When was the last time you took a good, hard look at your siding? Some signs of damaged siding are obvious, but some are more subtle and require closer inspection to make a determination. Siding is an important barrier between your home and the elements, so it is important to address problems as soon as you notice them to avoid more costly repairs.
What Is The Purpose Of Siding
Siding is sometimes overlooked as just the decorative outer layer of the home. This could not be further from the truth. Think about the siding of your home as its skin. The siding repels water, wind, hail, and snow. It also keeps bugs and other animals from entering the walls.
Siding keeps your home insulated, meaning that it keeps the heat from leaving in the winter and the AC in during the summer. Because it has such an important function, it is imperative that siding is kept in tip-top shape and maintained regularly. A licensed contractor can help you identify siding replacement signs and make a plan to fix your siding.
Cracked Or Warped Boards
One of the more obvious signs that your siding needs to be replaced is cracking of the boards. If you see cracks in the board itself, not just the paint, this needs immediate attention, as the siding has failed and may already be letting water and pests into your home.
Another obvious siding replacement sign is obvious warping of the boards. This means that the boards are curved where they used to be straight. This may be from heat or moisture, but it needs to be addressed sooner rather than later.
Peeling or Bubbling Paint
Paint bubbles or peeling paint on your interior walls are another surefire sign that your siding needs to be repaired. This indicates that water has gotten through your siding and into your walls. Sometimes, paint will peel or bubble on the ceiling first, then on the walls. This is more likely than not a roof leak, but it is still a good idea to check the siding near the paint damage on the walls just in case. Moisture is a big problem in any home, but fixing the source should always take priority before treating the symptoms.
Mold or Fungus
Any noticeable mold or fungus growing on or in the siding is cause for concern. Mold is toxic when inhaled, especially if you have a mold allergy, so if you notice it, don’t touch it; instead, call a professional to help. Siding is designed to prevent mold from growing on it, so if mold is staging a takeover of your home, it is time to replace your siding.
Dry rot is another do not pass go, do not collect $200 when it comes to your siding. Dry rot is a type of fungal decay that makes boards crumbly and looks powdery. If you notice your siding is dry-rotted, this is a siding replacement sign that should not be ignored.
Discoloration or Frequent Re-Painting
Uneven coloration of the boards, meaning the color is lighter in some areas and darker in others, usually means that the siding needs to be replaced. Usually, when the siding beneath is undamaged, the paint will fade evenly, without spotting or discoloration. Frequent repainting of your siding, usually more than once every three years, can be a sign of siding that is failing.
Holes And Pests
Holes in your siding break the protective barrier between the outdoors and your home. This means that pests can enter freely. If you notice swarms of:
- Bees
- Termites
- Or see a lot of holes in your siding
then it needs to be replaced. You may need to go one step further and contact an exterminator to get rid of the pest before new siding can be placed. If the pest is not eliminated, they may damage any new siding that you place.
Energy Bill Increases
If you have noticed your energy bill steadily increasing, it may be because your siding is not functioning properly as an insulator and is allowing heat and cold air to leak from your home. This is an extremely expensive cost to not checking your siding regularly for damage. If your energy bill has increased but you don’t see any visible siding damage, don’t be afraid to contact GB Contracting to inspect your siding for less obvious damage.
Don’t Gamble With Your Siding
Damaged siding can sneak up on homeowners if they aren’t paying close attention. If your siding is hanging on for dear life or has already given up, don’t hesitate and leave the rest of your home vulnerable to the elements! Contact GB Contracting for a professional contractor that you can trust to fix your home!
