Worn siding doesn’t just look bad; it can be a sign that your home’s structure has been compromised. Tiny cracks in wood siding or vinyl siding can eventually lead to rot, mold or serious water damage. Siding red flags can help you identify situations where replacing the siding now could save you from expensive repairs in the future.
Outside Red Flags
The main attraction of siding is not having to paint the exterior of the house. If it seems that you are painting the outside of your home every five to seven years, it’s a good indication that the siding needs replacing. Medium to high quality wood siding should last 10 or more years.
Warping and bubbling are two indicators that siding has become damaged and no longer protects as well as it should. Siding, no matter what kind, is supposed to keep its shape and generally retain its surface texture.
Rotting and soft spots are big red flags. Holes allow moisture to penetrate the siding. Damp wood can be the perfect setting for fungi, which then feeds on the wood, weakening its ability to keep the elements out.
Water that seeps in behind vinyl or aluminum siding or into wood siding creates an ideal environment for mold, mildew and fungus. While not all types of mold or fungi damage the siding, they can be harmful to a family’s health.
While fading might not seem like such an issue, significant colour loss is another red flag. Severe fading indicates age, and older siding is more prone to cracking, splitting and peeling.
Inside Red Flags
When wallpaper or paint on interior walls begins to peel, it can be a signal that all is not well with your siding. Siding that has not been properly installed or is pulling away for whatever reason, allows water to seep in behind and eventually work its way into the wallboard or drywall.
Does it seem that your heating bills are getting higher every month? If it’s not a roof or attic insulation issue, when a home’s heating and/or cooling costs keep increasing, the most likely cause is old or damaged siding.
