Your home's siding is typically designed to last for many years with the proper care and treatment. However, they are not impervious to damage, both from environmental hazards and general wear and tear. As a homeowner, it's important that you can recognize the signs of damage to your siding so that you know when it needs replacement. Here are some of the things you should watch for to know that it's time to call a siding contractor for help.
Look For Signs Of Moisture Issues
One key indication that it's time for siding replacement is when you're experiencing moisture issues with your siding. Ideally, the siding on your home should allow water to run off, keeping it away from your exterior and interior walls. When your siding ages and starts to fail, that moisture will seep into the siding and your interior walls.
Look at the exterior surface of your siding. If you can see visible mold and mildew on the siding, that's an indication that your siding is having moisture problems and needs to be replaced. In addition, if your wallpaper is bubbling and sagging or the paint on your walls is peeling, that means that the moisture from your exterior walls is seeping into your home. Your siding is no longer providing the barrier that it should, which means it needs to be replaced.
Check For Integrity Issues
In addition to visible moisture issues, some indications of siding failure aren't visibly obvious. If the structure behind your siding is weakened and damaged, that is an important sign that you need to have your siding replaced.
Look for any sections of siding that appear to be warped. Tap on those sections of siding with a screwdriver or something similar and see how the structure behind it feels. It should still feel solid behind the siding. If it doesn't, that means you're going to need to have the siding removed and replaced, potentially replacing the structural components behind it as well.
You should also check your siding for indications of dry rot. Tapping on the siding can help you uncover these areas because, while the surface may still be intact, the back of the siding will crumble when you tap it.
If you notice any of these signs, or if you're uncertain about the condition of your home's siding, reach out to a siding installation contractor like Done Right Home Improvements, INC. They can help with a thorough siding inspection to help you determine if you need siding replacement.