Is It Time for a Siding Upgrade? Here are 7 Ways to Tell
Budget Home Supply • May 5, 2020
High-quality, well-maintained siding is a great way to ensure that a house’s property value stays high and that the curb appeal is maximized. However, when it comes to repair and maintenance projects, siding is one of those things that commonly falls by the wayside.
The truth is, though, that those homeowners who know how to notice and address issues with their siding when they first appear are also much more likely to save money on serious repairs later down the line. Siding is a lot more important than many people give it credit for. It protects the house from water and weather damage and helps keep the foundational elements safe and strong.
The good news is that siding technology continues to improve, and homeowners can count on a fantastic array of durable and attractive options to check out when they visit one of their local Boulder hardware stores.
So, what are some easy-to-recognize signs that that old siding needs a lot more than a new coat of paint?
Read on to find out.
1. There are Bubbles or Blisters Beneath the Surface
Bubbles or chipping in the paint or finish are one thing, but if any bubbles or blisters appear to be originating beneath the surface of the siding itself, this is a surefire sign that it is time to call up some local Boulder hardware stores and start asking about replacement options.
Blistering or bubbling almost always indicates that water has somehow managed to seep into the surface of the siding itself, and a moisture issue is never a good thing. Keep in mind that the reason that siding exists is just for this very reason, to prevent water and moisture from outdoors from getting inside the house, and if it isn’t doing what it is supposed to do, it is time to replace this siding before more serious water-damage issues start to appear.
2. Warping or Abnormalities
If cracking or warping is an issue, this is usually one of the first things that homeowners will notice when they inspect their siding. The more serious the abnormality, the greater the chance that rot is present and the stronger the indication that it is beyond repair. Be sure to touch the area and test out if it feels firm under the hand. If it is sagging or gives easily, these are strong indicators of a rot problem that could have spread to other areas as well.
However, even tiny cracks can spell trouble later down the line, so if a homeowner notices that cracks or warping is starting to form in any area of their siding, they should be sure to reach out to a local specialist in lumber in Boulder to find out more.
3. Mold or Other Types of Growth
Whether it be vegetation, mildew, fungus or mold, live growth appearing on the seams or surface of siding is definitely not a good thing. These types of growths can’t exist unless there is some form of moisture or water buildup present, so this could indicate that water is getting into where it shouldn’t be.
Keep in mind that sometimes fungus build-up is not a big deal, especially when it occurs on the flat surface away from the seams, but it is still worth checking in with a specialist in composite decking in Boulder to find out more.
4. Wallpaper or Paint is Bubbling or Peeling Inside of the House
If moisture is making its way through the siding and into the interior wall, it might cause interior wall treatments to chip, bubble or peel. Obviously, this is a major red flag, so if homeowners notice that the paint job on their interior walls seems to be in less than prime condition, they definitely want to make sure that water damage is not the cause.
Of course, if the peeling is occurring on walls that don’t connect to the outside of the home, the siding may not be to blame, but this is the type of issue that will need to be looked into immediately regardless. The longer that water infiltrations are left to fester, the more serious foundational damage that they can cause.
5. The Color on the Siding Has Faded
It is perfectly normal for siding to gradually fade over time, but if it starts to appear downright washed out, this means that the weatherproofing protection is almost completely gone. If the siding isn’t weatherproof, it will leave the home vulnerable to water damage, so it will definitely need to be replaced at some point in the future.
As long as the fading appears gradually, it certainly isn’t an emergency, but it is a good indication that it is time to consult a local specialist in Trex decking in Boulder
to start exploring options for new siding.
6. The Paint on the Siding is Chipped or Peeling
If the siding is painted, it will probably require a new coat of paint every eight years or so, and this is perfectly normal. However, if homeowners find themselves dealing with damaged paint on a more frequent basis, this could be an indication that the siding is no longer able to withstand moisture and other forces of nature.
Once again, this is usually a clear indicator that the siding is due for a replacement. Those who don’t want to worry about repainting can always opt for a low-maintenance vinyl option instead. Their local specialist in decking in Boulder will be able to tell them more about cutting edge siding options that will help homeowners save time and money in the long run.
7. The Energy Bills Seem High
Energy costs are certainly subject to a bit of inflation, but if homeowners notice that they seem to be using more energy than they should be or more than they once did, and are having trouble pinpointing the source of the spike, they might want to consider that their siding could be to blame.
Siding provides a powerful form of insulation, protecting the exterior of the home from the year-round extremes of both cold and heat. The older the siding gets, the less well that it tends to insulate the house, so this means that if energy bills are high it might be time to think about getting that siding replaced in favor of a superior energy solution.
The Takeaway
When it comes to all things siding, a local specialist in decking in Boulder
has homeowners covered. Be sure to call or swing by to find out more about superior siding options that can make all the difference.
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