, some types of damage can't be avoided—like problems due to hail, snow or storms. But on the whole, the best way to maintain your cladding is by booking a pressure washing service to keep your walls clean at least twice a year, and inspect it regularly for signs of damage. Some red flags to watch for include:

Buckling and Warping

Buckling and warping happens when vinyl siding has not been installed correctly. Because vinyl is made of plastic, it expands and contracts when temperatures change. It has to be attached with fasteners to accommodate for this expanding and contracting—especially somewhere like Calgary, where winters are freezing cold and the summers are sweltering. If vinyl cladding is attached too tightly, the vinyl can't move properly. This puts stress on the material and causes it to warp. Improperly installed cladding needs to be replaced promptly, or the issue will worsen.

Cracks, Dents and Chips

All siding is designed to withstand a certain degree of pressure, since it protects your home's exterior from the elements. But, it can still be damaged if put under enough stress or if it experiences significant impact. Fast moving, heavy objects can result in the need for house siding repairs in Calgary, AB. This could be a ball that was thrown at your home, or damage from hail. In fact, serious hail damage repairs are relatively common in Calgary.

Usually, issues like small dents, cracks and chips can be fixed with minor repairs, but it always depends on the level of damage. For extensive hail storm repairs, it may be more worthwhile to consider new siding installation, rather than repairs. In either case, it's essential that even the smallest signs of damage are fixed quickly, otherwise the issue will get worse and worse until replacements are your only option for siding service.

Moisture Damage

When installed correctly, cladding creates an effective barrier against moisture and humidity. But, even plastic materials like vinyl aren't totally waterproof. Water has a habit of getting into even the smallest nooks and crannies. Water damage is a serious problem. Once it gets trapped between the walls of your house, moisture seepage can result in wood rot and structural damage.

Common Signs of Wood Rot

Wood rot is a pain to deal with. Yet, even though Calgary has a dry climate, it's actually quite common in residences that are built with wood siding. If you notice a problem, call a professional handyman service—such as the pros at Mr. Handyman of Calgary South—to repair the rotted areas quickly. Common signs of wood rot in Calgary include:

• Concentrated patches of orange/brown spore dust
• Gray strands on wood
• Mushrooms and fungal growth
• Damaged or decaying timber
• Damp or musty smell
• Brittle wood or wood that crumbles in your hand

Pro Tip:

The best way to test for wood rot is to inspect your property twice a year with a flashlight and screwdriver. Use the flashlight to look at dark, tough-to-reach places. Probe the screwdriver into suspicious looking areas. If it sinks in, you have wood rot.

Mildew and Algae Stains

It's essential that mildew and algae build-up are dealt with quickly. These problems have a tendency to spread once they appear, which will continue to damage your Calgary home unless dealt with immediately. Usually, mildews look like a gray or white powder sprinkled with black specks. Meanwhile, algae typically looks like green, brown or black stains. Check for signs of mildew and algae in these areas:

• Shaded areas where shrubs or trees cover the walls
• Areas around washing machine vents or other vents that expel moist or humid air
• Beneath gutters and drainage systems

Monitor Weatherproofing

Also known as flashing, weatherproofing prevents moisture from infiltrating your roofing material by fitting around areas susceptible to leakage. Typically made out of galvanized steel, it is installed at roof intersections, around window trim and door frames, along chimneys and along the tops of foundation walls. If it's installed incorrectly, it won't be able to properly keep moisture out of your house. And moisture damage tends to lead to a wide range of other serious problems that require exterior repair services.

Strange Sounds

Does your house make strange and alarming noises when it rains, or when it's windy outside? Usually cladding is meant to be quiet, even if you live in an older home. If you notice rattling noises, then it's not ghosts. Most likely your cladding was not installed correctly or has somehow come loose. Either way, you'll need expert Calgary siding repair services to fix the problem promptly.

What Siding Material Does My Calgary Home Have?

There are numerous styles, high-quality materials and designs available when it comes to cladding. You might already know what type of siding makes up your Calgary home's exterior, or maybe it's not something you've ever paid attention to. Besides, if you're thinking of getting exterior renovations or are building a new house, it's important to explore the different options available to you. Different materials have different advantages and disadvantages. But no matter what kind of cladding is on your home, if it needs to be repaired you can count on our experienced team to always provide quality exterior services. To help give you more information about different types of exterior siding and what to choose for your next siding project, we put together the following guide.

Stucco

Stucco is one of the most common types of cladding found in Calgary. It is made out of a mixture of cement, lime and sand. This material has many benefits; it possesses insulating qualities, is available in a wide variety of colors and can last up to 50 years. The biggest disadvantage of stucco is that it may crumble or crack as the years go by. If you notice this happening, call your local Calgary house siding repair experts before the issue gets worse.

Vinyl

There is a wide selection of vinyl sidings available for homes, which is one reason why it’s another popular material used throughout Calgary and the rest of North America. It is made out of a type of plastic called PVC (polyvinyl chloride). Due to its construction, vinyl is very durable, requires minimal maintenance, lasts a long time and is available in a range of colours. Since it's made out of plastic, it is also water resistant, which is great for reducing the risk of mold and mildew in your home. Downsides of vinyl include buckling and warping if installed incorrectly, and it may occasionally bleach in the sun (although this is usually more of an issue with older Calgary homes).

Aluminum

Aluminum siding is durable and naturally insulating, although it's less commonly found in Calgary homes. However, it could be increasing in popularity as it is a more sustainable and energy efficient option. It can reduce the average cost of your energy bills significantly, and is a great option to put on top of wood cladding to help protect it from wear and water damage. Aluminum is also affordable and low maintenance. Its main drawbacks are that it's quite noisy during extreme weather, such as storms, and it is susceptible to dents and bumps caused by hail, which could further increase your risk of needing exterior hail repairs.

Brick

Brick homes are absolutely stunning, but tend to be an option that people avoid when they’re looking for affordable prices in Calgary because of their unique construction. Brick is costly to install, and requires a professional mason to be assembled correctly, rather than simply a standard siding contractor. Bricks are eco-friendly because they are made out of clay and shale. As an added benefit, bricks are non-combustible and flame retardant, highly durable and long-lasting. They also have one of the most timeless aesthetics.

Stone

Natural stone is usually very expensive to install, and is not often seen in Calgary except in older, more established communities. And, there are a few noteworthy sandstone buildings that are reminiscent of Calgary's historical era. The reason stone was a popular choice in days gone by is that it lasts a long time and does not require a lot of maintenance. Natural stone has special installation requirements that usually require a mason, otherwise it can be prone to cracking. These cracks could also lead to moisture damage and structural instability.

Log/Wood Siding

Wood is one of the most traditional materials used to make cladding, but has gone out of fashion in recent years because it takes quite a lot of work to maintain. Any type of wood can be used, but pine and cedar siding tend to be the most common. Wood's main downfall is that it's very susceptible to water damage. Even treated wood can rot over time.

Engineered Wood/Composite Siding

Engineered wood has become a popular alternative to lumber because it shares its aesthetic element, but not its propensity to rot. It's also much less expensive, available in a wide range of colors and finishes, and should last between 20 and 30 years if properly cared for. Containing a small amount of actual wood, composite cladding is made of various fibers and strands combined to look like real wood. However, this material can still get damaged and when that happens, rot and water damage can take hold.

Call Your Local Expert for Calgary Siding Repair Today!

When there is a problem with your cladding, put your faith in our expert Calgary siding repair team. Our technicians have vast experience making a wide range of repairs caused by damage from exterior elements, inclement weather, accidents and more. Give yourself the gift of peace of mind knowing your home is in expert hands.

No matter what renovation project you need help with, large or small, we provide excellent workmanship and outstanding customer service with every job. We want to make sure we have satisfied customers, which is why we provide such excellent service for everything from exterior upgrades to the smallest repair job.

To book an appointment today, or to ask any questions about our full range of services—including everything from drywall repair and door repair to kitchen renovation and exterior renovation services—we invite you to call our friendly customer service representatives.