How do I Know if I Need New Siding? Five Things to Consider
Keeping your siding in tip-top shape is important as it’s the barrier between the harsh elements and everything you hold dear within your home. There are times when the siding shows now outward signs of damage, but moisture is getting in, causing rot, mold, and a host of other issues that will soon become quite apparent in your home. So, how do you know when you need new siding?
Noticing the rot
Rot is often quite visible. However, the extent of the damage can be deceiving. For example, you could notice it in one small area, but it might very well have spread across a larger area underneath your siding. While repairs can be made to small affected areas, once the issue expands, it’s time to start from scratch and tear the siding off, repair any part of the structure underneath, and put up new siding.
Utility bill blues
If you’ve kept your thermostat at a comfortable 70 degrees every winter, yet you begin to notice a spike in your usage, whether it’s gas or electricity, there could be a problem with your siding.
Perhaps you’re feeling a draft near the windows and walls that you didn’t notice during previous winters? Put your hand next to your electrical outlets – do you feel a draft here as well? These are all signs that your siding is failing and letting that cold air in, and it’s time to have a professional inspect it.
Cracks, buckling, gaps and holes
If a big storm blew through your region and caused any malformation of your siding, you definitely need to have a professional look at it to determine the extent of the damage. In some cases, you can have the affected areas repaired and not have to undergo a complete replacement.
However, holes and cracks, while certainly not attractive, are the beginnings of a compromising situation to the structure of your home. Not only is the moisture detrimental to any wood structures under the siding, the cracks and holes allow pests (including termites) entry to areas they need not be.
Managing mold
Your siding might look completely fine, but you are beginning to notice mold or mildew on the walls inside your home. Take a closer look at your siding that coincides with that mold or mildew. Look for gaps, cracks, buckling siding or holes.
The mold and mildew is a sign that your home is under attack and it will only get worse if you don’t do something about it. Furthermore, the presence of mold and mildew in your home is a health risk. Mold is considered a toxic substance that can cause sickness similar to a basic cold or an allergy attack. It can also lead to itchy skin, watering and itchy eyes, headaches and sneezing.
Looking for new siding?
At VIS Exterior, we are siding professionals with the experience necessary to determine if your siding is in need of repair or replacement. We also use the best siding, including high-quality vinyl, LP Smartside and James Hardie fiber cement that last a long time and looks great on your home. Schedule a free inspection with us to get the ball rolling.
