Many homeowners are concerned about the functional and aesthetic maintenance of their house, but too often siding gets overlooked on the home improvement to do list. However, your siding isn’t just there to boost your curb appeal. Your home’s siding is the protective wall between the house’s interior structure and the elements of the outdoors, so keeping it in good shape is in your best interests if you want to avoid costly repairs down the road.
Here are three surefire signs that it’s time to call in the siding contractors to have your home inspected or your siding repaired.
- Cracked or Warped Siding
The most obvious sign of damaged siding is what’s visible to the naked eye. If you notice warped or cracked boards around your home’s exterior, you may be in need of siding replacement. Damage confined to one wall or section could be easily replaced, but if there are spots of damage around several areas, the entire siding may need to be updated. - Faded Paint
Under normal conditions, the paint on composite siding should last an average of 15 to 20 years. If you find yourself having to paint more often — every five to seven years, for instance — it could be a sign of underlying issues with your siding itself. Have some experienced siding contractors in to inspect your home to keep your house’s exterior looking its best. - Dry Rot
Dry rot is a type of fungus that can infect and infiltrate wood, often caused by moisture seeping into the interior structure of the home. If your siding is not doing enough to protect against outdoor moisture, it could lead to serious structural problems. Sometimes, you spot dry rot directly; other times, it may be hidden beneath the faulty siding. Test for dry rot by tapping on the siding with a solid material to reveal weak or moldy spots.
Don’t wait until it’s too late to have siding contractors over to inspect your home’s exterior. The more you can do to protect the structure of your house with quality siding, the better protected you’ll be against the forces of nature that can eat away at a home. Be aware of the signs of deteriorating siding, and get the fixes you need to make sure that you and your house stay safe.