Nothing lasts forever, not even the most durable of materials. If you’ve been wondering how to tell if your siding needs replacement or if it just needs some repairs done, look no further. We’ve compiled a list of signs you should watch out for that indicate that your siding needs replacement. How long your siding lasts depends on a great many factors, such as its material, the climate it’s exposed to, how well it’s maintained, and more.
When your siding needs replacement, it’s crucial to have that taken care of sooner rather than later. This is because your siding plays an important role in protecting your home. If it needs to be replaced, your home could end up with major problems necessitating significant repairs, including structural damages. Replacement siding keeps your home protected, enhances its curb appeal, and can lower your utility bills.
Here are some of the signs to watch out for that indicate that your siding needs replacement.
There’s Evidence Of Rot
Vinyl siding may not rot, but wood siding does, and so does the wood that goes under most vinyl siding. If there’s any sign of rot, that’s a surefire sign that your siding needs replacement. You’ll want to walk around your home and look for signs of rotting, as well as poking the siding here and there, in order to tell whether it’s solid underneath, or whether it gives way. If you have dry rot, you typically can’t see it, since it’s under the siding, but you’ll be able to detect it if your siding splits, crumbles, or sounds hollow.
It’s Cracked Or Loose
Another sign that your siding needs replacement is if you can notice cracks or that it’s come loose. Your siding can crack or become loose after storms, high winds, and general wear and tear due to aging. In some cases, you may be able to just replace the cracked or loose boards or sections, rather than getting entirely new siding everywhere. A professional will be able to consult with you and help you determine whether it would be best to get entirely new siding or to just replace the damaged boards or sections.
There Are Holes Or Other Damages
This sign your siding needs replacement goes with the previous one, as much damage to siding is the result of storms or age. Pests can also damage your siding by burrowing into it, creating cracks and holes. This can let moisture past your siding, which can then result in mold growth and structural damage to your home. As with the previous point, a professional will be able to help you determine if you need replacement siding or if you can just replace a few boards or sections.
It’s Blistering/Bubbling
If you’ve noticed little bubbles popping up on your siding, this is a sign that water’s infiltrated your siding. This is a definite sign that your siding needs replacement, as your siding is meant to keep water out of your home. If water is in the siding itself, that means that it is no longer functioning properly and needs to be replaced.
There’s Mold, Mildew, Or Fungus Growing On It
This is another sign that you’re having moisture issues and your siding is no longer doing its job. If you have anything growing on your siding like this, it could indicate that you have water within your siding. This can cause not only structural damage and major repairs, but also create a health hazard, especially for those with mold sensitivities.
It’s Faded Or Peeling
Some fading is bound to happen over time, but if your siding is severely faded, that means that its weatherproofing is failing and that your siding needs replacement before any damages get the chance to occur. Similarly, if your siding needs frequent painting because the paint keeps peeling, you’ll need to have it replaced too. We recommend vinyl siding, as it can be whatever color you like and does not need to be painted in order to maintain it.
Your Energy Bills Are Spiking
Your siding is meant to protect your home and help insulate it, so if you’re noticing higher energy bills and your siding looks worse for the wear, that can be another sign that your siding needs replacement. New siding will be able to insulate your home properly, keeping the hot air in and the cold air out in the winter and vice versa in the summer.
Does Your Siding Need Replacement?
Unlimited Siding knows how important your siding is for the aesthetic appeal, insulation, and protection of your home. If your siding needs to be replaced, we can do that for you. To learn more about our siding options or to schedule an appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact us today!
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