If your home has aluminum or wood siding you may have started to notice deterioration, particularly if your home is several years old.
While wood is a popular siding option, it’s expensive, requires a lot of maintenance, and is prone to serious issues like rot. Similarly, aluminum siding is easily dented and dinged, causing it to look outdated and damaged.
But, how do you know if your siding is displaying normal signs of wear and tear or if it’s time to fully replace it? This comprehensive guide will help you determine when it’s time for you to schedule a siding replacement for your home.
8 SIGNS THAT IT’S TIME TO REPLACE YOUR SIDING
While this is not a comprehensive list of signs that you need to replace your house’s siding, these are some of the most common indicators that a full replacement is in your future.
1. DRY ROT
Your wood siding may succumb to dry rot, which is caused by fungi that digest the wood and compromise its strength. It may be time to replace your wood siding if you notice that it has become cracked and deteriorated in some spots.
2. YOU KEEP REPAINTING YOUR HOME
If you start to notice that paint on your siding lasts only a few years before chipping, peeling, or cracking, it may indicate a problem with your existing siding. Paint on healthy siding should last around 8-10 years before needing to be repainted.
3. SIDING HAS BECOME WARPED OR ROTTED
Warping or rotting is another visual clue that it’s time to replace your siding. It’s important to keep an eye out and monitor changes so you can stay ahead and replace your siding before disaster strikes.
4. INCREASED COOLING AND HEATING BILLS
If you notice your monthly energy bill is increasing each month, your siding could be the sneaky culprit behind the higher bill. As your siding ages, it becomes less efficient, letting in warm air in the summer and cool air in the winter.
5. LOOSE OR CROOKED SIDING
While a loose piece of siding on your home does not automatically mean that it’s time to schedule a siding replacement, it can be indicative of a more serious problem that needs to be remedied.
6. MILDEW, FUNGUS, OR MOLD
Primarily issues associated with wood siding, the appearance of mildew, fungus, or mold means that your siding is compromised and needs to be replaced as soon as possible.
7. BUBBLING
Have you noticed the material of your siding bubbling in some spots? This can often mean that there is a more serious issue on the other side, like mold or rotting.
8. SEVERE FADING
While some fading over time is natural and to be expected, it shouldn’t happen over the course of just a few years. If your siding seems to be fading at a faster than normal rate, it could be time for you to replace it.
OTHER REASONS YOU MAY WANT TO CONSIDER A SIDING REPLACEMENT
The most common reasons our clients come to us to replace their siding are visual issues like we discussed above. But, here are a few other circumstances where you might benefit from replacing your siding.
MAINTENANCE HAS BECOME TOO MUCH TO HANDLE
Whether you’re getting tired of all the time you’re spending on basic upkeep for your siding or you physically can’t take the toll of the maintenance required on your aluminum or wood siding anymore, it may be time to consider upgrading to vinyl or fiber cement siding. This alternative siding is growing in popularity, in part because it is virtually maintenance-free.
YOU’RE PLANNING TO MOVE
If you’re looking to put your house on the market, it may be worth your time and money to replace your home’s siding beforehand. New siding can give you a competitive advantage in the housing market and can boost your resale value.
WHY YOU SHOULD REPLACE YOUR OLD SIDING WITH VINYL OR FIBER CEMENT
Over the last decade, we’ve provided our customers with high-quality customer service and the best products on the market. That’s why we recommend vinyl siding or fiber cement siding options when customers come to us ready to replace the outdating siding on their home.
Vinyl siding is made primarily from PVC resins and is highly resistant to moisture, mold, and mildew. Fiber cement siding, on the other hand, is a composite material made of cement, sand, and fibers, resulting in a strong and durable siding option.
Why do we believe that vinyl and fiber cement siding options are the best of the best? We’re glad you asked!
THEY’RE DURABLE AND LONG-LASTING
Compared to wood and aluminum alternatives, vinyl and fiber cement siding last longer and hold up better against the elements. And best of all, they are both virtually maintenance-free options! Now you can spend more time enjoying your home and the people in it instead of wasting time cleaning your outdated siding.
THEY’RE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY
Both vinyl and fiber cement siding options are considered to be more environmentally friendly than other traditional sidings. If you’re looking to go green, you’ll want to choose one of these options for your home.
THEY CAN MATCH ANY STYLE
No matter the style and color you have in mind for your home’s beautiful new siding, there’s an option that’s perfect for you. Just wait until you see the rainbow of colors we have available for our customers!
THEY COULD HELP INCREASE YOUR HOME’S VALUE
Even if you’re not planning to sell your home for a few years, you can have comfort in the fact that updating your home’s siding to a vinyl or fiber cement option can help increase your home’s resale value. It can be an investment you’ll enjoy and that will virtually pay for itself when you do decide to sell.
WHY CHOOSE CONTRACT EXTERIORS?
Once you’ve determined that it’s time to replace your siding, you’ll have to choose a contractor to do the job. Here at Contract Exteriors, we’ve been specializing in superior exterior construction for over a decade.
When you choose to work with our team on your siding replacement project, you’ll have the confidence that comes with working with a company that has been ranked as one of the top 50 remodeling companies in the USA by Remodeling Magazine.
We are committed to making our clients our top priority every step of the way and to always being available to answer your questions as they arise. While working with Contract Exteriors, you can expect clear communications about budget, timeframe, and which products make the most sense for your home and your needs.
Ready to get started on your siding replacement? Contact us today for a free, no-obligation estimate. We can’t wait to work with you!
