The Common Signs That Show Your Home Needs New Siding

Your home’s siding is built to protect you and your family against the constant weather elements. It should be cared for and maintained by a trusted siding contractor to ensure that it lasts as long as its expected lifespan. However, there may come a time when you might need to replace your siding due to other reasons, such as damage and deterioration.

Usually, a siding repair or replacement is warranted if your home has sustained damage after a recent storm. This is to prevent further damage to the rest of your home and to keep it intact. A full replacement also makes sense if you recently bought an older home. And, if you’re planning to sell your home in a few years, siding replacement can boost its current property value! Some siding materials will cost more than others, but good material should earn you back more than half the project cost once you’ve sold your home.

It’s also possible that your current siding could have hidden damages that won’t see the light of day unless you get it inspected by a trusted contractor. Regular maintenance usually spots these hidden problems, and your siding will just need minor repairs to prevent more damage and unwanted costs. But when should you get your siding replaced? 

Unusually High Energy Bills

If you don’t see any visible damage to your siding, but notice an unusual increase in your monthly energy bills, there could be a problem with your home’s insulation. Of course, you need to rule out other possibilities first, such as a problem with your roofing structure. But if the rest are all still relatively intact, and you see over recent months that your energy bills have gone higher, then it could be because of your siding and its insulation. 

One of the most common siding problems is air leaks and drafts. This includes the small gaps near walls, windows and electrical outlets and switches. If you notice this in and around your home, consider getting the siding replaced by a professional if you don’t want to keep paying steep energy bills.

Not Enough Time for Maintenance

It may be time for a replacement if you think that maintaining your current siding takes up too much of your time. You can always have a siding contractor take care of your siding, but scheduling an inspection and maintenance check is usually done only once or twice a year, which means the cleaning is mostly left to the homeowner. 

Whether you’re getting busier, or you want more time to be spent on other daily activities, installing certain siding materials will benefit you more in the long run. For instance, low-maintenance vinyl siding doesn’t need to be refinished every few years, and you only need to wash it down with a garden hose once in a while. Vinyl siding is also available in different colors and styles, so you won’t have a hard time finding the right design that suits your home’s architecture.

Faded Siding Colors

You may think that seeing this on your home’s exterior might not be something to worry about, but a faded exterior is a big cause for concern that should be addressed with a full replacement. Siding materials are typically manufactured to hold their colors for as long as their expected lifespan. So, if your siding has lost its colors, it only indicates that it’s already at the end of its lifespan.

Depending on the type of siding, when the color’s faded, your siding’s waterproofing and insulating capabilities are now ineffective. Your home is more vulnerable to the weather elements, which can be costly especially if a storm hits your area. To avoid more expensive repairs, have your faded siding replaced by a trusted contractor as soon as possible.

Peeling Paint/Loose Wallpaper

It might not be too apparent, but having peeling paint or loose wallpaper inside your home can indicate that you have badly damaged siding. This is caused by moisture getting through your siding and seeping into the wallboard. It can eventually cause damage to the interiors of your home, and you’ll be forced to pay for more repairs that could have been avoided. If you notice that you’re having this problem in your home, have the siding inspected to determine the extent of the damage and if you should fully replace your exteriors.

Mold, Mildew and Rot

Sometimes, you may find mold and mildew near the seams of your siding. You may even find dry rot, which can weaken your siding and compromise its effectiveness against the weather elements. This will leave your home more exposed to the elements. So, if you’re already having this type of problem in your home, don’t think twice about getting it replaced immediately, especially since the water has already seeped into the inner walls of your home. The moisture between your inner walls and siding will also lead to more mold and mildew, which can affect the health of your home’s inhabitants. This is why you should get new siding as soon as you see this type of damage in your home.

Bubbling/Blistered Siding

If your siding is constantly exposed to high heat or moisture, the siding will show signs of blistering and bubbling. You can have trusted siding installation contractors replace the affected parts of your exteriors, but make sure that they find what’s causing it and ask how you can prevent it from happening to your siding again. But if the damage has affected much of the siding, then a full replacement will be a better option.

Hail Damage and Other Cracks and Gaps

Any type of visible damage to your siding should be taken care of by a trusted contractor to ensure your home stays intact and free of damage. But if your area was recently hit by a hailstorm, make sure to call in your trusted contractor to check your home’s exterior for damage. Your siding may have sustained a certain amount of denting, cracking and chipping brought about by hail, so be sure to replace the affected parts to prevent more damage. Depending on how much damage your siding has sustained, it may be more cost-effective to get it fully replaced.

When you’re looking for a reliable expert on roofing and siding installation, our professionals at Northeast Gutters and Remodeling will always get the job done! Talk to us today at (860) 899-7878, or just fill out our convenient online form.