Learning how to replace your cracked or faded siding is simpler and more economical than installing the whole side for a new one. But the tricky part is to match the color of the replacement piece with the original siding. We've researched to put together this do-it-yourself guide to help you ensure a successful color-match vinyl siding repair unrecognizable.
Here are the helpful guides to successfully match your new vinyl siding with your old:
- Take a sample of your broken siding to the distributor and look for the closest match. It would be better if you could go to the manufacturer.
- If the old piece is already faded or you can't choose the right matching color, go to the paint store and get the color matched. Then coat the siding with an acrylic primer and paint it with the matching color acrylic house paint.
Let's say you have found a suitable replacement. Now, continue reading to learn other options for repairing your vinyl siding. We also include the methods of fixing different siding problems.
Indicators That Your Vinyl Siding Needs Replacing
You may have tried cleaning your home's exterior only to find that it still looks drab, not just what it looked like before. Replacing parts or the entirety of it might be your final option.
Below are the signs of deteriorating vinyl siding that homeowners should be aware of.
Dry Rot on Siding and the Wood Underneath
This situation occurs when the wood where the siding is attached seeps water, and fungus develops. If the decay is not yet superficial, check the areas that are likely to have water seepage, such as near gutters, by sticking it.
Moistures Inside the House Walls
When there is a continuous seepage of water from the sidings, it may cause molds and other problems in the interior too. It is more evident when the paint on the walls starts to peel off. If this happens, check the sidings the same way as mentioned above.
Loose or Cracked Surfaces
These may be due to wear and tear. Dents can occur when hard objects hit the siding over time, caused by heat or just plain aging.
Warped or Buckled Siding
Temperature deviation and house settling can cause vinyl to expand and contract. Sidings might deform when it is installed tightly or exposed to extreme heat.
Presence of Holes
Unfortunately, house-eating insects and animals cause cavities on your sidings when they are seeking food or shelter.
Increased Heating and Cooling Bills
A decent siding also contributes to good insulation in your home. When you detect an irregular increase in your bills, you might also need to check your sidings.
How To Match Vinyl Siding
Now you've decided to replace some parts of your siding. But before that, you have to find the perfect matching color and understand the vinyl siding systems.
Looking for the same pattern and color of vinyl siding to make the replacement unrecognizable from your existing siding is tricky, but it can be done. There are also many options you can do.
The best quality option is to go to your nearest home center and find a match for a sample of your broken siding.
Every few years, manufacturers typically stop making the same pattern and design. But sometimes, supply companies that provide siding to the installation technicians still keep stock.
If the above option doesn't work, go to a paint store, get the color matched, and paint your siding. You can also avoid replacing the whole panel by patching only the damaged section and then painting all the siding with matching colors.
This method might work if there are a couple of damaged siding pieces in one plane. You can replace all the siding in one plane on the damaged area, and don't forget to match the color of other existing sides.
Remember that it is crucial to replace your vinyl siding according to your region's climate. The ideal time is during spring or early summer when the temperature is tolerable. Vinyl can become less flexible and may crack easily at freezing temperatures.
What If You Don't Have A Color Match For Your Replacement Siding?
If your siding needs repair in a conspicuous section of your home, not having the right color match can make your home look patched or unfinished.
Suppose you only have a few damaged areas on your siding, and they are located in a very visible part of your home. In that case, color-matching will be challenging and might make your replacement look patched. You can try this low-cost repair idea.
Take a piece of existing siding from an inconspicuous area, such as the back of your house or garage, and replace the ruined part on the front or sides of the house. You will have to replace the piece you removed with a new one. In this way, color matching is not so critical.
How Do You Repair Damaged Vinyl Siding?
Whether you're doing minor corrections, patching a small dent, crack, or hole, or want to replace the whole panel, repairing a siding panel is just as simple as tending kitchen plumbing problems.
There are three methods you can do, depending on how much your siding needs repair.
You will need a caulk gun, a razor blade, and tinted paint of the same siding color for minor corrections. To patch or replace dents or cracks, you must equip yourself with a zip tool, pry bar, cutter, patch or replacement vinyl siding, and nails.
If you have no matching siding replacement, use acrylic primer and house paint to match the color.
You should use gloves for hand protection and a ladder for a higher repairs. Doing it yourself can save you money, but ensure it's not against your home contractor agreement.
You can buy this zip tool on Amazon.
Or, you can buy this repair kit on Amazon.
How Do You Mix And Match Vinyl Siding?
Mixing different vinyl siding patterns and colors has been the latest trend to accentuate exterior house design. If you're planning to do it, don't worry. There are infinite possible ways to attain the house makeover that you want.
Combinations might be unlimited, but sometimes it is complex and requires meticulous drafting. Your design association reflects your home's surroundings and character, and you might be caught between decisions about what color combinations of siding you want to pair.
Here are a few words for you. Remember to choose the color you like, not what others suggest.
Of course, it doesn't mean that getting color combination ideas from others and different sources will hurt you. After all, it's your home, your choice, and it's all about what you want.
Furthermore, choose colors based on the architectural style of your home. Whether you want your design to be traditional with soft earth tones or in a modern style with bright and dramatic colors, these can all be achievable.
Can You Mix Vertical And Horizontal Siding?
You can integrate horizontal and vertical siding, giving your house an elegant visual effect. The majority of homeowners mix horizontal planks and vertical boards for gables.
But do you know which one is right for your house? You can decide by considering these three factors.
Contemporary or Conventional Impression
Horizontal siding might be the most predominant style in your neighborhood, but it is beautifully timeless.
On the other hand, vertical siding gives you a unique look that catches the eye of anyone passing your home. Combining the two can take your home to a new level.
Durability
Horizontal siding may be durable, but it is prone to rainwater damage. Planks underneath the siding are vulnerable to water seepage and moisture because of their geometric orientation in contact with vertical siding.
Time and Budget
Horizontal siding is quicker and cheaper to install than vertical siding. The alignment of vertical siding is intricate and requires a layer of furring strips during installation.
Final Thoughts
You can repair vinyl siding if you have all the necessary tools and a spare piece of vinyl siding to replace the damaged one. However, this is not always the case, and color-matching vinyl siding to replace your cracked panel might be tricky.
You can go to the nearest store and see if it's available. If it is already out of stock, you can try matching the color by painting it with acrylic paint. If it doesn't still work, you can also try other methods to repair your siding.
Whichever method you use, you can do it by yourself to save money, or you can call your nearest contractor to let it do the fixing.
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