Ways to Know When Your Siding Needs to be Replaced
If you, the homeowner, notices anything that leads you to be concerned with whether or not your siding needs to be replaced and do not have much knowledge surrounding the topic; you’re probably absolutely correct. Siding is also better replaced before it becomes an even bigger issue. Eventually, if siding is not maintained or replaced it can turn into a daunting problem that could create structural damage and be quite costly. Save yourself some time, money, and headache by knowing what to look out for.
It is important to be proactive with your property. Your home’s curb appeal is important for many reasons including value, HOA requirements, and general appearances. If you are dealing with unpleasant blemishes on your property’s siding it is time to start looking for a solution.
The life expectancy of siding is also an important factor to bear in mind. It is quite unlikely that you will need to replace your home’s siding more than once during your time living there. According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors’ InterNACHI’s Standard Estimated Life Expectancy Chart for Homes, vinyl siding can last 60 years, while fiber cement siding can last 100+ years, making fiber cement siding a trusty choice. Of course the life expectancy is contingent on maintaining the siding and varies depending on weather, installation, and other elements.
There are a number of ways that a homeowner can tell that their siding is starting to go south by just looking. Here is a list of red flags that should alert you that it is probably time for your siding to be replaced. Many of the items may just seem to be cosmetic, but actually hint at a growing issue.
Does your siding appear to be bubbling, cracking, or dented?
Bubbling or blister-looking blemishes on your siding can be indicative that there is water stored under the paint and possibly throughout your siding. As you know if you read our blogs, moisture is the natural enemy of wood. Cracking on your siding allows for water to get into the crevices that can grow into rot or mold if not tended to quickly. In a region like our’s, it is incredibly important to be proactive when there’s a possibility of water damage especially in the rainy season. If your siding is dented it could be due to a specific storm, which isn’t as worrisome as if it is dented due to its faltering structural integrity. Dents can be a sign of weakening siding boards. If your siding is weakened then it is not able to protect your home from the elements in the way it should be and definitely needs replacement.
Have you noticed warping, sagging, loose boards, or gaps in your siding?
Again, a number of these issues may just seem cosmetic, but damage to your siding leaves your home with less protection than is necessary. Siding is an investment, but it is absolutely a worthwhile one. If you are experiencing warping, sagging, or gaps in your siding, it is time to look into replacing it. Warping, sagging, and gaps can be indicative of a moisture problem. Warping can be caused in vinyl siding even by having a barbecue grill too close to the house. These negative effects can make your home vulnerable to penetration from the elements that are no longer protected by propper siding.
Have you noticed a dramatic increase in your energy bills?
One of the easiest ways to know if it may be time to update an aspect of your home is if you are watching your energy bill increase rapidly. It can be frustrating to have your bills steeply increase, which may make you hesitant to upgrade or replace your siding. However, having your siding inspected and replaced can bring those bills right back down to a manageable level. If your siding is damaged or needing to be fully replaced then they are not sufficiently protecting your home as they are intended. The siding is made to protect your home from the elements and fiber cement siding does a great job of accomplishing this due to its durability.
Is there rot or mold visible on your home’s siding?
If you notice that there is visible rot, mold, or water damage on your siding, it is urgent that you contact an expert as soon as possible. The exterior of your siding can be a glimpse into the issues behind it. Rot is a huge concern, although sometimes used as a scare tactic by aggressive sales people. If you are interested in learning more about rot or how to spot rot, read our blog here. Moisture can cause so many issues for your property including rot, mold, water damage, or even mushroom growth. If your siding is moist enough to grow fungus, it absolutely could have made its way through to your home.
Do you see damage from pests?
Pest like birds and termites are very alarming for homeowners to discover. As has been a recurring theme in this blog, your siding is your home’s first line of defense against the elements and pests. If there is noticeable pest damage, then you can be sure that at least those spots have been infiltrated or had the protection the siding provides compromised.
Are boards of your siding missing?
If boards of your siding have fallen off or are about to, then it is absolutely necessary to contact an expert before too much damage is done. Your home is not intended to go without any external protection for a prolonged period of time. Additionally, unmaintained siding can even jeopardize your access to your siding’s warranty.
Is the color of your siding fading noticeably?
Is the color on your siding fading noticeably or at a quicker rate than before? If so, definitely contact a professional. Color fading on your siding can be indicative of the sealant failing. If the color is being affected in a big way, you can be sure that it isn’t protecting in the way it was designed to be. The color of your siding has a sizable impact on your home’s curb appeal.
Are you noticing interior wall damage inside of your home?
One very easy way to know your siding needs to be replaced is if you notice damage to your interior walls. If there are water stains or similar damage to your home’s interior walls then there is definitely an issue that needs immediate attention. If your siding has become vulnerable to the point of interior damage, you are likely to experience a pricey repair or replacement.
Not a Red Flag, But Good for Resale
If you’re looking to sell your home, new siding is a great investment. New siding adds to the curb appeal of the property all while keeping the home safe from storms and other elements it will inevitably come into contact with. New siding can give your house an entire new look and will be appreciated by buyers.
If you are interested in replacing your siding, contact our professional intallers now at (971)444-0135 or submit a quote request here.
Sources:
https://www.nachi.org/life-expectancy.htm
https://www.jameshardie.com/blog/signs-its-time-to-replace-your-siding?loc=refresh