Siding helps keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. High grade aluminum siding, quality cedar shakes or durable fiber cement can last for three or more decades. Regardless of the type of material, constant exposure to the elements can cause siding problems for an aging home. At the two-decade mark, start looking out for these warning signs that the siding should be replaced.
Visible Exterior Damage
Visible damage to siding is the most obvious warning sign that you might need to replace the siding.
Warped or Bulging Siding
Siding panels that don’t stay flat against your home’s exterior are not protecting your home from moisture infiltration or pest invasions.
Holes, Cracks, or Missing
When holes and cracks appear on siding boards, or siding panels go missing, they leave gaps. Moisture that gets in behind siding can develop into leaks, mold growth, and pests. Mold is insidious – by the time it’s visible to the naked eye, it has already taken significant hold. If left unrepaired, the damage leaks, mold, and pests can do will eventually become worse, resulting in structural issues that threaten your home’s exterior.
Wood Rot or Soft Spots
Siding that has been subjected to water damage can develop wood rot or soft spots. A small area affected by wood rot can be repaired. However, if not caught in its early stages, it will spread quickly until a siding replacement is the most cost-effective option.
Peeling or Bubbling
If paint begins to peel or the finish starts to bubble, it is another warning sign that excess moisture is the culprit. Peeling or flaking paint on wood siding exposes your home exterior to wood rot and other types of water damage. Bubbling on siding typically indicates the water has become trapped underneath the finish. In most cases of peeling or bubbling siding, it should be replaced as soon as possible.
Visible Interior Damage
Warning signs that siding needs to be replaced don’t just occur on your home’s exterior. They can also make themselves known inside the house.
Paint or Wallpaper
If paint starts to flake or peel on inside walls, or wallpaper becomes loose, like peeling or bubbling on exterior walls, it can be a warning sign that damaged siding is allowing water to seep into your home.
Windows and Doors
Damaged siding panels near windows and doors can let in water that makes the trim around windows and doors susceptible to wood rot and mold growth.
Higher Energy Bills
Siding that has lost its insulative and protective qualities will let in cold air in the winter and warm air in the summer months. Higher than normal energy bills is one of the warning signs it’s time to replace the siding.
Other Warning Signs
Frequent Painting
Wood siding typically will need to be painted every 10 to 15 years. Having to paint your home more frequently due to chipping, cracking, or bubbling means water has infiltrated the siding at some entry point.
Fading Colour
Every type of siding material comes with a projected life expectancy. If your siding loses its colour – a common vinyl siding problem – it could mean siding replacement is needed. Faded siding detracts from your curb appeal and stops being a protective barrier from the elements.
Pest Activity
Damaged siding can be an open invitation to pests such as ants and rodents. Regular pest activity around your home’s exterior could be a sign that pests have found an entry point into the house. If damage is advanced and beyond repair siding replacement is the best option.
