Your siding gives your home its unique look, boosts curb appeal, and expresses your individuality. But siding does so much more than just look good. It protects your home’s exterior from the elements, improves energy efficiency, and reduces outside noise. So, it’s important that it’s well-maintained and in good shape. To help you decide when you should replace your siding, take into account the siding material, missing panels or sections, and the extent of the damage.
Siding Materials
Siding materials age in different ways, displaying different signs that it might need replacing.
Wood Siding
All types of wood siding, including composite siding and cedar siding, can outlive its usefulness. The most telling sign it’s past its prime is the number of years in between paintings. The typical painting (or staining) cycle of wood siding is every eight to ten years. When you are painting wood siding every five years, for example, it’s probably time to think of replacing the siding.
Inspect the siding for peeling paint, rotting boards, and cracked boards, three common signs of water damage. Also look for teeth marks, an indication that your wood siding is being chewed on by pests like racoons, squirrels, and mice, which can lead to moisture buildup, resulting in wood rot and the appearance of mould.
Aluminum Siding
Common signs aluminum siding should be replaced are:
- Corroding and/or brittleness – aluminum doesn’t rust, but can deteriorate or become brittle
- Bubbling or blistering – an indication of trapped water behind siding panels
- Fading or chalking – the protective coating is no longer protecting the surface of the siding
- Extensive denting – a few minor dings from a baseball is a low priority; widespread denting from hail damage is a high priority
- Loose or missing siding panels – allows for moisture infiltration
Vinyl Siding
Signs vinyl siding needs to be replaced include:
- Cracks, holes, and splitting
- Spiderweb cracking around seams or where panels are joined together
- Warping or buckling
- Fading, discolouration, and permanent stains
- Mould, mildew or fungus growth that keeps returning after initial removal
Recommended Lifespan
Most types of wood siding, aluminum siding, and vinyl siding can last 20 to 25 years. Check the manufacturer’s recommended lifespan – if your siding is older, plan for a siding replacement in the near future.
High Energy Bills
Aging siding or siding that has been installed over 15 to 20 years ago may have lost its insulative and protective qualities. If energy costs keep creeping upwards over a six-month period, replacing the siding could help lower your energy bills.
