Protect your biggest investment by ensuring your home’s first line of defense against harsh weather is intact. When siding wears out, it’s important to replace it in a timely fashion so you don’t incur costly damages due to invaders like wood rot, moisture intrusion, or pest infestation.
Here are 7 signs to look for that indicate it is time for siding replacement.
Common Clues that it’s Time for Siding Replacement
It’s a big commitment to replace your siding, but most homeowners only need to do that once in their lifetime. Ensure you do it right the first (and only!) time by tackling it before your aging siding’s issues cascade into expensive repairs and the need for siding replacement.
How long your siding lasts depends primarily on its makeup, how well it has been maintained, and the way it was installed. Your area’s climate can also weigh into the equation, and any severe storms in your area can be a major player in your siding’s lifespan.
Here are some common clues your siding needs to be replaced.
1. Wood Rot
If moisture has penetrated your home siding for an extended period of time, wood rot can result. Wood rot is not only unsightly but also quite damaging under the surface.
If your wood siding is soft and crumbles, you have wood rot. If you spot rot, have your siding inspected by professionals to find the cause of the rot and how much damage you have incurred.
If you have procrastinated fixing a problem like this, it’s likely that the damage goes beyond your siding and you’ll need to get your home repaired before replacing your siding.
Pro tip: Inspect your home siding each spring and fall by walking around your home and looking carefully for signs of damage such as moisture intrusion. Address any problems quickly to avoid further damage.
2. Blistering Finish
If the finish on your current siding is bubbling or blistering, and you don’t address it promptly by repairing or refinishing it, what could have been a repair job will turn into a siding replacement.
Pro tip: Replacing your siding with a strong material like James Hardie fiber cement will keep this problem from happening in the future.
3. High Maintenance
Typically, the older your siding is, the more maintenance it needs. And the longer you wait to do the maintenance, the more likely your damage will expand to the integrity of your home’s structure. And that can get expensive to fix. Bypass the extra expense by noting the age and lifespan of your current siding and being proactive about timely replacement.
Pro tip: As you educate yourself on siding material options, look at their lifespan as part of the equation. James Hardie siding lasts up to 50 years, giving you peace of mind about your home’s protective layer for decades.
4. Missing or Loose Siding Panels
When siding ages or severe storms blow through your area, missing siding and loose panels can result, leaving your home vulnerable to damaging moisture intrusion. Inspect your siding regularly for missing or lose panels, and deal with the problem swiftly to protect your home’s structure. If you have missing siding or loose panels in several places in your home siding, you’ll likely need to replace it soon.
Pro tip: After severe storms, inspect your home siding carefully, and deal with repair needs promptly.
5. Damage from Pests or Woodpeckers
If you’re struggling with pest infestation from termites or carpenter ants—or pesky woodpeckers have turned your home into theirs, drumming day and night while damaging your biggest investment—we have good news for you! A siding replacement that uses a material that delivers nothing pests and woodpeckers are looking for could be your solution. In fact, you’ll be amazed at how maintenance-free, pest-free, and trouble-free siding can be when you choose fiber cement siding for your replacement needs.
Pro tip: Save yourself the hassle of pest infestation with fiber cement siding. James Hardie is the top fiber cement manufacturer in the nation, and its track record speaks for itself. (It currently covers over 8,000,000 homes in America!)
6. Faded Color
When your once vibrant siding color fades, your curb appeal decreases dramatically, leaving your home looking drab. While faded siding may simply mean you need a new paint job to seal your home and restore its beauty, it’s also a signal that you need to start looking into siding replacement because you’re well on your way toward it.
Pro tip: When you invest in new siding, consider James Hardie’s ColorPlus® technology. Its factory-baked-on color doesn’t fade like other exterior paint. It resists UV damage and even comes with a 15-year warranty.
7. Warped Siding Panels
If your current siding is cracked, buckling, sagging or warped, realize that your biggest investment’s protective layer is compromised and needs to be addressed promptly. If there aren’t many areas of warping or buckling, you can spot-replace the damaged siding panels. If damage is widespread, you’ll need to look seriously at getting your siding fully replaced.
Pro tip: Rather than looking at the whole process of siding replacement and possibly backing away from it, take siding replacement one step at a time. Begin with a free estimate and learn about your options.
Fortify Your Home’s Protective Layer with Beautiful New Siding
Give your Indianapolis area home the stunning curb appeal that “wows” your family and friends with beautiful new siding that stands out from the crowd. At Craftsman Exterior Remodeling, we specialize in durable James Hardie siding, affordable vinyl siding, gorgeous natural wood siding, and stunning stone veneer siding installation. Our attention to detail and craftsmanship is where we got our name!
Gorgeous new siding ensures your home is well insulated, increases its value, and delivers up to 80% return on investment! Take a moment to learn more about Craftsman Exterior siding services.
