How to Know When Your Siding Needs to be Replaced
There’s a tendency among homeowners to put a lot of focus on the interior of their home rather than the exterior. After all, that’s what people think of first when they invite guests over. What will they think of the decor? Do they like the new couch? Are the bedrooms comfortable for overnight guests? As long as the house looks good on the inside and isn’t drafty or drippy, it’s easy to assume that all is well on the exterior, as well. However, that’s not always the case.
People living in Prairie Village, Leawood, Overland Park, or Olathe, KS, or Liberty, Lee’s Summit, or Kansas City, MO, understand the importance of curb appeal. Making sure your house looks good on the outside can impact the resale value, not just of your own home, but of others in the neighborhood. Also, having a beautiful house to come home to is important because it makes you feel good. It’s a good idea to walk around the house once in a while and look at it objectively. How does the house look from the street?
Signs of the (Passing) Time
If your house is starting to look tired on the outside, it might be time to replace the siding. There are several signs you can watch for that will help you decide if it’s time to call in siding professionals.
Bubbles and Blisters
One of the first and most visible signs of wear and tear is bubbling or blistering. These show up when the siding has been broken down by a lot of moisture or heat. This is something that’s easy for a homeowner to spot, and is a good sign that siding replacement or repair is in order. If left unattended, it will only get worse.
Hail Damage
Hail damage is another issue that’s relatively easy to spot. Most of the time, it’s going to show up in the form of chips, cracks, or dents in the siding. Whenever your neighborhood is hit by a hail storm, it’s a good idea to do a walk-around. It’s also a good idea to call your insurance company. Insurance adjusters often spot damage that can be attributed to hail that a homeowner might not catch. Any time siding is compromised by hail, it lessens its ability to act as a protective barrier against the elements of nature. Hail damage often results in the need for siding replacement or repair.
Fading or Changing Color
Do you remember what color your home was when you built it or first moved into it? Dig out some old pictures. Is it the same color today? Chances are good that if you’ve been in your home for a number of years, the exterior color may not be the same as when you moved in. Colors tend to change or fade over time, especially with older siding. Technological advances in the manufacture of modern siding produce more durable, fade-resistant colors and surfaces, meaning that the exterior of your home will remain the same for many years to come. If your home is no longer the color it was when you moved in, it may be time for a siding replacement.
A bonus of siding replacement is that today’s siding comes in a wide array of finishes and textures. You no longer have to settle for the old-style flat surface siding. Protect your home from the weather and give it a facelift at the same by calling in siding professionals who can help you choose a completely new look.
Dry Rot, Loose Boards, or Cracks
Other signs that it might be time to replace your siding include dry rot, fungus, loose boards, or cracks in the existing siding. Any one of these can cause trouble on its own, but if you’re seeing more than one, it’s definitely time to consider siding replacement. Cracks and loose boards can be caused by overexposure to wind and rain. Dry rot and fungus are caused by excessive moisture getting trapped under the surface of the siding. If not taken care of, these issues will only compound the problem. If you spot any of these as you’re inspecting the house, it’s time to call in siding professionals for an estimate on new siding.
Increased Heating and Cooling Costs
Have you noticed a spike in heating and cooling costs over the past couple of years? If so, it might be a sign that your siding is beginning to fail. Siding is designed to provide insulation as well as surface protection from sunlight, wind, and rain. If you’ve noticed that it takes more for your HVAC system to heat and cool the house, it could be because the heated or air-conditioned air is escaping through the outside walls of your home. Check insulation levels in the attic to ensure that you’re up to code, and if you still don’t notice a turnaround in utility costs, you may want to consider installing new insulated siding.
Peeling Paint and Wallpaper
Wait! We’re talking about the exterior of the house, not the interior, right? Right. But peeling paint or wallpaper on the inside could be the result of moisture leaking into the walls from the outside. If you’re seeing spots where paint or paper is starting to peel, walk outside and take a look at the siding in the corresponding spot. You may have damage out there that you didn’t know existed.
In Kansas City, folks rely on the pros at Energy Pro Windows and Siding when it’s time to spruce up the exterior of the home, give it a facelift, or button it down for upcoming seasonal changes. The experts at Energy Pro have been installing siding in the Kansas City metro area since 2003. We’ve seen it all, and have the expertise to guide you through the decision-making process when it comes to figuring out whether it’s time to replace siding or not. Give us a call today if you have questions about the siding on your house. We’ll be happy to discuss your situation with you and help you figure out the best solution!
