Discussing 5 Signs That Could Mean Your Siding Needs Replacement
Your home’s siding decides like 80% of your home’s curb appeal. But there’s more to a siding does than make your house look pretty. They ensure that your house is protected from the summer heat and winter chill. Eco-friendly siding also plays a major part in boosting the energy efficiency of the house. During storms (so common in Oklahoma), the siding is also responsible for keeping away the water from your walls.
Its clear sidings do a lot to safeguard homes against the elements and thus, they must also wear down with age. How does one know that their home’s siding is nearing the end of its life? This article discusses exactly that.
It Sports Cracks and Appears to be Loose
A bad storm might reduce your siding to sporting cracks and even coming off the exterior walls. Sometimes termites (especially in wooden sidings) and other bugs burrow holes in the siding. Other times, holes may be caused by storms too.
A crack or hole in the siding is going to defeat the entire purpose of having a siding. Hire a professional siding company to look into the boards. Usually, minor damage can be remedied by replacing a couple of boards. In case, the damage is more widespread, you might need to install a completely new siding.
The Color is Fading or Peeling Off
An average siding should go 8-10 years without fading or peeling paint. If you notice that the paint is peeling off faster than usual and the paint jobs become more frequent. It could be a sign that the siding has come to an end of its noble life. Now that you’re replacing your siding anyway, as a responsible siding company we suggest you look into fiber cement and vinyl sidings. The vinyl is made to resist sun damage. Both fiber cement and vinyl last longer and require less maintenance.
The Edges Show Signs of Rot
Often rot can be hard to spot. One technique is to jam a screwdriver under the boards near the gutter and poke around. If you find that the screwdriver goes in too easily and the wood feels soft under the tip, it is a sign that rot has set in.
Dry rot is even harder to gauge since it only eats away beneath the surface, leaving the exterior perfectly intact. To check for dry rot, gently tap the siding, if it crumbles or sounds hollow, this indicates dry rot.
Mold and Fungus Growth
Any type of growth on your siding is most likely a sign of irreparable damage. Fungus, mold, and mildew indicate that some moisture is seeping into the walls and getting trapped under it. Some molds can be harmless, but we still recommend scraping it off whenever it gets out of hand.
Sudden Increase in Your Energy Bills
Sometimes, there may be nothing visibly wrong with the siding but you may notice a sudden increase in the energy bills. Once you have checked the attic insulation and established that the roof isn’t leaking. The next place to turn to is the siding. If you can, call a friend who has recently gotten a new installation and compare your bills with them. You can also get siding companies to run an inspection for you.
Salute Exteriors is OKC metro’s one and only James Hardie Siding Elite Preferred siding company. We have a vast range of designs to choose from. And what’s more, our unparalleled warranty and superior workmanship give you peace of mind like no other. To reach out to us call us at (405) 550-2444.
