How Do You Know Your Siding Needs to Be Replaced?

Siding may not be at the top of your list of home improvements, but it should be! It's essential to your residence's overall look, energy efficiency, and integrity. After all, it is one of the first things you and your neighbors notice about your home. Well-maintained, first-rate siding dramatically impacts your home's curb appeal and property value.

‍
Siding is also your home's first defense against weather and pests. Your siding is like an exterior windbreaker, enabling insulation to regulate the temperature and humidity. When you suffer from decaying siding or siding that peels and rots, it can't guard against the elements. When your siding is falling apart, loose, cracked, warped, buckled, or sagging, it can fall prey to nesting rodents and damaging insects. If you begin to notice holes in your siding or any unusual damage to your exterior, it might be time to consider replacing it.

When is it Time to Replace Your Siding?

Chances are you are not an expert on your home's exterior, but that's okay! You don't need to be an expert because Webfoot is. If it's not apparent that your home needs new siding, several simple factors can help you decide if it's time to invest in a bit of home improvement. We will cover what to look for when replacing your siding and when to call in the experts. At Webfoot, we're here to answer your siding questions.

What Factors to Consider

Age of Siding

First, ask yourself how old your existing siding is. If your current siding is 25-30 years old, it will most likely end its life cycle. Very old siding often needs to be replaced or could use some repairs. A good siding should last between 20 and 40 years with proper care. However, it is also good to note that the type of siding material, environment, and the quality of lifetime care will determine how long your siding will last.

Peeling, Warped, or Rotting Siding

The most obvious signs are that your siding is damaged beyond repair. Walk around your home for a thorough visual inspection. Even tiny cracks could point to a more significant problem. Poke around. Is the layer beneath solid, or does it give way if you touch it? If there's more rot beneath the cracked or warped portions of your siding, it might be time to call a professional. The damage that will occur to your siding is unique to your home's environment. Southern and western-facing walls are more prone to sun exposure than others, and elements break on these walls differently.

Siding Covered in Fungus, Mold, or Mildew

Pay special attention to fungus, mold, or other growth on your siding, especially near the seams. These grow wherever moisture is available, which means their presence could indicate that water is penetrating your siding. While not all instances of fungus are cause for alarm, they're worth investigating further.

Higher Energy Bills

Many factors can impact your energy bill. Suppose you've ruled out leaks in your attic, drafty windows, or faulty insulation. In that case, you should consider the possibility of lousy siding leading to increased usage. Since the primary purpose of siding is to help your home retain heat and cold, old or damaged siding will not do its job. This breakdown in your home's insulation will be reflected in your energy bill.

Peeling paint

Most homes require a fresh coat of paint every 8-10 years. If you need to repaint your home much more frequently, the problem may not be the paint but the siding underneath. Peeling or chipping paint strongly indicates that replacing your siding is time.

Why Choose Webfoot

If you notice these signs, it's time to take action. Webfoot Home Improvements understands that you've got questions when it comes to siding. And why wouldn't you? Siding plays a massive part in ensuring you have a home that meets your aesthetic dreams and is protected for years to come. There's no need to hire a general contractor to repair or replace your siding. Webfoot's in-house carpenters can handle any exterior project, from minor repairs to large-scale replacement jobs. It's expected that siding or wood trim needs replacement before painting, including replacing deteriorated LP siding. We can match nearly any siding type if we're doing partial replacement, or we can advise you on which siding type will be the best value for you and your home going forward.