Siding is a popular home exterior option for a reason. It’s less expensive than brick or stone and it can come in different materials and colors. Plus, you can paint it a wider variety of colors and have the paint last longer. Siding doesn’t last forever, however, and it’s important to recognize the signs that it’s time to replace it so that you can do so before any damage to it starts to impact the interior of your home.
9 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Siding
When it comes to the signs that suggest it’s time to replace your sidings, there are a few key indicators to keep an eye out for. The following are signs it’s time to replace your siding.
Sign #1 Gaps Between the Siding Panels
The siding on your home is meant to be a tight seal against the elements to protect your home. If gaps are forming in between the panels where they connect to each other, then water could get inside your home and cause expensive damage. If you see gaps between panels of your siding, it’s time to replace it.
How Big of a Gap Is Normal?
Some spacing may be normal to allow the panels to expand and contract as the temperature changes. Look for new gaps that are larger than elsewhere in your siding.
Sign #2 Cracks in the Siding
If you notice cracks in your siding, then that’s a sign it’s time to replace it. Cracks can expose the walls in your home and allow water to seep in.
Sign #3 Rot on the Siding Panels
Rot, whether wet or dry, is never a good sign. Siding that is rotting away and crumbling, as a result, can’t protect your home like it should and needs to be replaced.
What Is the Difference Between Wet Rot and Dry Rot?
Both wet and dry rot are fungi that can start to grow on your siding. The main difference between the two is that wet rot requires more moisture in order to grow.
Sign #4 Warped Siding Panels
Warping or bulging along your siding panels isn’t normal. If you see that your siding isn’t lying flat, that’s a good sign you should replace your siding. In many cases, warping and bubbling are caused by moisture within the siding, which could also be creeping into your home.
Sign #5 Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew are signs of water damage. If you see it inside your home on the walls, then water is entering your home and you should check your siding. If it’s outside, then it’s a good idea to check your siding for problems. Water damage in your home can be very expensive to repair, so it’s best to prevent it from happening in the first place.
Sign #6 Bills Are More Expensive Than Before
Your siding also helps to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. If you notice that your energy bills are higher than they were before, it could be because your siding isn’t doing as good a job keeping your home insulated and is making your HVAC unit work harder, which increases your bills.
Sign #7 Lots of Time Spent on Maintenance
Some amount of maintenance is normal for siding. However, if you find that you’re spending a lot more time than you used to on taking care of your siding, that’s a sign it’s getting old and you may benefit from installing new siding. Besides, refinishing the siding every few years costs money that adds up and could be better spent on replacement siding.
Sign #8 The Siding Is Old
Even if there’s no current damage to your siding, if it’s reached the end of its lifespan, it could be a good idea to replace it anyway. This is because older siding can be more susceptible to damage and may not protect your home as well. If damage occurs, you’ll need to replace the siding anyway and you may also then have to pay to repair damage inside the home as well. Replacing the siding pre-emptively could help keep your home’s interior safe and damage-free as well as save you money.
Sign #9 You’re Selling Your Home
Replacing the siding, especially if it’s older, is something you can do to increase the value of your home. If you’re selling, consider installing new siding to attract buyers more quickly and sell your home for a higher price.