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Originally Posted On: https://www.amenityroofing.com/8-signs-your-home-needs-a-siding-replacement

 

Your home’s siding takes a beating year-round. It could be the relentless sun in the summer, the freezing temperatures, or blowing snow in the winter. Whatever it is, your siding must be tough to protect your home from the elements.

But even the strongest siding materials can eventually succumb to wear and tear. In such cases, you’ll need to consider siding replacement. It’s the only way your home’s siding will continue to be effective in protecting your home and improving its curb appeal.

How can you tell it’s time to call a qualified contractor for new siding? If you’re unsure whether your home needs siding replacement, here are a few things to look for.

1. Cracking, Bubbling, and Looseness

Cracks, warping, looseness, and bubbles in your home’s siding could mean water damage. If you notice bubbling, there is a high possibility that the siding has trapped water beneath its surface. This water might spread, making your siding warp.

Loose and cracked siding are signs that exterior elements have damaged it, making it deteriorate. After a storm, several boards in the siding might come loose or crack. This might not be a significant concern, and a siding repair may suffice.

However, you will need a siding replacement if most of the boards are loose or broken. New siding will ensure that water and air don’t leak into your home and cause further damage.

2. High Energy Bills

One of the functions of siding is to trap heat and cool air inside your home. If your siding is damaged, it might not be performing this function as it should as it might let air in and out.

Your HVAC system will have to work harder to keep your home comfortable. You might see a significant spike in your energy bills in such cases.

If your energy bills have gradually increased over time, siding replacement might not be the only solution. But if you’ve noticed a sudden spike in energy costs, siding damage might be the culprit.

In such cases, new siding will help insulate your home better and reduce energy bills.

3. Peeling Paint or Fading Color

One of the most obvious signs that a siding is on its last leg is fading color. Siding is exposed to UV rays, wind, rain, and snow. Over time, this exposure takes its toll, and the siding’s color will start to fade.

If your siding was once a deep blue but is now a pale blue, it might be time for siding replacement. You’ll also know that you need siding services if a fresh paint coat doesn’t adhere to the siding.

You might also notice discoloration or faster fading in some spots. This might mean your siding has water or mold, compromising the paint’s integrity.

4. Seam Separation

If you have siding made of several pieces, such as vinyl siding, you might notice the seams pulling apart. This problem is usually a sign that the siding is no longer level or that it’s warped.

In such cases, water will start to pool on top of it. This could lead to siding damage and other problems, such as mold growth.

Warping usually occurs when the siding is exposed to extreme heat or cold. It can also happen if the siding installation is poor. Call a siding contractor to inspect your siding and give you the necessary advice on the best siding replacement options.

5. Missing, Rotting, or Damaged Boards

Boards in your siding might also start to rot or show signs of physical damage. Look out for water and insect damage if the siding is made of wood.

You should take rotting seriously as it indicates that your home’s structure is at risk. Once the siding starts to rot, it might only be a matter of time before water and insects damage other parts of your home.

If water damages the wood beneath the siding, it’ll start to rot and destroy your walls. The wet rot will eventually become dry rot, forming a perfect breeding ground for pests.

6. Mold and Mildew

Mold and mildew are usually a result of trapped moisture, which could be due to siding damage. The mold might be noticeable on the siding or other parts of your home, such as the windowsills.

In other cases, it’ll be discreet, and you’ll only notice it when you look closer. If you suspect mold growth, you should examine the seams, joints, and other siding crevices. Watch out for green, black, or brown patches, as they are usually a sign of mold.

7. Increased Pest Activity

If you start to notice an increase in pests around your home, siding damage might be the reason. Pests, such as termites and carpenter ants, love damp wood. So if your siding is rotting or there’s mold growth, it’s the perfect breeding ground for these pests.

You should also be on the lookout for things such as siding that’s been chewed on or small holes in the siding. Chewed parts could mean that rodents are using your siding as a path to get into your home. Holes could also indicate that pests have already made their way into your siding.

8. Damaged or Missing Caulking and Sealant

Caulking and sealant are crucial in siding installation as they help prevent water damage. They help to keep your siding waterproof.

If there’s damage to the caulking and sealant, water can start seeping through the siding and into your home. The water could cause mold growth and wood rot. It might also mean that pests will have an easier time getting into your home.

You can tell there’s sealant damage if there are cracks and gaps in the siding. These issues will tell you the sealant has failed in holding your siding together.

Hire the Best Contractor for Siding Replacement in Naperville Today

Siding is an important part of your home, and it’s important to keep it in good condition. Always be on the lookout for the above signs of damage, and schedule siding replacement as soon as possible to prevent water damage, mold growth, and other issues.

If your siding is showing signs of damage, it’s the perfect time to call our professionals at Amenity Roofing Siding and Gutters. We will assess the damage, advise you on the best siding replacement options, and properly install it to ensure it lasts.

Contact us today to start transforming your home.