Siding

Most siding repair calls we get start the same way. A storm goes through, a few pieces are cracked or hanging loose, and the homeowner wants to know if it’s a quick fix or the start of a much bigger bill. Sometimes it’s a two hour job. Sometimes the damage you can see is the small part of the problem. Here’s how to tell which one you’re looking at.

Signs your siding needs repair

  • Cracks, holes or dents, usually on the wall that faced the storm
  • Loose or missing pieces after a windy week. Once one piece lets go, the wind gets under the next one
  • Warped or wavy vinyl, often from sunlight bouncing off a neighbour’s windows and heating the siding
  • Soft spots or swelling when you press on it, which can mean water is getting behind it
  • Peeling paint, stains or mould on the inside of exterior walls
  • Faded, chalky siding that rubs off on your hand

None of this fixes itself. Water that gets behind siding sits against the sheathing, and every freeze and thaw widens the gap. Winnipeg winters are hard on a small crack. A siding repair this fall almost always costs less than a wall rebuild next spring.

When a siding repair makes sense

Repair is usually the right call when the damage is limited to a few pieces or one wall, the rest of the siding is in good shape, and we can find a matching product. Swapping a handful of damaged pieces is quick and keeps the bill down.

When to replace your siding instead

Siding replacement in Winnipeg starts to make more sense when:

  • Damage shows up on more than one side of the house
  • We open the wall and find rot or water damage behind it
  • Your siding has been discontinued and nothing matches
  • The old siding has faded enough that new pieces would stick out like a patch
  • You keep paying to fix the same spots after every storm

Colour matching catches people off guard. Vinyl fades in the prairie sun, so a brand new piece in the “same” colour can look a shade or two off next to siding that’s been up 15 years. On a back wall nobody sees, fine. On the front of the house, most people aren’t happy with it.

Hail damage siding repair and insurance

If hail caused the damage, call your insurance company before you get anything fixed. Hail is usually covered under a standard home policy, but check your deductible. A few things that make the claim go smoother:

  • Photograph the damage as soon as it’s safe, with the date
  • Photograph the hail next to something for scale if you can
  • Have a contractor inspect it and write up what they find
  • Don’t sign anything with a door-to-door crew that shows up the day after the storm

Insurance often covers more than people expect, especially when matching is an issue. Your adjuster makes the final call, but a detailed inspection report helps.

Do you need a permit for siding repair in Winnipeg?

Not usually. The City of Winnipeg lists replacing siding with the same material as a project that doesn’t need a permit. If you’re thinking about switching to a different material while you’re at it, check with the City’s permit office first so there are no surprises.

Can you repair siding yourself?

Replacing one piece of vinyl on the ground floor is a doable weekend job if you’re handy. Anything on a second storey, anything involving Hardie board, or anything where you suspect water behind the wall is better left to a crew with the right ladders, tools and insurance.

Not sure if it’s a repair or a replacement? Book an on-site estimate. We’ll check the damage, look behind it where we need to, and tell you which option makes more sense for your house.