Replacement of the siding of a house is generally considered to be the least of the concerns of any house owner. Therefore, until they face a major issue, the majority of the house owners tend to be unaware of the minor problems regarding their siding.
Despite the fact that siding is generally maintenance-free and tends to last for several years, significant signs of wear and tear might be visible over time. You may think that all sidings have to get old after some time, and these minor signs of wear and tear may not seem important to you, but it is essential to know that they can lead to more significant problems in the future.
No need to panic; the good news is that you can easily tackle the situation simply by inspecting your siding by yourself or getting the inspection done by any professional. For your convenience, we have taken out the time to list down some of the critical signs which indicate that the time to replace the siding has arrived.
1. Paint Peeling Inside Your House
It may be hard to believe for you, but often, the situation of the outside siding of the house is revealed by the situation inside the house. Listed down below are two of the most common indications inside the house for this.
· Loose wallpaper
· Moisture getting into the walls or through the siding.
If the wallpaper is peeled or if the paint has worn off from a specific area in the wall, it is a clear indication that the outside siding is damaged and is allowing the unwanted moisture to enter inside.
If you notice any similar signs, it is time that you take the necessary steps to resolve the issue. If you delay this task, it may cause several other problems, and you may end up in a situation where you have to spend a lot of money to get the issue resolved.
2. High Energy Bills
Leaking roofs and lack of insulation in the attic are some of the numerous house issues contributing to high energy bills. The siding of your house can also be a potential reason behind the high energy bill.
Being a low-maintenance option, siding tends to add curb appeal as well as an extra value to your house. However, like other things in life, it doesn’t last forever and needs the appropriate maintenance to extend its lifespan.
When combined together(or even individually), poor quality siding, poor installation, and low-grade wall insulation can have an impact on the bills. The solution to this problem is quite simple; replace the siding.
3. Dry Rot
Another effective method to test your siding is to test for dry rot. For this, you should have a screwdriver with you. With the screwdriver, you are required to tap on small areas all around the siding. When you tap on those areas, you will be able to reveal the vulnerable parts of the siding that have succumbed to dry rot.
If you happen to find dry rot in your siding, you need to remove the damaged part and replace it with a new one. If the area that has undergone dry rot is large, it is recommended to do a complete replacement of the siding.
If not dealt with on time, dry rot would eat away the under the layer of your siding, hence, leaving just the top layer. You may have dry rot and not know about it as the top layer would be in perfect condition while the underside would have rotted away.
4. Pests, Bugs, or Woodpeckers
If you wake up and find a bunch of pests greedily boring into the side of your home, you will want to know the reason why they are drawn to your home so that you can get rid of them.
Unprotected boards can start to rot, and it is a fact that softwood attracts bugs, and these bugs can bring pesky woodpeckers to your place. In pursuit of termites, ants, and other insects hidden in the siding of the house, these woodpeckers can cause some severe damage to the siding.
Hence, it is essential for you to maintain the siding of your house so any such damage can be prevented. However, if the siding has undergone some damage already, it is highly recommended to replace the damaged portion so that it doesn’t spread.
5. Bubbles or Blisters on Your Siding
Usually, after the rainy season, it is advised to inspect the surface near the bottom of your siding. If you spot bubbles or blisters forming there, it is a red flag that water is trapped within the siding, which means that you have a moisture problem.
Siding prevents moisture from entering your house, and since now the job is not being done effectively, it is time to replace the siding.
Conclusion
All in all, the lifespan of your siding depends upon various factors such as the kind of material, installation, the wear and tear from mother nature, and your efforts to maintain it. If the signs indicate that it is time to replace your siding, you shouldn’t delay it as it may have drastic consequences.
If you’re confused or unsure regarding the decision of replacement or repair, consulting a professional is a safe bet for you. Not only are these professionals experienced, but they are highly capable of performing a complete inspection of the sidings of your house. In fact, they will help you in determining if you need just a repair or a full replacement.