Your home siding stands up to the elements 24/7 from the day it’s installed. It is vital that you regularly inspect it, so if it requires repair work, you can address it promptly and save money in the long run.
If your siding is ignored, over time it can become compromised and open your home up to the unwanted: moisture penetration, rot, mold, and even pest infestation. At this point, your home would most likely need a full siding replacement.
Staying ahead of your siding’s needs is a key component to your home maintenance. Read on to discover red flags that indicate siding damage.
Got Siding Damage?
Moisture intrusion
- What it looks like: Inside your home, you may see the effects of moisture buildup, such as water spots or other discolored areas, on your walls. When you see that, step outside and inspect the same area of your home’s siding. There’s likely a leak of some sort on the outside, and it should be addressed to avoid further damage.
- What causes it: When water penetrates your home’s protective siding layer, unhealthy mold sets up shop — and usually spreads quickly.
Rot
- What it looks like: When siding gets so old and worn out that it rots, it will begin to crumble. It’s quite simple to spot because your siding’s finish will flake off and expose the rotting material beneath it.
- What causes it: Weather elements are not selective — they pour onto your entire home exterior each time a severe storm hits. Over time, certain siding materials wear out and are compromised due to the constant beating of the elements on them.
- Siding cracks and gaps
- What they look like: Holes in your siding are pretty easy to spot, and they diminish your home’s curb appeal. To maintain your property’s integrity, have the pros (like us!) look at your siding to evaluate if you need it repaired or replaced.
- What causes them: Pest infestation is one of the primary culprits of cracks and gaps in your siding. When critters and insects invade, the results can be quite destructive.
Bulging or warped siding panels
- What they look like: When your siding looks like it is bulging or warped, it may indicate there are hidden problems just beneath the protruding panels. Poke around a little and see if the layer beneath your siding gives way when you touch it. If you spot uneven siding, it’s a smart time to reach out to a siding contractor and have them inspect the issue.
- What causes them: Wear and tear over time, as well as moisture damage, can cause siding to warp.
Storm damage
- What it looks like: Hail damage either dents or leaves holes in siding materials (particularly vinyl). During harsh storms, entire pieces of siding can be pulled off homes, leaving them exposed.
- What causes it: Severe weather such as hail and strong wind gusts.
Peeling paint
- What it looks like: When paint pulls away from your siding, it’s pretty easy to spot, and a clear sign you’ve lost a layer of protection.
- What causes it: If paint peels excessively, it may mean your home was painted with the wrong type of paint. It could also be caused by hidden moisture that has infiltrated behind your siding.
Pest damage
- What it looks like: The evidence of pest damage can vary based on how extensive the damage is. It can range from aesthetic flaws and defects to huge structural problems that threaten your home’s safety.
- What causes it: Woodpeckers, termites, and other pests.
Increased utility bills
- What it looks like: If your monthly energy usage has surged and you aren’t sure why, it could be due to siding issues. When old siding is no longer able to do its job of not only protecting, but also insulating your home, it may reveal itself as temperature changes near walls and windows.
- What causes it: Worn-out siding that has lived out its lifespan.
No time for maintenance
- What it looks like: Life gets busy, and things can shift without much notice sometimes. When the unexpected pops up and you no longer have the time needed for regular home maintenance, reach out to a contractor to check your home exterior and address any needed repair or replacement issues — including siding.
- What causes it: The unexpected.
The Value of Regular Home Exterior Inspections
One amazing benefit to home ownership is that you get to know your home so well. The continuity of maintaining it over the years makes you quite the expert about its condition. Taking the time to really give your exterior a good visual inspection will help prevent problems from cascading over time. You’ll spot them early and have them repaired or replaced in a timely fashion, keeping your home maintenance costs down.
The most important times to assess your siding
Siding damage can creep up on you over time due to moisture intrusion, and damage can also appear suddenly after harsh storms. It’s important to routinely inspect your siding each spring and fall, and additionally check it after severe storms come through the area.
If you spot siding damage when you do your visual inspection, contact a trusted contractor (like us!) to evaluate your exterior’s issues. We can help determine if your siding needs repair or replacement.
Transform Your Home with Gorgeous Siding
At Beissel Window and Siding, we understand what it’s like not knowing what is wrong with your home exterior. That’s why we look at the root cause of an issue and recommend the best solution — even if it’s an easy and inexpensive fix!
Whether your siding needs to be repaired or replaced, we’re here to help! Take a moment to learn more about our siding services.
