Aside from the roof, a home’s siding is the primary thing protecting it from the elements. Siding acts as the first line of defense to protect your home from water, pests, and the extreme temperatures outside. Just like any other aspect of your home, your siding will need proper maintenance in order to ensure it continues to protect your home. However, over time your siding will begin to break down and will need to be replaced. The problem is that many homeowners are unable to tell when there are issues with their siding until it has deteriorated to the extent that damage has been inflicted on their home. So how can you tell if you need siding repair? Here are a few of the signs you look out for that can indicate that you may want to consider hiring a siding contractor to repair your home’s siding.
Cracked or Rotting Siding
This sign may seem fairly obvious; however, it is important to not underestimate how telling a few cracks or distortions in your siding can be. If you discover any signs of cracking, rotting, or warping, these can indicate a need to have your siding inspected, and quite possibly, replaced. Try to look/feel behind your siding, as what lays underneath will likely give you a better idea of the siding’s condition. If the siding is soft or rotted underneath, you will need to consider having it replaced as soon as possible. Furthermore, even if your siding appears to only have a few cracks or holes, you may still want to consider siding repair as these holes can lead to moisture problems in your home.
Signs of Water Damage
Another sign you can look out for that can indicate problems with your siding is if you discover any signs of water damage. Since siding is meant to protect your home from moisture, signs of water damage mean that your siding is no longer doing its job and needs to be replaced. One sign of moisture that you can look out for is if there appears to be bubbling under the surface of your siding, as this can indicate that water has accumulated, and/or become trapped, underneath your siding and is no longer keeping water out. You can also keep an eye out for any signs of mold or mildew growth, as these are clear indicators that your siding has been compromised by moisture and needs to be replaced.
Signs of Insect Damage
If your home has wood siding, you will also want to look for any signs of insect damage, as termites and other pests can destroy wood siding. Being on the lookout for a potential infestation can help you to have the problem eradicated before your siding has been completely destroyed; however, extensive insect damage may require your siding to be replaced. Either way, you will want to have the issue addressed as soon as possible so that you can have it taken care of before these pests do any costly damage to your home.
Knowing the signs that can indicate that your home is in need of siding repair can allow you to have this problem taken care of before it leads to costlier issues. When your home does not have proper siding, this can leave your home at risk of being damaged. Furthermore, without proper siding, your home may not be as well insulated, which can lead to an increase in your utility bills. Thusly, you will want to have your siding replaced as soon as any problems arise. Contact us to find out about more of the signs that can indicate that it is time to consider having your home’s siding replaced.