Most siding materials require zero to very little maintenance since they are designed to remain in the elements. You’ll want a strong siding to stand up against the day-to-day wear and tear it will face. However, regardless of the siding material you choose for your home, there comes a time you’ll have to repair it or replace it entirely.
The Lifespan of Siding
The siding on your home is probably not something you think much about. It may be hard to notice tiny cracks, warping, or minor discoloration on your siding, but, once the damage has extended and become noticeable, you’ll want to know whether it’s time to repair or replace your siding. At DWC Roofing, we offer the following siding options:
- Vinyl Siding: With vinyl siding, you can expect between 20 and 40 years of performance before you’ll have to replace it. Vinyl siding is highly resistant to temperature extremes as well as high winds. It is also resistant to moisture, is affordable, and can look like real wood.
- Fiber Cement: This is a very durable siding material that lasts up to 50 years but still requires some maintenance. It is resistant to termites, fire, and moisture. However, fiber cement siding may require painting every 4-5 years depending on the topcoat applied.
- Steel Siding: Steel is another durable siding material and lasts between 20 to 40 years with little maintenance.
- Aluminum Siding: Aluminum siding offers up to 40 years of service, although you may need to repaint it every 10 years to maintain its aesthetics. It takes paint really well, making it fairly easy to maintain, and you can even occasionally change the color of your home.
The Telltale Signs Your Siding Needs Replacement
Other than natural wear and tear, your siding can deteriorate from several factors and require replacement sooner than anticipated. However, with proper preventive maintenance, you won’t have to worry about siding replacement before the warranty elapses. Generally, here are the telltale signs your siding is due for replacement:
1. Cracks and Gaps
Your siding can develop cracks in or gaps between the panels due to warping from heat, flexing triggered by foundation shifts, or simply old age. When you notice siding panels no longer aligning perfectly or numerous cracks, it could be time for a replacement.
2. Warping or Bubbling
If your siding is exposed to hot summer weather and extreme heat, you should watch out for signs of warping or bubbles. Bubbles often happen with vinyl siding or due to the paint’s response to high heat. However, warping mostly occurs in older conventional siding materials.
3. Peeling Paint
Siding is usually covered in a special sealant and a top layer of paint to resist the elements and give your home added curb appeal. If you notice the paint beginning to peel, it’s a sign the integrity of your siding has deteriorated and you should repair it. If there is any underlying damage, your siding specialist may recommend total replacement.
4. Rot or Fungi
High humidity or rainstorms can soak your siding and make it susceptible to rot and fungi growth. Wood siding, in particular, can rot faster when soaked for too long. Other siding materials with already compromised siding sealant can over time become soft and crumbly to the touch, exposing your home to the elements. Fungi can similarly grow into the porous material of your siding and break it down.
5. Skyrocketing Utility Bills
Sometimes, even without visible damage to your siding, your utility bills can reveal compromised integrity of your siding’s outer seal. If your power bills are recently soaring month after month, it could be a sign your siding isn’t doing its job anymore.
Problems of Delayed Siding Repair or Replacement
Unfortunately, ignoring the condition of your siding won’t make it immortal. Eventually, all siding materials wear out and will need to be repaired or replaced to keep your home protected from the elements. When neglected for long, compromised siding can expose your home to rain, humidity, heat, and pest infestation, causing costly structural damage to your entire home. Additionally, your HVAC system will work overtime to keep your home comfortable, which further raises your utility bills.
Maintenance Tips for Siding
To keep your siding in great shape for years to come, preventive maintenance is key. Fortunately, by following some simple steps, you can effectively prolong the life of your siding:
- Clean your siding once to twice annually
- Make sure your gutters are in good condition to ensure rainwater from the roof doesn’t overwhelm your siding.
- Make sure your landscaping is at least six inches away from the siding
Is your siding looking dull and worn out? Let our siding specialists at DWC Roofing in Central Indiana carry out a thorough inspection. Siding repair or replacement can be a complicated job which requires specialized equipment and expertise. It should, therefore, be left to the professionals to ensure it’s done right the first time. Contact us today for a free estimate.
