Learn The 5 Signs That Your Siding Needs To Be Replaced

The siding on your home provides character and charm, as well as curb appeal, to your home.  The color and style of the siding is seen as a reflection of the homeowner and their pride in the home, but it also has a much more important and functional purpose.  The main purpose of siding is to protect the interior structure of the home from the elements, including: rain, humidity or persistent moisture, high and low temperatures and damaging insects.  This is why proper maintenance of siding is very important, and part of that is understanding when a replacement is required.  When siding problems go unchecked, homeowners have no choice but to pay for the siding replacement or repair in addition to the repairs of damaged internal walls and structure of the home.  

Windows on Washington has compiled a list of 5 indicators that your siding may need to be replaced:

1. Cracked and Peeling Siding - When your siding has cracks, chalky texture, chips or holes in it, it may be time for replacement.  In fact, these external problems may indicate that that there is a greater problem behind the siding panels such as repeated moisture penetration, wood rot or mold.  The chalky substance also indicates that the materials used in the manufacturing of the product have broken down over time.  And because the paint is a protective coating from moisture, when that coating has been broken down it may mean moisture has seeped behind the siding doing damage that cannot be seen from the outside.  It may be best to check with a professional to determine if the siding can be repaired or is in need of total replacement.

2. Warped and Buckling Siding - When you look at the siding of your house from the side and you see bludging, warping or buckling, it could indicate that the siding is in need of replacement.  Much of this warping and buckling is the result of moisture getting under the siding panels, thus causing the board underneath to rot and push the siding outward.  When this occurs, you know the siding is no longer able to provide a protective barrier for your home.

3. Fungus and Mold  -  If you see fungus and/or mold growing on the siding, you may have a moisture problem and need to replace your siding.  In addition, many homes that show fungus or mold on the outside also have these problems on the materials behind the siding as well.

4. Seam Separation - If the seams in between the siding boards seem to be pulling apart, then the siding may need to be replaced.  This seam separation can be seen with improperly installed siding, or siding that has aged over time.  In either case, rain and moisture can seep behind the siding panels and cause damage to materials on the inside of the wall.

5. Peeling Paint and Wallpaper - When the paint and wallpaper inside your home peels or sags, it may come from water damage to the back side of the wall closest to the siding.  Moisture may be coming through old, decayed or improperly installed siding and should be replaced before further damage occurs.

Any of these problems indicate that the siding is no longer serving it’s purpose and should be repaired or replaced to minimize any further damage to your home.  Do you want to improve the energy efficiency, comfort and beauty of your home with new siding?  The experts at  Windows on Washington are happy to come to your home to determine if these problems are cosmetic and require repair or are more serious and require siding replacement.  Windows on Washington is Home Improvement You Can Trust.