Most homeowners don’t think about their home’s siding until there’s a problem. And by then, it can be costly and difficult to fix.
Siding is an important part of your home’s exterior, and if it starts to show signs of wear and tear, it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible. Some of these signs are easy to spot, while others are slightly more challenging to notice.
Nonetheless, seeing one or more signs indicates that you should replace the sidings.
It’s Cracked or Curled at the Edges
Two signs that usually show the first are cracks and curled edges. The edges may not look particularly sharp, but there’s a very good chance that they’re splitting and falling away from your home. And while you could tape over these cracks, this will only provide temporary relief. Eventually, you’ll need to replace the siding so that it can continue protecting your home.
You Notice Dark or Discolored Patches
Another sign is discoloration. If it goes from light green to dark brown overnight, there’s a good chance something is up. This may be due to water damage, or it could be because of mildew or mold growth. It can also be due to sun exposure, but this shouldn’t happen if you used the right paint for the weather conditions you live in.
No matter the cause, it’s time to replace it so that your home can be protected.
You’ve Noticed Bugs
If you’re noticing bugs climbing up your exterior walls, this could be because of mildew growth. Mildew is a musty substance that grows on wood, and it’s quick to attract insects looking for warm spots to stay in. If you prefer not to have bugs crawling around your home’s exterior, call in the professionals and replace the siding before the problem gets worse. Like the Mighty Dog Roofing in East DFW, TX, most companies know how to handle these issues regardless of whether you’re looking to fix or replace them.
It Faded
Over time, your home’s siding will start to fade and change color. Whether the hue is lighter or darker than before, it may signify that it needs replacement. As with discoloration, this could be due to mold and mildew growth and water damage that isn’t getting cleaned up properly. Or, it may be because something is eating it away, causing it to turn a lighter color.
Again, it could be due to sun exposure, but in most cases, it’s more likely due to mold or water damage.
The Paint is Peeling
Another telltale sign that your siding needs to be replaced is if the paint starts peeling. This happens when water gets trapped and pushes apart the color, causing it to fall off in chunks. Again, the best way to fix this problem is by replacing your home’s siding entirely and making certain you clean up any standing water.
You Can Poke Holes in it
If you can poke a hole through your siding with minimal pressure applied, it’s likely time to replace the home’s exterior. This is because, over time, wood rot will cause it to soften and become susceptible to damage. Once this occurs, it’s only a matter of time before it starts to fall apart.
It’s Moved
Have you noticed your siding is pushing away from home? If there are significant gaps between it and the foundation, it might signify that it needs to be replaced. Your house constantly shifts as temperatures change and different weather patterns come through town. So unless you’ve recently moved into a new home or haven’t checked it over a year, this is typically the result of bad sidings.
Your Heating/Cooling Bill is Higher
If you start noticing that your energy bill is higher than normal, it might be because your siding needs to be replaced. Leaking around the edges of your home causes spaces for warm or cool air to escape, which causes this problem. This is difficult to notice at first, and if you contact your utility company and ask them, they’ll likely inform you that the issue isn’t with their side of things. It’s time to call in a contractor and investigate what’s going on.
It has Bubbles, Mold, or Mildew
If you notice bubbles or areas that look slightly wet, this may be a sign of mold and mildew growth. Mildew can cause discoloration, but bubbles usually show up when the surface is wet.
The best way to resolve this issue is by replacing your home’s siding entirely and making certain you use the right materials to prevent water damage.
Most people will find that they need to replace it every 10-15 years, so if your home is older than this, it’s possible that it has some wear and tear on its exterior.
It’s Rotten
Another sign that you need to call in a contractor and replace your home’s siding is if it feels spongy in places. If this is the case, it could be rotting and need replacement. It’s usually made of vinyl or aluminum, and if water has found its way behind the exterior and turned the wood wet, you’ll need to replace it before it rots away.
