When it comes to caring for the exterior of your home it’s important to ensure that you recognize the signs that materials need to be repaired or replaced. When it comes to siding, there are some clear signs and indications that you need to repair or replace the siding.
It’s important to ensure your home’s siding is in good condition since it protects your home from the outside elements. Your home’s siding should be water-resistant, and provide an extra layer of insulation to your house. New siding will also help to improve your home’s curb appeal, which may be something you need if you are in the market to sell your home.
In this blog, we’ve rounded up the top 5 indications that you need to replace or repair siding.
Mold & Mildew
Mold, moss, mildew, and fungus growing on the side of your home is an indication that moisture is infiltrating the siding of your home and it must be replaced.
If you see mold and mildew the first thing you should do is try to clean it off with a pressure washer. Ignoring mold or mildew on your siding for too long can lead to bigger problems, so it’s important to address it while it’s in the early stages. Over the long term, the mold and mildew on your siding can begin to also form on the interior of your home which can lead to the structure of your home rotting, warping, or cracking. An indication that this is happening is noticing a musty smell in your home. If you suspect an issue it’s ideal to have a professional come in to inspect your home to further analyze if the damage goes beyond your siding.
Peeling Paint on the Interior of Your Home
It may surprise you, but if you notice that the paint or wallpaper on the inside of your home is peeling or bubbling this can be a sign that your siding needs to be replaced because it’s not doing its job.
If you notice that the peeling or bubbling is more noticeable around windows and doors, it could mean you have an issue with the caulking on those products or that they were not properly installed.
Regardless, peeling paint is an indication that moisture and air are getting into the walls of your home and could be damaging your interior walls. Address this issue sooner rather than later, or you risk the wood framing of your home deteriorating.
Warped, Damaged, or Discolored Siding
If your home’s siding is bubbling, discolored, or warped, it’s likely that you will have to replace it. Bubbled siding is a sign that water is trapped beneath the siding and it is no longer doing its job of repelling water away from your home. This is a very serious problem since it can lead to rotting wood, mold, and structural damage to your home, so be sure to take care of the issue as soon as you notice it.
When assessing warped siding, find an area that has become warped or damaged and poke it with a screwdriver or similar object. This will give you an indication of whether the layer underneath is still solid or if it has become soft and begun to rot. If the siding or framing behind the siding is soft, the wood must be replaced before the rotting spreads.
Another sign to look out for is rusted nails, insect damage, and faded paint. In some cases, you will be able to notice these issues without a problem, but often it requires a trained eye to come and evaluate the problem. If you suspect an issue, contact an expert to check the quality of your siding and make recommendations in regards to repairing or replacing it.
Discoloration or streaks on the siding are commonly due to water stains, or sunspots which may signal a leaky siding or excessive exposure to the sun. If you suspect leaks, check for loose, split, or warped boards. If you suspect sun exposure, be sure to contact the manufacturer of your siding to see what their warranty is.
Another thing to look for is damaged seams in your siding. Since caulking is not limited to just your windows and doors, it is also used to seal all vertical seams and joints of siding which can also become damaged over time. Changes in temperatures can cause the siding to expand and contract, shifting your siding material and interfering with the caulk which can lead to damaged seams.
Higher Energy Costs
Since exterior siding plays an important role in your home’s insulation and energy costs, higher energy bills can be a sign that something is wrong with the siding on your house. If you’ve noticed a trend with your cooling and heating bills steadily rising, or that they are much higher compared to years prior, your siding could be the problem. Since your roof or attic insulation could also be culprits, be sure to inspect both the attic and your exterior walls before replacing your siding.
Exterior Noise
As siding often doesn’t have a tight seal, any loud noises you hear while inside your home may be due to strong winds. However, if you notice squeaks and clatters that are louder than usual, this could be an indication that your siding may have come loose. Additionally, if your siding is sealed too tightly, it may produce screeching and popping sounds.
Contact Us Today for Siding Repair or Replacement
Don’t let minor problems with your siding turn into big ones. If you see any of these signs, contact us today. Our team can inspect your siding and tell you whether it needs repair or replacement.
Our siding installation experts are current with new siding trends and know-how to help you design the home of your dreams. Contact us today for your Free Estimate, and we will help you find siding that fits your needs and wants. Call us today at (888) 631-2131 or contact us online.