From the roof to the siding, every aspect of your home that is exposed to the elements is in danger of wearing down. But while many homeowners regularly replace their roofs, siding replacement is less commonly done. Simply consider this Family Handyman list to see how the roof is usually pitched as a no-brainer.
Ignoring your siding is a mistake, though. Neglected house siding can lead to myriad structural problems that will end up costing you far more in the long run to rectify.
Most homeowners tend to forget about their siding, though, as they often replace siding on a house infrequently:
- 10-20 years for vinyl siding
- 20-40 years for aluminum siding
- 50+ years for fiber cement siding
Unfortunately, the signs of needing siding replacement can be subtle. Sometimes, replacing house siding starts with a thorough inspection of your home’s exterior.
There are many signs that replacing siding on a house is a good idea. Here are five of them:
1. Deterioration
Over time, wind, rain, and sunlight eat away at a home’s traditional siding. Often, this wear can be seen for wood siding in faded paint colors, chipping, etc. For vinyl siding, wear usually means either melted plank or spreading cracks.
Unfortunately, many of these issues are filed away by homeowners as merely cosmetic problems.
But smaller “cosmetic” issues are indicative of deeper issues underneath your siding’s facade. And with every divot or crack, your home’s more important structural elements are exposed to the elements.
2. Exposed Seams
Your home must maintain a tight frame. This is as true for where each board meets as it is for your caulking. Any gap is practically begging for later problems (see signs three, four, and five on this list).
Usually, wind, ice, and expansion/contraction cause warping on a home’s existing siding. If you see any of these occurring, replacing house siding is a logical next step.
3. Pests
Pests love easy access. Even the slightest gap in your foundation or crack in your siding might as well be an open door to your average pest.
Pest damage can come in many forms. Consider all of the kinds of pests there are, after all. But if you find pieces of siding in your yard, we don’t need to tell you. There’s a good chance a pest has used your failing siding as an opportunity for warmth and protection.
Take that warning sign at face value and change the siding on your house before the problem worsens.
4. Water Damage
If you have noticed brownish rings forming around your house after a rain storm, there is a chance that your home’s siding is to blame.
Keep in mind: your house’s siding is, in concert with your roof, the barrier that keeps the elements at bay. Rain and snow should be able to make contact with them without actually affecting anything inside your house.
But, for those of us with siding damage, that barrier is broken. Once the elements have access, water damage can take the form of:
- Brownish circles on the ceiling, walls, or where the two meet
- Streaking at or under windowsills
- Wall bubbling
- Mold or mildew formations
- And more.
While burst pipes are often a homeowner’s first thought, their next should be to inspect their roof and siding. Chances are, changing the siding on a house might be a great way of preventing further water damage.
5. Rot
Unfortunately, where there’s water, there’s also likely rot.
Rotting siding is the telltale sign that something is amiss. Sometimes, boards simply won’t dry out. Or worse, mold formations can be spotted.
There are many styles of rot, but your eyes and nose will know it when you face it. Dark, crumbling siding with a distinct smell of musky wetness is a dead giveaway. It’s time to change the siding on your house.
Among all of the signs listed here, rot should be treated with immediacy. Ignoring it won’t make it go away. It will simply lead to replacing house siding and structural beams later.
Outfit Your Home With Siding That Lasts
When you’re ready to change the siding on a house, steel siding should be your top consideration. It is a great siding option that is durable, affordable, and peerlessly reliable. And all in stunning looks that won’t hurt your home’s curb appeal.
TruLog Siding specializes in steel siding that can help any home aesthetic become more resilient to deterioration – with style. Get an estimate today.
