The siding on your home plays a critical role in protecting your home from harsh weather conditions and other elements that could cause harm to things inside your home. Although you may look at your home’s siding every day, you may not notice when it needs to be replaced.
Unfortunately, waiting to replace the siding on your home can cost you more money in the long run. For this reason, it is important to recognize the signs that indicate that it is time to replace your existing siding.
Problems Associated with Bad Siding
Most exterior siding materials are designed to last for at least 20 years. If you opt for vinyl or metal siding, you could expect that it would last up to 60 or 70 years. Unfortunately, there are situations that can drastically shorten the life of your siding and lead to serious problems.
Experiencing problems with your siding can quickly turn into an out-of-control problem that requires attention immediately. Some of the problems that are commonly associated with siding issues include:
- Water damage inside of your home
- Infestation of pests
- Increased energy bills
- Decrease in home value
- Decreased curb appeal
- The growth of mold and other dangerous conditions
To determine if you have any problems with your home’s siding, it is important to look for various signs that could indicate that it is time for a change.
Your Siding is Warped, Cracked, or Rotting
One of the most obvious signs that you may need to repair or replace your siding is if you notice any rotting, cracking, or warping of the material. Even a small crack on your siding can point to a much larger problem.
It is important that you walk around your home and perform a thorough inspection of your siding. If there is a crack in your siding, you should feel around and determine if there is any give to the surface, which could indicate water damage. If there is any cracking or writing, it may be time for you to seek professional services to make the repairs that you need.
You Notice Blistering and Bubbles on Your Siding
Most siding has some texture to it. However, noticing siding that is bubbling or has blisters on it could indicate something is wrong. Bubbling and blistering on your siding could indicate that there is further damage below. This is usually a very big problem, as it could indicate that you have a moisture problem in your home.
Due to the fact that siding is supposed to prevent moisture from entering your home, noticing water damage below the siding could indicate that it is not working correctly and needs immediate attention.
There is Mildew, Mold, or Fungus On Your Siding
Noticing any type of mildew, mold, or fungus on your siding is a big red flag when it comes to the quality of your current siding. If you notice any of these growing on your siding, especially in the areas near the seams, it could indicate that you have a serious moisture issue and that the water is penetrating below the siding. Even though not every instance of fungus indicates a serious issue, it is definitely something that you should investigate in a timely manner.
Your Home’s Siding is Severely Faded
Siding for residential and commercial structures is often designed with several layers of weatherproofing. When your siding is exposed to harsh conditions, such as extreme heat, prolonged sun exposure, and harsh weather conditions, it can lead to discoloration or fading.
If you notice any severe fading on your siding or that it is losing its color, it could indicate that the weatherproofing will not last much longer. Although this does not mean that your siding suddenly stopped working to protect your home, it is definitely time for you to consider an upgrade to avoid any potential problems.
You Need to Paint Your Siding More Frequently
In general, homes will generally need a fresh coat of paint every eight to ten years. If you find that you have to paint your home more frequently, such as every five or six years, then it could indicate that the siding is problematic. This could also be apparent if you notice any chipping or peeling of the paint within a short period of time.
You Are Experiencing Higher Energy Bills
Siding plays a key role in the energy efficiency of your home. When siding functions correctly, it prevents air from leaving your home and keeps the weather conditions from outdoors from coming in. Leaky siding that does not retain any heat or cold can result in an increase in your energy bills.
If you ruled out drafty windows, faulting insulation, and any holes in your attic, then your siding may be the cause. Od and damaged siding may not insulate your home well, which could cause the costs to heat and cool your home to increase.
There is Paint Peeling Inside Your Home
Even if you do not see any physical damage on the exterior of your home, there may be indications inside your home that your siding is on its last leg. If you notice any paint peeling or any wallpaper that has become loose, it could indicate that there is moisture entering your home.
Other signs that you should look out for inside of your home include water stains on your walls or ceilings, rot, or even mold inside. When there is moisture trapped inside of your walls as a result of damaged siding, it can quickly turn into a dangerous situation.
Let Our Siding Experts in Maryland Heights, MO Help You
If you notice any of these signs on the siding of your home, it may be time to take immediate action. To get started on your siding project, we recommend reaching out to our team at Martin & Sons, LLC in Maryland Heights, MO.
For over 35 years, we have remained committed to providing customers with top-quality roofing and siding services, and we will do everything we can to ensure you are satisfied with your new siding.
Our team can meet with you for a free estimate at your earliest convenience to get started on transforming your home. Contact us today.