If you have owned your home for a while then you have probably learned the significance of having good siding on your home. Siding is not just to decorate the exterior of your home; though it offers a variety of ways to do that. It serves a very important purpose in protecting your home and your possessions from exterior elements. Harsh weather, insects, and moisture are examples of things that siding is meant to keep on the outside of your home. It is critical that you maintain your siding or it will become ineffective and you may find yourself making frequent repairs or needing to replace it.
Top 5 Signs That Your Siding Needs To Be Replaced
1. Mold and Mildew
Sadly this is an all too common problem that a lot of homeowners have to deal with; though certain types of siding are more susceptible to it than others. It becomes a serious problem if it reaches the interior of your home. You should be warned that as soon as it becomes visible on the outside then the moisture has begun to penetrate the siding. No matter what part of the siding it is on you will have to look behind it in order to determine the extent of the damage. If it is only in a small area then you might be able to just replace a small section of the siding. If it is widespread then the siding on the entire house will likely need to be replaced.
2. Cracking or Peeling
When you see your siding start to peel, crack, or develop holes then you should plan to replace it. Also if it develops a chalky texture it will need to be replaced soon. Often these signs are symptoms of damage beneath the siding. Be aware that some types of siding are more susceptible to harsh weather than others and will need to be replaced more often.
3. Bending and Twisting
If you see any siding boards that are buckling, bulging, or warping, they will need to be replaced. This is usually caused by moisture that has penetrated the siding and is causing damage behind it. As the problem continues it will begin to rot and push the siding out even further.
4. Peeling on Inside Walls
If you notice the paint or wallpaper on the inside of your home beginning to peel off, this could be a sign of outside damage allowing moisture into your home. If the siding is aging, rotting, beginning to decay, or was incorrectly installed it can let moisture into the interior. This will cause the problem to multiply and create more damage.
5. Separating Seams
Siding that is in good condition should fit together tightly. You should barely be able to see any seems. If the seams are showing signs of separation, the siding needs to be replaced. Seam separation is usually caused by either faulty installation or significant aging. As the cracks develop they will let moisture in and ruin both the siding and your outside walls. You will want to replace your siding at the first sign of separation.
Local guidance and helpful next steps
For homeowners reading about Time to Replace Your Siding, the right next step depends on the property’s existing siding and exterior wall system, the extent of the concern, and how the surrounding exterior components work together. Central Pennsylvania weather can expose small weaknesses over time, so a recommendation should be based on the actual condition of the property rather than a one-size-fits-all answer.
Explore Greenawalt’s residential siding services, see what to expect during a Full Exterior Exam, or request a free estimate. You can also review the company’s Central Pennsylvania service areas.
