Test Your Knowledge on Siding Damage
How Many Problems Do You See With This Siding?
Have you found siding damage? Contact 3Rs Construction & Remodeling, your local Salem siding contractor today for a quote!
TEST YOUR SIDING KNOWLEDGE!
We found five problems that need to be addressed:
Possibility of Lead Paint (CAUTION… lead paint is hazardous!)
Bright colored thick paint applied before 1978 may contain lead and should be tested before any work is done.
The EPA has established guidelines on the proper removal and handling of lead contaminated paint. Any surface containing lead paint is not to be disturbed without the proper safety precautions, including collecting all chips and dust must be collected and disposed of properly. Be careful hiring a contractor that isn't certified for lead, your job can get shut down by the government and your neighbors could hold you liable for contaminating their property.
No Primer Coat (Without primer… the paint won’t stick)
Primer is needed to help the paint stick to the wood.
In this example you can clearly see the paint did not bind with wood and a new coat of paint will likely flake off too. When you can see bare wood, a primer coat is the best way to ensure your paint will provide lasting protection from the elements.
Pest Damage (Look closely!)
Did you notice the holes in the wood? These three holes were likely the work of termites, boring beetles, or carpenter ants.
When wood gets wet, it grows mold, a fungus that is the primary food source for termites and carpenter ants. They will bore holes through good wood to find and eat the fungus, worse yet, if there is a lot of it, they will move in and make a comfy place to stay in your walls, floors, and attic close to the food source. If the paint was doing its job protecting the wood from the weather, there would be no fungus, and the pests would look elsewhere for a place to live and eat.
Grooves Are Horizontal
Modern building techniques discourage horizontal tongue and grove stacking siding called “ship-lap”.
It was a very common practice in the Pacific Northwest in the late 60’s and 70’s. When the paint fails to keep out the weather, water pools in the grooves and causes swelling. Once the wood is engorged with water it begins to break down and rot.
If you have read this far, you already know what happens when the fungus that causes dry rot shows up. Yup, a new corner diner catering to termites and carpenter ants is in business (with lodging soon to follow!) You may wonder, if it is so bad, why you see so many homes with horizontal lines in the siding? In most cases, what you are seeing is called “lap siding”. Lap siding comes in many styles and materials. The most common are Fiber Cement (Hardie), Vinyl, Cedar, and there are even some aluminum options. No matter what it is made of, each piece is layered over the piece below it so water can cascade off without causing any damage. This is by far the most popular choice of homeowners and siding contractors today.
Bare or Exposed Wood
The best thing you can do to extend the life of your siding and lower your maintenance costs is keep a good coat of paint on it at all times.
Today’s paints are highly engineered products that are made to protect your siding. Paint is designed to reflect or repel most forces of nature that will cause damage. There are a lot of things trying to ruin your siding.
Here are a few items that a good coat of paint will protect you from:
- Ultraviolet radiation – UV exposure from the sun dries the oils out the siding making them brittle and causing premature cracking and aging the same way it affects your skin, the roads, and even plastics.
- Water – Water is drawn into dry wood and causes it to swell, the older the wood the more cell damage occurs as the cells expand to absorb the water
- Insects – Termites, ants, and other pests don’t chew through paint, they can, but they can’t digest it and don’t like it. Wood destroying insects will search for a crack or damaged spot to gain entry to your home.
- Sound – Believe it or not, even sound can cause damage, vibrations from sound can cause fasteners to work loose allowing for more movement and breakage of siding. Paint is designed to bounce sound back rather than absorb it, as wood will, preventing excess movement.
So, how did you do? Did you find all five?
If you got all these right you are the right person to do the job. If you want a little help to be sure nothing is quietly eating away at your investment, then call 3Rs! 503-363-1059 We will be there quickly to ease your mind and schedule any necessary repairs.
How Often Should You Inspect Your Siding?
It’s important for homeowners to inspect your siding annually. Identifying early signs of damage, wear, or moisture intrusion will help prevent costly repairs. In areas like Oregon where there is lots of rain, storms, winds, and harsh weather, more frequent inspections may be necessary. Protect your home’s exterior, improve energy efficiency, and extend the lifespan of your siding materials.
When Should You Repair or Replace Siding?
The extent of the damage and the siding's age will help determine whether you need a full replacement. The condition of the underlying materials will affect the decision to repair or replace your siding too.
What's the Best Way to Prevent Common Siding Problems?
Maintaining proper drainage, keeping gutters clear, and routine inspections by a professional will help extend the life of your siding.
Professional Siding Inspection & Repair Services in Salem, Oregon
When it comes to protecting your home from moisture damage, mold growth, and costly structural repairs, working with experienced professionals makes all the difference. Our professional Salem siding services deliver long-lasting repair solutions. Whether your siding has been impacted by storms, aging, or water exposure, our team offers fast response times, high-quality workmanship, and dependable service to restore your home’s exterior integrity, energy efficiency, and curb appeal.
Looking for siding repairs for your Salem home? 3Rs Construction & Remodeling is your locally trusted siding contractor.