Types of Siding

Wood Siding

Wood siding, which includes clapboard, shingles, and shakes as well as plywood and hardwood sheets, can last up to 30 years if well maintained. This means keeping it sealed, stained, or painted to protect it from weathering, decay, and insect damage.

Many wood siding repairs are pretty easy to do, and they should be done as soon as you spot problems. Before you do any repairs, however, it's a good idea to figure out what caused the problem and correct it to prevent problems from continuing. Typical culprits include the following:

• Leaky or clogged gutters

• Damaged gutters and/or downspouts

• Downspout problems

• Damage along the edges of eaves and roofs

• Tree or shrub branches

• Termites or other wood-loving pests

Depending on the type of siding that's on your house, it might be easier to repair it than replace it, as finding a perfect match might be difficult. However, if damage is extensive, plan on replacing the material.

If you suspect damage from insects and/or bats, turn to Ant Infestations in the Home, Spiders in the House, Cockroaches in the Home, and Battling Bats in Your Home for more help.

As mentioned, minor damage to wood siding, such as splits and small holes, is easy to repair. Some splits can simply be glued back together with waterproof glue. Drive a nail or two into the board to hold it in place while the glue dries. Paint over the glue, if necessary, when it's dry.

Replacing entire boards, shingles, or shakes can be a little tougher, especially if you can't find products to match. One approach is to remove what you need from an inconspicuous area on your house, and replace what you removed with new product.

Vinyl and Metal Siding

Vinyl or metal siding is often applied over existing finishes, such as masonry or wood, to freshen the appearance of older houses, to improve their insulating abilities, and to better protect them from the elements. Both products are extremely durable and stand up well to weather. However, they can crack, crease, or puncture. Heavy winds can also rip siding right off a house.

Keep siding in good shape by inspecting it regularly. Keeping trees and shrubs trimmed back will also help minimize damage.

Slight surface damage, such as cracks, creases, and other small blemishes, can be repaired on vinyl siding with color-matching caulking. Dents and dings in metal siding can be filled with auto body filler and painted.

Anything more than this typically calls for removing and replacing the entire section, which is best left to the experts.

Stucco

Stucco is plaster with a cement base. Although it's pretty durable, it can develop cracks and holes, especially if it's not applied well or if it's not good quality to begin with. Some cracks on new construction can be expected as the house settles into place. Significant cracks are something to be concerned about, as they can indicate poor application or problems with the base that the stucco was applied over.

Both plaster and cement are porous materials, which means that stucco is, too. Most of the time, water isn't that much of an issue, but it can be if there are holes and/or cracks in the stucco. Both should be repaired as soon as you see them.

Hairline and small cracks can simply be painted over with acrylic paint. If necessary, fill them in first with latex caulking compound, and then paint them.

Larger cracks are also fairly easy to fix. You'll need the following materials:

• Chisel

• Trowel

• Stucco patching compound

• Concrete bonding agent

• Paint, if you need to cover your work

• Spray bottle full of water

Here's what you'll do:

1. Open up the crack slightly by chiseling around the edges. Brush away any loose stucco.

2. Apply concrete bonding agent to the edges. This will help keep the patch material in place.

3. Mix the patching compound according to the package directions.

4. Apply to the crack. Try to match the texture to the existing stucco.

5. Let the area cure for three to four days. Keep it damp during this period by spraying it with water.

Hole repairs are pretty similar. However, since stucco is applied in layers, you'll have to do your repairs in layers, too. You might also need a small piece of wire mesh if the existing armature is damaged.

1. Remove any loose stucco. Use a chisel if necessary. Brush away any dust or dirt.

2. If you need to repair the armature, staple or nail the mesh patch into place.

3. Wet the area with water from a spray bottle.

4. Partially fill the hole with stucco patch. Let it set up for several days.

5. Apply the next layer. Again, don't fill the hole all the way. Let this one sit for several days, too.

6. Apply the final layer. Keep the surface damp for three to four days.

If cracks reappear or appear to be widening, have the stucco inspected by an expert.

Synthetic stucco, also called EIFS (exterior insulation and finish systems) has been the subject of class action lawsuits. EIFS are multi-layered exterior wall systems consisting of a finish coat, a base coat, and insulation board, all of which are secured to ply-wood or another substrate.

EIFS is available in various external textures designed to look like traditional stucco. If not installed properly, it can cause water problems behind the wall. Ensure that there are no openings in the seals around windows and doors. If there is any doubt,contact a professional.

Excerpted from The Complete Idiot's Guide to Common Household Disasters © 2005 by Paul Hayman and Sonia Weiss. All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. Used by arrangement with Alpha Books, a member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

To order this book visit the Idiot's Guide web site or call 1-800-253-6476.