Shingles, Nails, and Beyond

Metal siding is prized for its durability and long life -- it's often the last time you will need to side your home. Yet, metal siding isn't completely immune to problems. Fortunately, most can be repaired.

1. Dents and Dings

Dents can be one of the most destructive types of damage on metal siding. One or two small dents and dings can often be popped out and repaired, especially if the metal isn't creased. If there is extensive denting though, such as from a major hail storm, repair may not be possible. In this case you will have to either live with the siding or have it replaced. Fortunately, dents don't necessarily compromise the protection of the siding, so you can make your decision at your leisure.

2. Holes

Holes are more concerning. Metal doesn't have holes pierced into it easily, so most holes are put there on purpose, such as when a cable line needs to be installed through the wall. Unfortunately, a hole is difficult to patch invisibly. You will need to replace the piece of siding with the hole if you want to completely hide the damage.

3. Paint Damage

Paint on metal siding can wear thin, peel, or even bubble off over time. Fortunately, metal is easy to repair. Any loose paint must be removed, then a fresh coat of primer and then paint is applied. This also means you can update the color of the siding whenever you like. If there is paint damage, make sure to fix it promptly. Otherwise the exposed metal may develop rust spots.

4. Rust and Corrosion

Rust and corrosion is only an issue on exposed metal, so as long as you keep the siding painted it shouldn't be an issue. If rust does develop, it can be quickly scrubbed off with steel wool or a similar abrasive. Then, the area needs to be dried and repainted again quickly so that rust doesn't reform. In the event rust has already eaten through the metal, the affected siding panels will need to be replaced.

5. Trim Damage

The metal siding trim pieces around windows and along the corners of your home are more likely to suffer damage than the panels themselves. Wind and storms, for example, can pull these trim pieces loose and twist them around. Always replace metal trim promptly, otherwise the ends of the panels are exposed and water can work its way beneath the siding.

Contact a residential siding service for more help with your metal siding.