Did you know that homes with good curb appeal can sell for an average of 7% more than homes with an unappealing exterior? Even if you’re not planning to sell your home anytime soon, having an inviting exterior can make you feel good about your home.
One of the biggest culprits of poor curb appeal is outdated siding. But how do you know if it’s time for a full home siding replacement or if it just needs a little TLC?
We’re here to help.
Keep reading to learn the most common signs that indicate when to replace the siding on your home.
1. Physical Damage to the Boards/Panels
One of the easiest ways to tell that you need a siding replacement is by checking for damage to the boards or panels. Most often, this damage occurs as a result of extreme weather that causes the siding to crack or break.
Different types of home siding have different lifespans, but generally speaking, any material with significant damage will need to be replaced sooner rather than later. If broken pieces of siding are left alone, it could eventually lead to even more damage from water or pests like termites.
2. Bubbled Surface
When you’re inspecting your siding, have you noticed any bubbled or blistered sections? This could mean that water is trapped beneath the surface of the siding.
Siding acts as a barrier for your home from the outdoor elements, so when water gets trapped beneath the surface, it means that it’s no longer doing its job. If left alone, this can lead to more serious water issues like mold growth under the surface of your siding. It’s best to schedule a replacement at the first sign of bubbling.
3. Mold or Mildew Growth
Speaking of water damage, you might also notice signs of it on the outside of your siding in the form of mold or mildew. This happens most often near the seams of the panels. In some cases, small spots of mold can be washed off your siding with soap and water. However, in more serious cases, it’s an indication that water is coming into your home, and it will require a full replacement.
Don’t leave mold or mildew to chance! Schedule an appointment with a siding expert like our team here at Freeman Exteriors if you notice mold growth and we can help you determine whether you need a full replacement.
4. Cracking, Peeling, or Rotting
Take a few moments to walk around your home and take a closer look at your siding. Is the paint starting to crack or peel? If you touch the surface of the siding, does it feel solid or unstable?
If it gives, it could be a sign of rot beneath the surface. If that’s the case, you’ll need to schedule a full siding replacement. Fortunately, a full siding replacement can return up to 69.4% of the cost toward the value of your home, making it one of the best home improvement projects you can do in terms of return on investment.
5. Fading
Even the highest-quality siding will eventually start to fade after prolonged exposure to the sun. While this is normal, especially if your siding is more than a decade old, it’s also a sign that it may be time for a replacement.
Faded siding is usually a good indicator that the weatherproofing within the siding is starting to go. Once that happens, you’re more likely to experience the mold, mildew, and bubbling issues we mentioned above.
Take faded siding as a sign to replace it, before more serious (and more expensive) issues develop.
6. Insect Damage
Unfortunately, pests tend to love our homes as much as we do. Over time, common pests like termites, ants, bees, and wasps may start to infiltrate your siding, eventually leading to structural damage. The next time you inspect your siding, be on the lookout for small holes and insect nests.
If you notice an infestation, don’t try to take care of it yourself! Instead, call in a professional pest control company, so you’ll have peace of mind that you’re fixing the problem at the source. Then, inspect the damage to determine if you need a full siding replacement.
7. Interior Wall Damage
So far, all of the signs we’ve discussed are apparent on the outside of your home, by looking at your siding. But, there are a few signs to pay attention to inside your home as well. For example, take a look at your interior walls. Do you notice any paint peeling? Or maybe your wallpaper is starting to peel?
These are both potential signs of damaged siding, as they can occur when moisture comes in through the siding and collects on your walls. If you notice these signs inside, take the time to inspect your exterior siding as well.
8. Higher Energy Bills
Have you noticed that your monthly energy bills are on the rise? Siding not only helps protect your home from the elements, but it also acts as an insulating barrier, helping to keep your home at a steady temperature so that your HVAC system works more efficiently.
As your siding starts to wear down, it won’t be as energy-efficient, and you may notice your bills start to increase, even when your energy habits are consistent from month to month. If you start to notice high bills that don’t seem to improve, it’s a good idea to call in a professional to take a look at your siding.
Your Home Siding Replacement Experts
After reading through this guide about the signs that you need a home siding replacement, you should feel more confident knowing what to look for the next time you inspect your siding.
If you notice any of the signs we mentioned above, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at Freeman Exteriors, where your home is always in good hands. Contact us today for a free estimate and to learn more about how we can help with your siding concerns.
