Your home’s siding not just about aesthetics, but is incredibly important to the overall integrity of your home. Not only does it protect you and your family from the constant weather elements, it also keeps pests out, keeps heating and cooling in, and adds curb appeal.
And like all things, your siding needs to be maintained and will likely need to be replaced at some point. How can you tell if it might be time to replace your siding? Here are some of the signs that your homes siding might need an upgrade.
1. Cracked, warped or sagging siding
This one probably seems obvious, but it’s worth mentioning anyway because just a few cracks could still be really problematic. If you see any cracks, warping, or sagging, take deeper look to see what’s going on. Cracked or sagging siding allows water to seep underneath the panels and cause rotting and decay.
2. Bubbles or blisters under the siding surface
Bubbles and blisters are a very common siding problem. Bubbles form as a result of chemical reaction and typically occurs when applying wet paint to a hot surface and happens early on during the initial drying phase. Blisters are caused when the top layer or paint separates from old layers. If bubbles or blisters are apparent in your siding, it is time for new siding.
3. Mold or other fungus growth
If you find mold, mildew or fungus growing on or under the siding is another sign that water or moisture is penetrating your siding. Mold feeds on organic materials and over time will eat away at your siding. Other causes of mold could be due to dirt accumulation, tree sap, and lack of sunlight. While all fungus growth isn’t cause for concern, it’s worth your attention and further inspection.
4. High heating or cooling bills
If you’ve been experiencing really high heating and cooling bills, bad siding could be a factor. The solution lies not only in your siding, but the insulation behind it. Siding and insulation help retain heat and keep out the cold, so there could be damage worth looking into.
5. Needing to paint siding frequently
A good paint job should last anywhere from 8 to 10 years by most experts’ estimations. If you find yourself needing to paint siding more frequently – say every 3 to 5 years – it may be time for a replacement. Acrylic paint is the most durable, longest lasting, and is able to withstand fading from UV rays.
6. Faded siding
All siding has a life expectancy and is formulated to hold color for as long as the advertised or rated by the manufacturer. Severely faded siding should be a sign that the waterproofing element has run its course. This does not mean the siding is completely useless, but it’s just one of the things to watch for and always make sure you are choosing the best type of paint for your siding material.
7. Peeling and flaking paint
Peeling paint on exterior or interior walls is a good indication moisture has seeped in between your home and its siding or poor adhesion. Proper surface preparation, a quality primer, and the right siding paint are key elements in avoiding your sidings paint to peel in the future.
While replacing your home’s siding may not be at the top of your to-do list, if you’re experiencing any of the above issues it may be time for new siding. Set up a free expert siding inspection on your time.
