Constant exposure to harsh elements can make your home’s exterior look shabby, downgrading your curb appeal. Is it time to replace its current cladding? Here are some common signs your home needs new siding.
Drab Appearance
When siding becomes dull, drab or tired, it is typically a sign of age. While colour loss doesn’t pose a problem in itself, aging siding is vulnerable to water penetration, causing siding panels to come loose or crack, split and peel.
Frequent Repainting
Quality wood siding generally requires painting every 10 to 15 years. If you have to repaint your home more frequently, every 3 to 5 years, for example, chipping, cracking, or blistering is a sign the integrity of the wood siding has been compromised.
Holes, Visible Cracks, Loose Panels
If you find holes, visible cracks or loose siding panels, it could mean siding replacement rather than siding repair, depending on when the damage was first done. Holes, cracks, and loose panels allow water to make contact with the underlying wood or sheathing. When water damage extends to interior walls, siding should be replaced.
High Utility Bills
When cold air enters the home in winter and warm air comes in during the summer, it’s often an indication that the siding has lost its insulative properties.
Rotted or Warped Siding
Rotted sections or warped siding panels are often a sign of significant water damage. When siding becomes damp, it’s subject to warping or buckling, changing its shape, eventually leading to structural issues.
Growth of Mold or Mildew
Often by the time mold or mildew is visible to the eye, it has already taken hold. If treating the siding with a mold/mildew removal solution does not remove it entirely, consulting with a siding contractor will help you take the best course of action.
Water Stains
They might be faint or barely noticeable, but one of the more subtly alarming signs that there’s something wrong with your siding is the appearance of water stains. There are several reasons for water stains on siding, including shifting siding panels that are not properly repelling water, travelling leaks (water comes from someplace else), and cracked or peeling panels.
