Five Signs Your Home Needs New Siding
As a smart homeowner, you appreciate how important it is to be prepared for any maintenance or repairs that need to be done on your home. That way, you can plan ahead and set aside a budget in a timely manner. However, one of the things that many homeowners overlook is the condition of their home’s siding — yet this is crucial to keeping their home in good shape. Here are five signs you need new siding:
1. There are visible cracks or holes in the siding. If your home’s siding is made of vinyl, it’s important to know when to replace vinyl siding. Perform a visual inspection, and if you detect any cracks or holes, you need new siding. The reason for this is that while the siding itself is impermeable, water can seep in through the cracks and holes and affect the wood underneath. This can result in rot, mildew, and mold growth, which can all impact the health of your home’s structure — not to mention the health of your family and yourself. (Note: Mold can be toxic. Black mold especially can cause severe respiratory issues, headaches and chronic fatigue.)
2. The siding is warped. In the worst-case scenario, the siding can even begin to separate from the exterior walls. This is especially a problem with wood siding and to a lesser extent with vinyl. When the siding warps, it no longer provides any protection for the underlying structure. This can allow moisture to seep in and expose the home to the elements.
3. There are dents in the siding. It’s also important to know when to replace aluminum siding if your siding is made of this material. Unlike other metals, aluminum doesn’t deteriorate, but it can oxidize and create a chalky dust. In general, however, you’ll only need to replace it if it’s been damaged or dented, for example as a result of a tree branch falling on the home.
4. Your utility bills are higher than they used to be. Are your electricity or gas bills getting higher and higher? Then it could be a sign that your home’s siding is worn out and needs to be replaced. Whereas new siding provides an extra air seal around the exterior of the home, worn siding with holes and cracks creates air leaks. This will allow warm air to escape during the winter and let cool air out during the summer, resulting in a higher energy use by your furnace and HVAC system. If you’ve noticed your energy bills rising, take a couple of minutes to inspect your home’s siding and see if its condition is the reason.
5. The siding requires frequent upkeep or looks unattractive. Whether it’s power washing the siding to remove algae and mildew, staining to prevent the siding from fading or adding new layers of paint to prevent old layers from peeling, you really shouldn’t have to perform too much upkeep on your siding. At the same time, nobody wants a home that looks old or not well-maintained. Replacing your home’s old siding gives you a wide range of new siding options that are aesthetically pleasing, energy-efficient and low maintenance.
If you’ve noticed any of these signs of bad siding and you’d like more information about when to replace your siding, contact our team at Sunshine Contracting. We’re happy to discuss your needs and provide you with a free quote — and of course, you can rely on us for top-notch siding installation services.
With new siding on your home, you’ll enjoy better protection for your home against moisture, improved energy efficiency, significantly enhanced curb appeal, and increased resale value of your home. So why wait? Contact us today for more information.
