Installing new siding for your home is a significant decision, both functionally and aesthetically. Unlike a decorating scheme or paint job, new siding is something you want to commit to for several years. You need to make the right decision concerning the material and color to ensure your siding will be a source of pride whenever visitors come to your home. However, siding, just like any other component of your home, will wear over time and require replacement.
When to Replace Your Siding
Here are the telltale signs your current siding needs to be replaced:
1. Warping and Buckling
Buckling or warping often occurs when the siding was not properly installed. Vinyl siding usually expands and contracts as temperatures fluctuate. So, the siding needs to be properly fastened to allow movement. Perform a close-up inspection of siding which appears warped. Use a screwdriver to poke under the warped siding and observe how firm the layer underneath feels. If it feels rotten in any way, it could be time to replace your siding.
2. Sagging or Peeling Paint
If you notice sagging or peeling paint, it’s probably an indication your aging siding is letting in moisture beneath it and into the wallboard. The moisture can damage the interior walls of your house, so it’s something you should address as soon as possible.
3. Mold and Mildew Growth
Another sign your siding is allowing too much moisture into your home is mold or mildew on the exterior part of your siding. While mold or mildew growth is not always a sign of failing siding, it often signifies additional issues which need further investigation.
4. Dry Rot
Dry rot is one of the most common issues with wood siding and is not always visible to the naked eye. To discover dry rot, tap various areas of your siding with a hammer or bottom of a screwdriver to expose an area which has given in to dry rot. More often, only the topmost layer of your siding will remain intact. Since dry rot can compromise the structural integrity of your home, it’s important to have a professional contractor address the issue as soon as possible.
5. Fading
Sunlight can cause your siding to fade over time. Some areas of your siding may receive more sunlight than others, which can lead to discoloration in certain areas and normal color in others. Although fading is more of a cosmetic problem, you shouldn’t ignore it for too long as it can cause your siding to crack.
6. Mechanical Damage
Objects can also hit and damage your siding. If something hits your siding and causes cracks or other forms of damage, you should consider replacing your siding as soon as possible.
7. Noise
When vinyl siding is improperly installed, it can make noise whenever its windy or when temperatures change. If the siding is to tight, it can also produce cracking or popping sounds. It’s a good idea to have a professional siding expert inspect your siding and recommend the best course of action.
Problems of Bad Siding
Poor siding can cause a myriad of problems for your home. It’s important to have an experienced professional install your siding to ensure your home gets the aesthetic look it deserves. Bad siding can be susceptible to moisture damage and mold infestation. Mold isn’t just annoying and unappealing; it also poses serious health risks. It can trigger a wide range of respiratory complications, including asthma, sinus infections, allergies, and rashes. A dependable waterproof barrier must be installed under the siding to prevent moisture from seeping through the exterior surface of your home and creating a breeding ground for mold.
The second problem with bad siding is poor insulation. Good siding should keep the interior of your home at comfortable temperatures. If your siding has deteriorated, you’ll experience extra chilly temperatures in winter and unpleasantly warm temperatures in summer. As a result, you can overwork your heating and cooling systems, which means higher utility bills.
Bottom Line
Ultimately, working with a premier siding expert will ensure your siding will weather the storms for years while also giving your home a facelift. At Moss Roofing, we install excellent quality siding in Indianapolis, IN, and surrounding areas. Depending on your style and budget, we can install vinyl, engineered wood, fiber cement, stucco, or aluminum siding in a wide range of colors to match with your home’s design. Contact us today to begin the conversation with one of our siding experts.