Let’s face it. Your siding performs a thankless job, day in and day out. If you’re not careful, months or even years can pass before you remember to consider its condition. With proper care and maintenance, siding can last a substantial amount of time, but even the highest quality materials will one day need to be replaced. Here’s what to look for to know when it’s time for your siding to go.
Your siding really takes a beating from the elements, no matter where you happen to live. Whether it’s heat from the sun, high humidity in the air, or brutally cold winter winds, your siding has to withstand a lot of adverse circumstances. The deterioration of your siding can often manifest as bubbling or blistering in the surface, which is a pretty good indication that it needs to be replaced.
Over time, the color of your siding will likely begin to fade. This process can progress rapidly in areas of the country with high sun exposure. While fading is mainly an eyesore, it can also be an indication of weakened structure. If your siding is completely faded, you’ll probably want to have it replaced.
Unwanted growth on the façade of your siding may actually be an indication of a bigger problem. If moisture is collecting under the siding or even inside the wall, the siding is not properly protecting your home from precipitation. While the presence of mold or mildew doesn’t always mean there’s a more serious issue at hand, it is still important to have your siding inspected and replaced if needed.
Long before it begins to show signs of deterioration, dry rot attacks the structure of wood and causes it to decompose. The presence of dry rot is particularly troubling in homes with wooden or wood-based shingles or panels. If dry rot is present, you’ll almost certainly need to replace your siding.
Hail, falling branches, and other assorted outdoor hazards can inflict noticeable damage on your home’s siding. If your siding has visible exterior damage like holes, dents, or breaks, you should consider having it replaced. If the siding isn’t in good condition, then it isn’t properly protecting your home.
Siding should lay flush against the structure of your home, and there shouldn’t be any gaps between sections. If your siding is pulling away from the house or gapping in between panels, it’s probably time to replace it.
Loose sections of siding are an indication that the system is faltering and needs to be replaced. If you notice loose areas of siding, you’ll want to have them replaced before turbulent weather rips it off for you.
If you've noticed that your energy bills seem to be skyrocketing, it may be in part due to the poor condition of your siding. One of the jobs of siding is to mitigate the air movement between the inside and outside of your home. Old, deteriorating siding may be allowing cold air in during the winter or warm air in during the summer. This will likely result in a higher heating or cooling bill at the end of the month.
Replacing your siding is a substantial undertaking, but you don’t have to do it alone. For homeowners in the Roaring Fork Valley area, contact the experts at Pacific. We’ve been caring for home exteriors for more than 50 years, and our technicians are some of the best in the business. Contact us to learn more about our siding and exterior services.