Your home’s siding sits strong amid elements like wind, rain, and snow, bearing the brunt of their wrath. It is an undervalued component of your house’s exterior that often goes unnoticed until something goes wrong. It’s essential to know the indicators that your siding is damaged to keep your home the talk of the street – in a good way.
Stay with us as we give due attention to your home’s siding it deserves and go through a quick list of indicators that you need your house’s sidings inspected for damage.
Wood Siding
Wood siding is a crowd-cheering classic that offers texture and character to your home’s exterior. Wood is also a renewable resource, making it a sustainable choice.
However, wood is one of the most challenging sidings to maintain. It is susceptible to rot, insect infestation, and water damage. Wood siding should be inspected at least once a year for any signs of wear.
Here are some indicators that your wood siding needs to be taken care of:
- Cracks or splits in the wood
- Peeling or bubbling paint
- Insect infestation
- Warping or cupping boards
While it is possible to seal and repair some damage, it may warrant a complete siding replacement if your utility bills have significantly spiked.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is a low-maintenance option that doesn’t require painting or staining. It’s also durable and can withstand extreme weather conditions.
However, vinyl siding can crack, fade, and warp over time. It is also susceptible to wind damage.
Here are some indicators that your vinyl siding may need some TLC:
- Chalky film on your finger after wiping it across the surface
- White streaks on the foundation below the siding
- Fading color
- Cracked or brittle sections
While some materials require extensive care, vinyl siding will be happy and cheerful with just an annual cleaning. You can do this with a garden hose and some elbow grease. Just be sure to use a mild soap designed for vinyl siding.
Steel Siding
Galvanized steel siding is very common in homes. It’s coated with zinc that protects it from rust and corrosion. When the paint job fails, though, the zinc coating wears away, leaving the steel exposed.
If any of the following signs show, it’s time to have your steel siding inspected:
- Rust spots
- Bubbling or peeling paint
- Holes or dents
- Cracks or splits in the seams
The sooner you detect and repair any leaks; the less likely future damage will develop into a significant issue.
Fiber Cement Siding:
Fiber cement siding is made from wood fiber, Portland cement, sand, and water. It’s one of the most durable sidings on the market, but it’s not indestructible. Over time, fiber cement can crack or split due to weathering or impact damage.
If you observe any of the listed problems, it’s time to call for help:
- Shrinking or cracking
- Splitting or warping
- Buckling or bowing
Maintaining gutters and downspouts, repainting, and inspecting caulking regularly to keep the moisture out will help extend the life of fiber cement siding.
Bottom Line:
A competent and experienced siding contractor will be able to tell you if your sidings are salvageable or whether they need to be replaced.
Royal Roofing & Solar, serving Warrensburg, offers siding services that will help you protect your home.
