Your siding is a very crucial component of your home. Not only is it designed to be aesthetically pleasing, but it is also engineered to protect and insulate your home from the elements. Wind and rain from storms, as well as the heat of the summer and the chill of the winter, can impact the condition of your vinyl siding. Even the most well-maintained siding will eventually need to be replaced or repaired. It is important to inspect your siding often, especially at the end of a particularly harsh storm or season. Here are some things you should be looking out for that are clear indications that it may be time for new siding on your home.
Cracks, Gaps, and Holes in Your Siding
On top of being an eyesore, cracks and gaps can be especially harmful for your siding. They let in water and moisture, allowing mold and fungus to penetrate underneath the protective layer of siding. They can also compromise the structural integrity of the siding. It is not uncommon for a severe storm to damage one or two pieces of siding on your home. It is vital to replace the damaged pieces as soon as possible, as they will often lead to bigger concerns if left in place. If larger sections of the siding are cracked or damaged, it may indicate a larger problem and may be time to re-side the home.
It is also important to check for holes in your siding, as this usually indicates the presence of insects. These holes will let in water and moisture as well, and should be addressed immediately by calling an exterminator.
Is Your Siding Loose or Warped?
When inspecting your siding for damage, it is important to check it closely and from multiple angles. In particular, note any pieces or areas of siding that are no longer flat. Warped pieces or bulging areas of siding is a warning that there may be serious damage beneath your siding. If this is the case, do not hesitate in calling a professional to come and inspect the damage.
Soaring Energy Bills
Notice your energy bills going up month over month? Rising energy costs are problems usually associated with your roof or your attic, but if you have eliminated those two areas the next place to check is your siding. Shoddy installation or low-grade insulation could be culprit, and may need to be replaced. Your siding is meant to protect your home from the elements and keep your family safe and comfortable; if it is not doing its job, your wallet will notice!
Faded Siding
The color on your vinyl siding will only hold for so long, and even quality siding may start to fade after 8-10 years. If your siding is becoming faded, it is a sign that the waterproofing protection on the siding has reached the end of its lifespan.
Problems Can Penetrate to Your Home’s Interior
Issues caused by damaged siding are not limited to your home’s exterior! Siding is meant to be a barrier for water and moisture; if they have penetrated underneath your siding then the interior walls of your home may be showing warning signs. If you notice peeling paint or loose wallpaper, then moisture may be building up in the wall underneath. Also, water and moisture can lead to mold and mildew inside your home. If you see any of these warning signs, the integrity of your siding may be compromised.
Again, it is vitally important to inspect your siding often. If you notice any of these signs, don’t be afraid to call in the experts at A-Top Roofing and Construction. We will not hesitate in performing a thorough inspection of your siding and determining if it needs replacing. We carry the #1 vinyl siding brand for 21 consecutive years, CertainTeed™! Our most popular brand, Cedar Impressions™ is a polymer vinyl siding with high performance features such as: re-enforced nail slots, molded perimeter Lock® and HammerTapper® to ensure you enjoy the look of your home for many years. A-Top and their customers also like the lifetime warranty that comes with all Cedar Impressions™ products.
For more information on our siding products and services, give us a call at (732) 446-6341 or visit our website at https://a-topconstruction.com/.
