Is it Time to Replace Your Old Siding?

How-To

Siding is built to last a long time, but not forever. Here are some common issues that may indicate it’s time for a replacement.

Siding is a mixture of function and design — a protective barrier that insulates, defends against the elements, and gives your home its own personal touch.

Anytime you want to change the look of your home is a fine time to replace your siding, but what about other times? Such as when you see fading color, dents, or just have noticed your house is not as inviting as it once was.

To help, we’ve rounded up a few tell-tale signs your siding could use some love.

Fading Colors

While visually unappealing, discoloration isn’t necessarily an indicator of major damage. However, if moisture penetrates your siding, it could lead to further damage to your home.

Causes of discoloration:

Amount of direct sunlight
Material
Moisture trapped behind panels

Before investing in a replacement, take steps to address the cause. This way you won’t have the same problem a few years down the line.

Peeling Paint

Peeling paint means any seal has been broken and could make the structure of your home vulnerable to damage from weather, pests, or rot. If you see peeling paint or wallpaper inside your home, beware — this could mean moisture is seeping in from behind your siding.

Pests

Look out for unwanted critters inside your home. If your doors, windows and roof are in good condition and sealed tight, pests might be finding their way in through seams or gaps in your siding.

While some pests are a nuisance, termites can become a major, and costly, problem if they reach the wood framing underneath.

Blistering, Buckling, or Bubbling

Any of these signs can be a sign of water damage, improper installation, exposure to high heat, and other potentially serious issues.

Buckling may suggest that the siding was installed too tightly and doesn’t have enough room to expand and contract with temperature changes, or it could indicate that moisture has penetrated the waterproof underlayment.

Blistering or bubbling often points to extreme heat exposure.

In each case, it’s important to contact a professional. Depending on the severity and extent of the damage, as well as the cause, you may need to repair or replace the affected sections, or possibly all of your siding.

Fungus or Mold Growth

Fungus or mold can be a sign of excessive moisture. However, it does not always mean you need to replace the siding — immediately.

First, try to clean the affected areas. Next, identify and address the source of the moisture. Common culprits include leaky pipes, poor drainage, and exposure to prolonged high humidity.

Signs siding may be beyond repair:

Fungus or mold does not go away when cleaned, indicating it has penetrated deep into the siding material.
It returns quickly after cleaning.

Mold and fungus can potentially damage the structure of your home and should not be taken lightly. Consult with a professional if you are unsure.

Cracking

Cracks on siding are common issues that can occur over time, affecting the appearance and functionality of your home’s exterior.

Cracks may appear due to extreme temperature fluctuations, impact damage, or age-related wear and tear. Small cracks can often be repaired by filling them with caulk or patching material, but extensive cracking may necessitate replacing the affected sections.

Rotting

Wood siding is susceptible to rotting, primarily caused by moisture infiltration.

Signs of rot:

Soft or spongy areas
Discoloration
Musty odor

If rot is limited to a small area, it may be possible to repair it by replacing the damaged boards. However, extensive rotting typically calls for complete siding replacement to prevent further damage and maintain structural integrity.

Warping

Aside from an uneven appearance, warped siding may result in bulges and gaps that could compromise its ability to protect your home from the elements.

Causes of warping:

Exposure to high temperatures
Improper installation
Low-quality materials

Higher Energy Bills

As energy bills continue to rise, modern insulated siding can offer relief.

Traditionally, siding has not been built for energy efficiency. If it’s been a while since you’ve replaced yours, there’s a good chance it isn’t insulated. Today you can find siding made with panels bolstered by foam or cellulose backings that help keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

To Replace or Not to Replace

The best way to identify siding issues is to inspect your exterior regularly or have a professional take a look. By understanding these common signs, you’ll know when a siding renovation project is necessary.

Is your siding rotting, warping or in need of repair? Learn more about how we can help.

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