Your siding plays an important role in your exterior home’s appearance and protection. As a dedicated homeowner, you should make sure your siding is in good working condition at all times. If it’s not, you may need to replace it. However, a siding replacement project is not always a priority unless it’s urgent or it’s too late to prevent other major repairs.
To determine whether you need a siding replacement, be sure you know the initial signs that a home’s siding needs attention.
One of the first things you should do is make a thorough visual inspection of your siding. You may also want to take a sharp object, such as a screwdriver, along with you. Take your time to look for warped siding, rotting boards or other signs of damage to your siding material. Using your screwdriver, poke under any siding that has warped to check how solid the layer is underneath. If you think the layer has begun to rot or become soft, you may need to replace your siding immediately.
After a heavy rainstorm, you may notice one or two siding boards have cracked. While this is not a cause for alarm, you should still check any layers underneath for broken or cracked siding. If large sections of the siding display signs of cracking or if some pieces of siding are loose, it’s best to call a siding professional. Cracked, broken or loose siding pieces should be removed and replaced as moisture may find its way behind those pieces and cause more severe damage.
If you notice the paint inside your home peeling or wallpaper becoming loose, don’t ignore it. It’s not obvious at first, but peeling paint or loose wallpaper indicates that your siding is faulty. Damaged siding allows water to seep underneath it where it can percolate through the wallboard. Over time, this can cause significant – and costly – damage to the interior walls of your home.
Another telltale sign that your siding is nearing the end of its lifespan is its color. Most siding materials are designed to hold their color for as long as the rating of the siding itself. If your siding is starting to lose its color and shine, it’s time to call your contractor for exterior services, such as a siding replacement. Moreover, a faded siding is a sign that the effective waterproofing of your siding may have also run its course.
The increase in your energy bills may also be attributed to your poorly performing siding. Low-grade wall insulation can be a major cause of excess heating and cooling bills. If your current siding is not functioning properly, your heating or cooling can easily escape through it. Your HVAC system would have to work twice hard to maintain your indoor air quality, leading to a significant rise in your energy bills.
For more inquiries on siding replacement projects, get in touch with our experts at BSR. We offer quality home improvement services, including roof repair and more. Call us today at (607) 722-7221, or fill out our contact form to set an appointment. We proudly serve residents in Binghamton, Vestal and surrounding areas.