How Much Does It Cost to Repair Siding?

In this guide

Siding Repair Cost

No matter what type of siding you have, most siding contractors charge from $40 to $75 per hour plus the cost of the siding, which averages $15 to $25 for a 12.75-inch x 5-inch sheet of vinyl siding. The national average cost is $200 for a repair to 100 sq. ft. of vinyl. Repairs such as filing a small hole or crack can be completed if the vinyl is in fairly good shape. Aluminum dents can be removed or filled. The total amount to replace a damaged section of vinyl siding averages $120 to $300. Typically, a contractor will include labor in the price per square foot. The average cost per square foot for repairs ranges from $3 to $20, depending on the type of siding and the extent of the damage. However, a small repair job is usually determined by using the amount of time it will take to repair the damage. To repair a single piece of damaged vinyl siding usually takes a contractor one hour to remove the damaged piece, lay any underlayment ¹, and replace it with a new piece. If the underlayment is in good condition and the repair is simple, it could take less than an hour.

Professionals have the right tools to remove old siding and cut the new pieces if needed to fit in a certain area. Some materials are dangerous to work with, like aluminum that cuts you if mishandled or wood that creates splinters. Additionally, and more concerning, is the fact that an expert knows how to handle certain products that may be hazardous to the health of those involved in the repair or replacement. Fiber cement ² can cause silicosis, a lung disease that is contracted by inhaling crystalline silica dust. While some products aren’t particularly threatening, large pieces of siding are awkward, especially if you have to be on a ladder to install them.

Chimney Siding Repair Cost

The cost for this type of repair may end up being around $500 to $600. Siding on chimneys can become loose during wind, hail, or snowstorms. As it is high above your home, you may not realize there is a problem until there is a leak into your house. Repairing chimney siding requires more work and is dangerous as the repair person will need to climb onto the roof.

Garage Siding Repair

The pricing shouldn’t be much different than your home’s siding, so the typical cost for a garage siding repair is $120 to $500, depending on the type of siding you have. If you have a separate garage, the siding should always be the same as the rest of your house to maintain curb appeal and value. Some people may not recognize the importance of garage siding. But, repairing a siding issue is just as important to protect the things you have inside your garage.

Corner Siding Repair

Corner siding repair can be expensive at the cost of $50 to $100. Most siding corners are merely a piece of trim and can be easily replaced with a new piece. The only exception is cladding/stone veneer siding corners. Stone veneer corners may require a little more work. If the corner siding problem is slight, a patch may suffice.

Average Cost to Repair Siding by Material

Many materials can be used effectively to create a beautiful look to the outside of a home. The difference in each pertains to the longevity of the product, the ease of care, and the appearance. Pricing varies by brand and quality. If your home needs a repair to the siding, the cost will depend greatly on matching your existing siding. The cost to repair siding per square foot averages from $1 to $50.

Vinyl Siding Repair Cost

The cost per square foot for vinyl siding repair is $1 to $2 for materials and labor. Even the best quality vinyl will need repairs. Homeowners should examine siding for faded, cracked, or warped areas. Small holes or cracks can be easily repaired in vinyl siding. Suppose you need more than a small piece fixed. In that case, it is advisable to consult a professional because of the difficulty in the proper handling and placement of larger pieces without damaging them. Matching the current home color can be extremely problematic due to fading, making a substitution with a different color necessary for many homeowners.

Wood Siding Repair Cost

The cost to repair wood siding on the house is $2 to $34 per sq. ft. When you say wood siding, it encompasses a wide array of different types of wood such as pine, cedar, teak, ipe 19, T111, and more. While wood can make a home beautiful, using it to protect and enhance the appearance of your house costs more to maintain than other forms of siding. Wood siding includes shingles 11, clapboard, logs, and shakes 12. One of the earliest types of siding in the United States was clapboard. Commonly, clapboard is vulnerable to dry rot and insect infestations. It can be challenging to repair and often requires replacement. No matter the specific form, wood is susceptible to dry rot, splitting, and warping unless you choose a rot-resistant wood like cedar. Cedar is often used to prevent insects and the accompanying damage.

T-111 Siding Repair

Plywood ³ siding is sometimes referred to as T-111 siding. Expect to pay $2 to $3.50 per sq. ft. for plywood siding repair and $2.50 to $4.50 per sq. ft. for OSB siding repair. Plywood T-111 siding is less popular than other woods, vinyl, or fiber cement due to water damage issues. Plywood is somewhat water-resistant. Plywood siding will need all-weather paint or stain to prevent water problems and must be properly sealed and installed.

Brick Veneer Siding Repair

The cost for brick veneer labor and materials is $3 to $15 a square foot. Brick veneer siding is actual brick but is much thinner than regular brick. Its ability to relay charm and warmth to your home while allowing you to spend less money make brick veneer an excellent substitution for their more expensive, thicker counterpart bricks. It is a lighter material, so installation is cheaper. While brick veneer is a less expensive choice than real brick, the mortar can crack easier in tremors or earthquakes or in situations where heavy equipment is used. Cracks can often result in moisture retention and water damage.

Brick Siding Repair Cost

The cost to repair brick siding is $3 to $15 per sq. ft. For brick siding, many types of damage can occur. If brick is improperly installed, moisture can get between the home and the brick, causing mold. The other disadvantage is that the mortar ⁴ can crack in many rare cases and need to be filled with new mortar.

Fiber Cement Siding Repair

You can expect to pay around $4 to $6 per sq. ft. for fiber cement repair. Fiber cement is a combination of wood fibers, cement, sand, and other materials poured into molds, shaped, and then textured to look like wood, stone, or brick. Fiber cement has a well-deserved reputation for durability and long life and is often much less expensive. The advantages of fiber cement include resistance to moisture, fire, UV rays, and insects. If you perform an annual inspection and promptly make any necessary repairs, fiber cement siding can last up to 50 years.

The most common damage is loose or buckled fiber cement boards and chipped or peeling paint. Fiber cement can be repainted, and loose boards can be reattached. With some repairs, individual boards, entire sections, or even walls may need to be replaced.

Metal - Aluminum Siding Repair Cost

Aluminum siding repair cost runs around $4.00 to $10.00 per sq. ft. Aluminum siding is one of the most popular choices because it is relatively low-maintenance, easy-to-clean, and comes in various colors. It is fire and insect resistant. While aluminum is more economical than brick or stone, it is prone to denting. The thickness of the material plays an important part in resisting dents. Consumers will want to pay extra for a thicker brand. If aluminum becomes dented, a couple of solutions are available. Some dents can be repaired using a special tool. Alternatively, dents can be filled and painted. Additionally, the surface of aluminum siding can become chalky and faded. This makes it hard to match colors when replacing a small portion, which is why you may need to repaint all the siding.

Stone Veneer Siding Repair

The cost of stone veneer materials is $4 to $24 per sq. ft. versus real stone at the cost of $14 to $24 a square foot. Stone veneer can be one of three types: thinly cut real stone, fiber cement, or foam. It is less expensive, lighter weight, and quick to install. Stone veneer looks very similar to nature-made stone but is made of concrete, an aggregate called pumice, and iron-oxide pigments. It is easy to take care of but does come loose easier than its genuine counterpart. The disadvantages of stone veneer have to do with moisture problems. This type of siding is tricky to install and can lead to major water leakage if not sealed properly. Before you know it, your siding is ruined and has to be replaced.

Engineered Wood Siding Repair

The material and labor cost for engineered wood siding repair is $5 to $10 per sq. ft. Some engineered wood siding products are made of wood chips that are held together by a resin. The boards are then painted with a water-resistant coating. Heat and pressure are used to bond all of this together and create a wood-grain effect. You can buy this siding pre-painted in various finishes and colors or, if you prefer, pre-primed and ready for paint to be applied. The major drawback is that moisture can cause it to crack or split, so maintenance is key.

Cedar Siding Repair Cost

The cost to repair or replace cedar siding is $5 to $34 per sq. ft. Cedar is a type of wood that is naturally insect and moisture resistant. This makes it a great choice for areas that are damp or prone to termites. It is one of the most favored types of wood to use outdoors but can be pricey. Its color is a beautiful rich red tone. The wood is best stained as paint tends to bleed. The biggest drawback to cedar siding is that it is flammable unless specifically treated. It will also need to be stained every three to five years to maintain its beauty and avoid corrosion.

Metal - Steel Siding Repair

The cost of the materials and labor for metal - steel siding repair is $6 to $10 per sq. ft. Steel siding is considered a very hardy, durable choice. It doesn’t fade or become chalky like aluminum siding. In areas where salt is in the air, or it is damp or moist, rusting can occur. This is true even with a rust-resistant compound applied to the surface. Because it is thicker than aluminum or other metals, steel is heavier and more expensive to purchase and install.

Stucco Siding Repair Cost

You will pay between $8 and $50 per square foot for stucco ⁵ siding repairs. Stucco siding protects your home for many years, but annual damage inspection and repair is essential. Look for cracks, chips, gaps, holes, discoloring, or any sign that the material has been compromised. Repairing stucco is more complicated and time-consuming than most other types of siding because it is made from multiple layers, which must dry between applications. The total price increases if the damage penetrates beneath the layers of stucco.

Stone Siding Repair

The average homeowner will pay $12 to $24 per sq. ft. for labor and materials. The price depends on how much damage lies behind the stone and the type of stone used. Stone siding is known for durability and distinctiveness. However, over time, the stone can become cracked, broken, or have pieces break off due to the building settling or harsh weather. Also, the mortar can become loose, allowing access to moisture and insects. Stone is heavy and cumbersome to work with, especially for one person, and may require repairs behind the stone.

Cost to Repair Siding by Problem

Siding acts as the protective shell for your home. This means that it is exposed to extreme weather conditions. This takes a toll on the appearance and stability of the siding. In many cases, siding can start to show visual signs of damage. You may notice broken or cracked siding. Mold, fungus, or mildew can build up on the siding’s surface and require removal to restore the siding to its former glory. Also, you may notice missing nails or areas where the caulking ⁶ is damaged or gone. After a storm, it is not uncommon for tree limbs or flying debris to hit the siding’s surface and cause dents or cracks, which also must be promptly repaired.

Repair Hole in Siding

The cost to repair a hole in siding is around $50 to $100. As with most other siding problems, a hole is generally a sign that you need to do something right away. If left untreated, a hole can quickly become a problem as moisture, dust, insects, and even rats can get between the siding and the insulation. When this happens, you have a bigger problem. Depending on the type of material your siding is made of, filling holes in aluminum siding or other materials is fairly easy.

Siding Flashing Repair

To repair a small section of flashing, you shouldn’t pay more than $50 to $100. Flashing is a thin piece of waterproof material used to direct water away from certain areas. If your flashing is damaged by wind, rain, heavy snow, or ice, it is a good idea to have it repaired or replaced. Often when the flashing is damaged, it is because the siding is damaged as well. If this happens, the siding needs to be repaired or replaced at an additional cost.

Cracked Siding Repair

Depending on the type of siding, a minor repair of a crack would be about $50 to $150. A crack in your siding allows rainwater, moisture, insects, and rodents to get between the siding and your home walls and insulation. Eventually, you will not only have an infestation of pesky creatures but also mold and mildew growing. It is wise to fix cracked siding immediately to avoid these types of problems. For smaller cracks, caulking can be used but will eventually result in a patch or replacement of the siding.

Woodpecker Siding Damage Repair

A contractor will generally charge a minimum charge of $50 to $450 per hole to repair woodpecker siding damage. This is an extensive range due to the differences in repair costs in a variety of materials. Stucco is on the high end of costs. Woodpeckers enjoy boring holes in siding in search of bugs. As the holes are small, it may be hard to spot them, but it is important to catch them quickly and repair them. Fixing woodpecker holes is a simple chore and should only take a short amount of time. Woodpecker holes can be filled with a silicone sealant, sanded, and then painted to match the rest of the siding.

Loose Siding Repair

The cost for this depends on the amount of work needed and the type of siding. But reattaching a few planks will run about $75 to $100. Loose siding can happen during a windstorm or due to a shoddy installation. It can create a whistling sound or rattle when the wind blows. Having a repair done right away is important to your home’s integrity as water and insects can enter through any gaps. A professional will fix the loose siding by applying galvanized nails in strategic areas to make certain it doesn't come loose again. Then the small gaps will be sealed with caulk.

Siding Leak Repair

Expect to pay around $100 to $200 for siding leak repair. A siding leak can occur in almost any type of material. It can sometimes result from an improperly installed product or the expansion and contraction of the material due to heat or cold. Wood siding is the most prone to this, but other types of siding can develop leaks as well. Repairing a leak immediately is the difference between fixing a leak or replacing the siding and possibly your insulation and inside walls.

Siding Dents Repair

Replacement of aluminum siding will cost $120 to $300. Dents are usually seen in aluminum siding as it is softer and thinner. This can be caused by falling debris such as tree branches, acorns, pinecones, hail, or a miscalculated baseball throw. High winds can also result in dents or dings in aluminum siding.

Rotten Siding Repair

To replace wood or aluminum siding, expect to pay $120 to $320. In most cases, if the siding has rotted, the panel or board will need to be replaced. There is not a remedy for dry rot siding repair. This type of damage is generally seen in wood or aluminum siding. Wood is more susceptible, particularly if the wood isn’t maintained properly with a water-resistant coating that is replaced every three or four years. Aluminum may rot due to the hot summer sun.

Warped Siding Repair

You will most likely need to replace warped siding at the cost of $160 to $320, depending on the type of siding you have. When the siding is warped, it usually cannot be repaired. Warped siding can be caused by high heat from a barbeque grill that is too close or a fire pit. Warping may also occur when moisture has leaked, and the siding has expanded or when the siding was not installed properly. Additionally, vinyl will warp if used in a hot climate or near a home that has Low-E window glass.

Water Damage Behind Siding

The cost of removing a panel of siding, cleaning up the water damage, and replacing the siding can be as high as $500 to $5,000. Water damage under siding is a big deal. This must be corrected as soon as possible to keep mold and mildew from growing and affecting the inside of your house. Additionally, and more concerning, exterior wood siding can soften and rot from water damage. This will result in structural damage. If that is allowed to happen, the bill for repair becomes higher as you get into water damage restoration.

Remove Mold From Siding

Pressure washing a whole house generally costs around $200 to $300, while hiring someone to clean up just the section where the mold is growing may be more expensive at $500 to $700. Mold can grow in areas that are especially moist such as shady, wooded areas, or places where there is poor drainage. If you notice black spots or sections on your siding, you have mold growing. The best way to avoid mold is to have your home pressure washed regularly. Twice a year is a good rule of thumb. To treat mold, vinegar and water may do the trick. Some stubborn mold stains require bleach but remember this will end up in the ground around your house and kill surrounding landscaping.

Average Cost to Repair Siding by Solution

When holes, cracks, leaks, and gaps occur in siding, there may be several ways to fix the problem. However, a professional will want to choose the best solution for a long term repair. The last thing a homeowner wants is a fix that has to be done again in six months.

Caulk Siding

Caulk ⁶ is a necessary part of every exterior. Caulk installation may be slightly less expensive than a sealant at around $40 to $50. It can be used on any siding, including wood and masonry (brick and mortar) siding. The words caulk and sealant are often used interchangeably but are two different products. As we stated above, a sealant is waterproof and should be used for sealing gaps in siding.

Siding Spackle

Siding spackling repair is generally used to smooth out rough spots or minor dings. An outdoor use product should be the choice, and the cost to install is around $40 to $50 for each application. Spackling is suitable for wood, fiber cement, brick, stucco, and any other porous surface.

Seal Siding

In particular, wood siding, in particular, requires sealing to prevent fading, weathering, mold, mildew, and other effects from moisture and heat. Clear sealants are often used to block UV rays. There are two types of clean finishes, inorganic and organic. The inorganic type consists of iron-oxide pigments that block or reflect UV light. The organic sealant is an absorber of UV and prevents the wood from taking in the rays. Both types are just like sunblock and will eventually wear off or wear out. Clear finishes only last one to two years.

Tinted sealants are longer-lasting at three to five years. Many homeowners are concerned about losing the natural look of the wood with a tinted sealant, but lightly tinted finishes don’t change the appearance. Sealing a six-foot section of porous siding will cost about $50 to $60 for materials and labor. Most siding companies will charge by the hour, so it depends on how much sealing you need to have done to determine the cost.

Siding Patch

A siding patch is made of the material that matches the siding that needs to be repaired. For a professional to install a siding patch, expect to pay around $50 to $100.

To patch a hole in wood siding or to patch woodpecker holes, use a liquid wood product along with a sealant. Patching holes in metal siding is best done with a metal patch, while patching holes in aluminum siding means using an aluminum patch along with caulk.

Asbestos Siding Repair

Specialists charge $150 to $200 per hour. A general contractor with asbestos ⁷ certifications may charge a fixed base fee of $1,500 to $3,000, regardless of the size of the job. Asbestos siding is a dangerous product that was used in building houses before 1960. Due to the concerns over asbestos, it is best to hire a professional asbestos contractor to do any asbestos removal work in your home. Asbestos products are no longer available, but a comparable material will be used to match your existing siding.

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Cost Factors to Repair Siding

Several things should be taken into consideration when determining the cost to repair the damaged siding. Often the location of the damage matters if it is in hard-to-reach areas such as behind shrubs or other obstacles. Also, a home that has multiple stories will require ladders to repair high damage. Older siding may just need to be replaced if it becomes damaged to the point of spending $3,000 or more for a repair.

Vinyl siding tends to be the most cost-efficient siding to repair. Aluminum siding is often tricky to repair because it is difficult to match the color of the old siding with the new. In time, all siding suffers fading or cracking. Replacing pieces of siding or repairing cracks tends to be relatively easy. Extensive damage, such as from a storm, may require replacing a whole wall of siding.

Wood siding is the only type of siding that has a problem with insects. Termites are drawn to wood, and an infestation can occur quickly. As you probably know, the extent of damage these pests can do is great, especially if it isn’t caught early. Siding that becomes damaged due to insects will most likely need to be replaced. Cedar is one of the most popular woods for outdoor use as it has a natural aversion to insects.

Although it is less expensive to repair siding, often it is better to replace the siding. So how do you know when to replace siding? If the repairs are estimated to be more than the cost of a replacement, it is always better to replace it. To replace a vinyl siding square, which is around 100 sq. ft., would cost about $100 to $200 for materials and labor. However, colored aluminum siding is often difficult to match, so many siding repair companies recommend that you paint to match the siding color. The cost to replace 200 sq. ft. of damaged aluminum siding averages $700 - $1,200 for labor and supplies. Bricks, stone, and stucco can all easily be repaired rather than replaced. A masonry expert will fill in any cracks using stucco or mortar for a cost of $10 to $20 per square foot. Fiber cement is more difficult to repair and often requires that a single panel of the siding be replaced to repair the damage adequately. The cost of a plank of fiber cement that measures 48-in. x 96-in and averages $80. The cost of labor is $40 to $75 per hour.​

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Siding Painting Cost

A new coat of paint adds life to any siding. Faded color makes your home look less attractive and may be prone to cracking or warping. If your siding is in good shape, changing the color will give it a facelift! Before painting, it is good to give the siding a good pressure washing to remove dirt, debris, and stains. The average cost to paint 1,500 sq. ft. of siding is $1,850 to $2,500.

Pressure Wash Siding Cost

As we mentioned above, pressure washing some surfaces is a good idea before painting. You may find that having the siding pressure washed will change the look entirely if it is merely dirt making it look bad. The cost for pressure washing is around $150 to $400, depending on the amount of cleaning needed and the size of your home. Homeowners should be leery of pressure washing wood or modified woods as these materials can become damaged or stripped if pressure washed. Asbestos siding, as always, should be handled by a professional. Pressure washing this product can be dangerous.

Exterior Trim Repair Cost

Exterior trim is the most exposed part of your home. It is also an important part of the aesthetics of your home. If exterior trim needs to be repaired or replaced, the cost is generally by the linear foot at $2 to $4 plus labor.

Gutters Repair Cost

Your gutters play a major part in protecting your siding from the weather. Gutters in disrepair make the house look unkempt. Gutters can become clogged, leak, sag, or cracked. To replace gutters, the cost is also by the linear foot and depends on the problem. Repairs may be made, and the cost depends on how long the task takes. The cost is about $188 to unclog gutters.

Soffit and Fascia Repair Cost

Soffit ⁸ and fascia help the eaves of your home look attractive and protect them from weather and insects. Any repairs should be done promptly to safeguard your eaves ⁹. Broken soffits or fascia repairs or replacement costs $2 to $10 per linear foot.

Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet

² Fiber cement: A building material made with cellulose fiber, concrete, and recycled materials such as glass

³ Plywood: An engineered construction material manufactured from thin slices of wood glued together in alternating grain patterns for strength

⁴ Mortar: A mixture of Portland cement or lime or a combination of both, sand, and water used to bind bricks, stones, and concrete masonry units together

⁵ Stucco: A type of durable plaster finish made of aggregates, a binder, and water (traditionally Portland cement, sand, and water) used on masonry, walls, ceilings, and decorative moldings

⁶ Caulking: A chemical sealant used to fill in and seal gaps where two materials join, for example, the tub and tile, to create a watertight and airtight seal. The term "caulking" is also used to refer to the process of applying this type of sealant

⁸ Soffit: Construction material, typically composed of vinyl or aluminum, used to enclose the underside of eaves and ceilings