Depending on how long it has been since you had the siding replaced on your North Carolina or South Carolina home, you may have found yourself thinking about investing in an exterior renovation project. In recent years, many new types of siding have hit the market, including James Hardie brand fiber cement siding.
At Hatch Homes, we believe it is essential to do plenty of research prior to taking on any home improvement project. That’s why we compiled this list of ways to know it’s time to replace your Carolina home’s siding. If you believe you need new exterior cladding, our team is always here to help.
Look for warped siding boards
Wooden boards typically warp more easily than any other type of siding, simply due to the fact that they can become moisture damaged more quickly than other materials. However, vinyl siding can also warp, particularly if your area of the Carolinas experiences extremely hot or extremely cold temperatures.
If you notice any warping whatsoever, the best thing to do is gently wedge a screwdriver underneath the affected board to see if the layer underneath is still firm. If the wood feels soft and squishy, or if the screwdriver is easily able to pierce it, you should contact the team at Hatch Homes right away. This means that wood rot has already occurred, and your home is at risk of structural damage.
Look for interior clues
Many homeowners don’t realize how much the insides of their homes can tell them about whether or not their siding needs to be replaced. If you notice peeling paint or damp wallpaper, you can bet that moisture has begun to seep through your walls into your house. The sooner you deal with this issue, the less likely you are to have long-term adverse effects, such as a black mold infestation, to contend with.
Look for fading vinyl siding
Generally, modern vinyl siding is designed to remain colorfast for nearly its entire lifespan (there are some exceptions to this rule, such as living in a sunny, tropical climate). If therefore, you notice fading vinyl siding boards, it’s wise to schedule an inspection. It is likely that your siding has reached the end of its lifespan and should be replaced.
Consider your siding’s age
Sometimes, even though siding doesn’t seem like it is getting too old to function properly, it actually is. It is always important to pay attention to how long ago your residential siding was installed. Most vinyl siding companies rate their products for 20-25 years, while wood often needs to be replaced every decade or so. Fiber cement is the most durable option on the market right now — it generally lasts for at least 30 years before requiring replacement.
If you determine that it is time for you to invest in new siding for your Carolina home and you need assistance choosing the right type of cladding, our team is here for you. We can install everything from traditional wood siding to innovative fiber cement siding. Give us a call to schedule a free consultation and learn more about everything we have to offer.