The siding on your house protects it from wind and rain, provides insulation to keep the interior at a comfortable temperature, and makes it attractive to visitors. Siding is designed to last a long time, but it can eventually wear out. Sometimes the damage is easy to spot, and in other cases the siding may look fine, but you may experience problems in other areas.
Problems with Siding
Sometimes the damage to siding is obvious. Pieces may be rotted, cracked or warped, which means they’re no longer able to provide the protection your house needs.
Pieces of siding may become loose. If the problem is not addressed, the siding can eventually fall right off the house.
Bubbles may form below the surface of siding. That means water has gotten trapped under the siding. This is a serious problem that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Additionally, insects can bore holes in siding that can allow moisture to penetrate the protective layer. That can lead to significant damage to your home if left untreated.
Moisture can accumulate in between pieces of siding. Over time, this can lead to mold, mildew or fungus. In addition to making your house unattractive, this poses a health risk to your family.
Dry rot is a common problem with siding. It can damage the entire area beneath the surface of the siding, and you may have no idea that it is happening. You can check for dry rot by tapping on the siding with the handle of a screwdriver.
The color of the siding can gradually fade over time. If you’ve noticed a significant change in your siding’s color over the years, it may be time to replace it. Fading doesn’t always mean the siding is worn out, but it does mean that you should have a professional check it—they’ll let you know if you should be concerned.
Problems Inside the House
Damaged or loose siding can allow water to seep into the house, leading to problems inside, such as peeling paint or loose wallpaper. If you’ve noticed either of these issues, have a contractor inspect the siding to find out if that’s the cause so you can get to the root of the problem.
Siding is supposed to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. If your energy bills are significantly higher than your neighbors’, worn-out siding could be to blame. You should have your house inspected to find out if the problem is with the siding and whether there are any other issues, such as roof problems or inadequate insulation.
Call a Professional for an Inspection
Sometimes siding problems are obvious, and sometimes they creep up on you. If you suspect you have a problem with your siding, have it inspected by a professional. Putting it off can lead to major damage. Catching a problem early can keep it from getting much worse.
