Whether you’re in the market for a new home or have owned your home for many years, replacing your siding may become a concern for any homeowner. Vinyl siding can usually last for around 30-40 years, depending on the quality/brand, and the conditions it's put through. Siding can be considered the skin of your home, and when it becomes damaged it is important to correct the issues before other damages occur. Keep an eye out for these tell-tale signs of damage before your siding leads to other costly repairs!
1. Holes
Holes in your siding, regardless of their size, can be concerning to you as a homeowner. Bugs, rodents, and other small animals can easily set up base in your home if you have openings in your siding, thus leading to costly repairs. In addition to unwanted visitors, holes in your home's siding can allow moisture and water to become trapped leading to warping in your home's siding, and moisture issues in the foundation of your home. There are many “DIY” options available to fix this issue, yet this will still be a concern down the line and there may be a possibility of additional costly repairs.
2. Warping
Warping of your home's siding can be caused by many issues such as moisture and/or improper installation. Warping refers to the siding beginning to swell, which can lead to extensive structural issues. Just like holes in the siding, warping can allow excess moisture and water to enter your home leading to the possibility of mold and rot. Siding panels that are too loose or too tight can be replaced, but a home siding that is already warped would require the entire siding to be replaced in order to insure proper protection of your home.
3. Fading
Just as shingles on your roof fade from the constant sun exposure, your siding also will fade. Although siding that becomes faded may not be a concern to most homeowners, fading is a clear indication that the waterproofing properties of your siding have reached their limit and should be replaced. Although exterior paints do exist and can correct the fading, eventually, due to the sun exposure, the paint will begin to crack and crumble leading to even more necessary repairs.
(Source: https://handymanlabs.com/)
4. Bubbling
Bubbling in your siding is the number one indicator that water has become trapped underneath your siding and has already caused extensive damage. Siding is meant to protect your home from moisture and water, but when you as a homeowner see your siding bubbling, it is important to take action as soon as possible! Bubbling siding allows room for mold to grow, rot to take place, and can lead to mildew which can be crucial for both your home's health, but also your family's health. Regardless of the size, any sign of bubbling shingles deserves attention as this can lead to many other issues down the road.
5. Unexpectedly High Energy Bills
Although in today's world bills are increasingly becoming more and more expensive by default, unexpectedly high energy bills can be an indication that your home's siding has become ineffective, thus leading to issues with insulation. If you have experienced alarmingly high energy/heat bills, we first recommend that you check your home's window and door frames to see if there are any drafts, and once that is ruled out, your siding could be the culprit. If you find that your siding is damaged, consider replacing your siding with energy-saving and energy-efficient siding options!
Now that you’re aware of the main indications of siding damage, you’ll want to take the necessary actions to avoid further costly repairs! If you do decide to replace your siding, we recommend performing routine maintenance in order to ensure that your siding can reach its full lifespan! Routine maintenance includes cleaning your siding, keeping greenery away from your siding (vines, etc.,) and making repairs with caulking and/or sealant when advised by a contractor. By maintaining the integrity of your siding, you can easily save hundreds of dollars and avoid replacing your siding before its full lifespan is up.
If you happen to find yourself in the market for new siding, look no further, Elite Roofing Contractor is here to help you with all of your home's roofing and exterior needs! Unlike other roofing companies, we specialize in all aspects of your home, one being siding! We have extensive knowledge of all the different types and styles of siding and can help you decide which siding is the best for your home. If you’d like to see some completed jobs that we’ve done regarding siding installation, be sure to check out these links below!
If you’d like more information about siding, be sure to check out our Services page on your website, https://www.eliteroofingincnj.com/services, or give our office a call at (201)436-1011 and we’d be more than happy to assist you!
Sources: https://www.reimerroofing.com/blog/when-should-you-replace-your-siding-these-4-signs-say-it-all-2/