If you are like most homeowners, getting your house’s siding replaced may not be your topmost priority. 

But that may cost you down the road. 

The right time to address your siding isn’t when a noticeable problem exists with your siding. 

No matter what siding your house has, it requires regular maintenance and eventually needs to be replaced. A siding is prone to cracks and damage as it ages. They may affect the other parts of your home if go unnoticed. Once it lets in a leak, you don’t have any other option than to pay for costly repairs. 

Therefore, it is important to look for the telltale signs that can help you determine the problems in your siding. This way, you can decide if you need new siding or repairs. 

By taking note of your home’s siding more often, you can have a better picture of the plight of your siding. 

How Long Does Siding Last?

The lifespan of your siding depends on various factors, including material, installation method, and environmental conditions. Conducting an annual inspection is crucial to maintaining your home’s integrity. A close examination while walking around your property helps identify issues that can be tackled through routine maintenance. 

Early intervention proves more beneficial than addressing problems once they occur. Climate and exposure to the elements also play roles in determining the longevity of your siding. Regular assessments allow for timely repairs, ensuring your home remains in optimal condition. Stay proactive, and address any concerns promptly to preserve your home’s aesthetic appeal and structural soundness.

Here are the signs that the time has come to replace your siding.

Dry Rot:

Tap your siding with the rubber handle of any tool. What do you notice?

Is it a dry rot? 

If so, it simply means that fungi are eating away the body of your siding and will make their way to the top layers. 

Ironically, the exterior of the siding may appear intact, but sections affected by decay require immediate replacement. Extensive dry rot necessitates re-siding the entire house.

Cracks and Gaps:

Holes and cracks not only damage the appearance of your siding but also risk its structural integrity. Gaps in the exterior mean moisture, that is more devastating if you have a wooden siding. Moreover, whenever water gets entry to the home, it brings in insects and critters. And while some pests are not so dangerous, others like termites can be more dangerous. Therefore, if your siding is dotted with cracks and gaps, it is time to get your siding replaced. 

Frequent Painting:

Most sidings require a fresh coat of paint every 8-10 years. 

Repainting every 3-6 years may indicate siding issues. Quality siding maintains its shape and color for 8-10 years; peeling, chipping, or cracking suggests replacement is due.

Warped, Rotted Siding, Bubbled or Blistered:

Distorted siding means water is seeping in behind the siding. 

This situation is alarming, leading to wood sheathing rot and interior mold problems.

Excessive moisture or heat exposure sometimes causes bubbles and blisters on a siding. 

How to inspect a siding for a warped or rotted appearance?

To assess, poke a screwdriver beneath the warped-looking siding. If the underlayer feels soft or shows signs of rot, it’s a clear indication that replacement is necessary.

Increased Heating and Cooling Costs:

Did you know that affected siding can add to your heating and cooling costs? 

This is because siding aids the insulation of your home as it helps block the heat transfer between in and out of your home. It improves the efficiency of a home to keep hot and cold air in and the opposite out. In summer, sidings deflect the sun’s rays from your house, thereby lowering your internal temperature. A faulty siding can upset the balance of temperature, thereby raising your energy costs. 

However, you should also check your roofing, windows, and doors to determine the “faulty” areas.

Hope you understand when to replace your siding. What do you think? Let us know by commenting below.