It’s no surprise that the term “water damage” strikes fear in any homeowner. If you’ve started to suspect that your home’s siding material has fallen victim to moisture buildup, odds are you’re searching for ways to rectify the situation fast before it becomes worse.
The good news is that, when caught in time, water damage might not be as extensive as you’re fearing, which means simple repairs can be possible. But, for the time when water damage is extensive enough to warrant a complete replacement of your siding boards, you might be wondering what you need to do. Here’s your complete guide to repairing water-damaged siding and knowing when to call a professional for help so your home can return to being your sanctuary.
Key takeaways
Water can cause significant damage to your home, not just your siding boards.
If you need to replace your siding boards completely, professional installation is highly recommended. Contractors usually charge $2.50 to $4.50 per square foot.
Several causes of water damage usually result from systems around the home that produce an excessive amount of water. It’s best to reduce the amount of water exposure your siding has.
The steps for making complete repairs of water-damaged boards vary depending on the siding material you have and are an essential factor in correct installation.
How to tell if your siding has water damage
Think your siding had water damage? There are a few obvious signs to look for along the outside and inside of your home, such as:
Mold or mildew growth: If you see dark, black spots somewhere on your siding, this is a sign of mold growth. It can also be visible inside along your walls if the damage is extensive enough.
Rotting wood: Over time, water build-up will cause wood or other materials to swell and rot. This may look like the wood is cracking, appear darker than usual, or have an odd smell.
Peeling paint: If your exterior siding is painted and begins to peel or your interior paint is peeling, this is another sign that your siding most likely has water damage.
Shifting nails: As water begins to swell in the siding and cause the material to expand, the nails will also shift positions. This may look like crooked nails, sunken nails, or nails sticking out.
Cracked or soft windowsills: Since the trapped water spreads, it will likely reach your windowsills and sit, causing them to crack or become soft. Feel around your windows for anything that feels soft or spongy, as this can be a sign of water damage.
Discoloration: If you notice something looks off in your home’s outer appearance, it could be from the algae or other bacteria that grow from the water and cause a discolored effect.
Rust: Rusty metal siding indicates that the water is old and has been sitting there for quite some time.
While all of these are signs that water damage is present, it isn’t a sign of how bad the problem is (unless you see rust). The good news is that not all water damage results in fully replacing your siding, though it could be necessary if the damage is extensive. If you do find yourself in a position where you have to make a complete replacement, consider upgrading to moisture-resistant siding materials like vinyl or fiber cement to minimize your chances of water damage.
DIY vs. professional siding repairs
DIY is indeed the cheapest option since it saves you from paying the average labor fee of $2.50 to $4.50 per square foot, but DIY repairs are very risky. Since water buildup can cause significant damage, and repairing/replacing siding is no easy feat, it’s better to hire professionals in the long run so the water damage is properly taken care of and your boards are professionally repaired.
Average DIY and professional repair costs
Siding type | Average DIY repair costs (100 sq. ft.) | Average pro repair costs (100 sq. ft.) |
Engineered wood siding | $188–$342 | $442–$805 |
Metal siding | 4436–$793 | $682–$1,241 |
Hardwood siding | $390–$710 | $530–$965 |
Vinyl siding | $317–$577 | $667–$1,212 |
How to repair water-damaged siding yourself
Step 1: Solve the underlying problem
The first step in repairing water-damaged siding is locating the problem of the leak. What’s causing the water damage in the first place? If you can figure this out, you’ll save your new siding; otherwise, you’ll face the same problem.
Look in your gutters to see if it’s clogged, coming from a broken sprinkler, or something else. It’s also worth checking your siding to see if any holes in the plank are causing water to seep into your home, causing possible further damage.
Step 2: Gather all the tools and materials you need
Next, you will need to gather the tools and materials to repair or replace the boards. You should note that the exact list of necessary tools and materials will vary depending on your siding type. Here is a basic list of the beginning tools you’ll need:
Pry bar
Replacement boards (if entirely replacing)
Hammer
Nails
Caulking gun
Caulk
Homemade cleaner (for removing mold and mildew)
Utility knife
Tape measure
Circular saw
Primer
Paint (if you’re painting the planks)
Step 3: Carefully remove the damaged section(s)
Once you have all your tools on hand, it’s time to remove the damaged sections if you’re not simply patching up a hole. Again, this step will vary depending on your siding material, and if you remove planks to notice significant damage underneath, it’s time to call in a professional.
To remove damaged planks, use your pry bar to remove the nails before inserting them at the bottom of the board. Then, use your hammer to gently tap the board into place. Gingerly pull the board out and repeat this process for all boards that need to be replaced.
If you see mold or mildew underneath the boards when you pull them out, now is a great time to treat the problem with a homemade cleaning solution or mold- and mildew-specific cleaner.
Step 4: Install replacement materials
To install replacement boards, you will need to cut the new boards to size after measuring with a tape measure and circular saw. When the boards are cut to size, slide them into place (it’ll be easier to have someone help you) and then nail it down at the top and bottom using your hammer and galvanized nails.
Finally, if you want to paint your siding, you’ll want to caulk the seams before priming and painting.
Common causes of water-damaged siding and how to avoid them
After replacing your water-damaged siding, you’ll want to know how to prevent it from happening again.
So, here are some common causes of water damage and how to avoid it from occurring:
Sprinkler systems: If sprinkler systems are close to your house and constantly spray your siding, this can create a buildup of moisture, especially if it seeps through the material or any gaps and cracks.
Rain: Unfortunately, frequent rain can cause water damage to siding, especially when there’s little to no air circulation. Because of that, it’s best to inspect your siding after heavy storms to look for signs of moisture so you can dry it out quickly.
Leaky gutters: Similar to sprinklers, leaky gutters can cause water damage from the frequent water exposure these systems put on siding. Remember to routinely check your gutters to ensure water is disposed of away from the siding.
Holes and gaps: Holes and gaps are sneaky occurrences that inevitably allow water to seep in through the siding. Inspect your siding several times a year for holes and gaps, and then fill them with caulk to seal the opening.
Incorrect installation: Incorrect installation of your siding can be another factor for water damage, especially if there are incorrectly sealed seams. Thoroughly inspect your siding for any signs of a less-than-favorable installation, caulk where necessary, or hire another contractor to fix the problem.
Reduced air circulation: Any shrubs or objects sitting in front of your siding can reduce the amount of airflow necessary to dry up any water that’s sunk through. Remember to keep the area open to allow proper ventilation.
Repairing your home’s siding
As you can see, water damage must be treated as quickly as possible to prevent further damage to the home’s foundation. Additionally, repairing boards that have suffered water damage is crucial for the restorative process and should be done accurately.
Regardless of your home's siding material, it’s in your best interest to hire a professional to assess the water damage and make any necessary repairs so that your home’s structural integrity is maintained at the highest level possible. When you do have to fully repair your home’s siding, remember to discuss with your contractor the moisture-resistant options you have to prevent water damage from occurring again.
Frequently asked questions about water-damaged siding
You can repair siding without needing to replace it fully in a few ways: caulk, fill and paint, or patch up holes. If you’re dealing with minimal water damage in your siding, a contractor may treat the mold or mildew and patch up holes that are increasing the moisture levels. But, if the damage is extensive, full replacement may be necessary. Most of the time, repairing siding is all about finding the gaps causing moisture leakage and then blocking them, which is where the caulk, filling, or patching comes into play.
Water underneath vinyl siding is never a good thing since the consequences that follow are usually rotting or warping, which causes the planks to pull back from the wall. The more water or moisture becomes trapped in the siding, the more your material will swell and expand, causing the pulling away from the wall. This can also cause problems inside your home if the water sits for an extensive amount of time, like peeling interior paint and severe mold growth. Mold can also grow underneath the vinyl siding, leading to health hazards like irritated eyes, allergies, asthma, and more.
Unfortunately, most homeowner’s insurance does not cover claims related to rotted siding since this is considered a natural occurrence. Rotting claims that are linked to homeowner negligence are also not covered as well. The only way insurance will cover the replacement of your siding is if there’s damage done from storms or something unforeseen not related to the natural aging of material or inflicted by the homeowner. But all policies are different, and it’s worth reviewing to see your exact coverage.