Although siding usually lasts a long time, many homeowners have to replace it at some point or another. This is especially true for those who live in their homes for more than a decade or so. If you think it might be time to replace your siding for some reason or another, but you aren’t entirely certain, you are sure to benefit from reading this guide. It was designed for people just like you.
As you look through the following section, you will find information about several telltale signs you should check for if you’re thinking about investing in new siding. All of these are red flags that it really is time to call professional installers in to change your siding as soon as possible. As you inspect the exterior of your home, it’s a good idea to keep track of any issues you notice on a notepad or in a smartphone app.
Look From a Distance
One of the simplest ways to tell if your home’s siding needs to be replaced is to stand a ways away and look at your house. Just going across the street should be far enough. If you notice sections that are severely discolored, or if any pieces are entirely missing, it’s definitely time to call a contractor to rip down your current siding and install new, fresh boards.
Peeling Both Inside and Outside
Interestingly enough, peeling and bubbly paint (or wallpaper) on both the interior and exterior of your home can indicate that you need to invest in new siding very soon. Peeling and bubbling both signal water retention, which is something you want to avoid. If water has already gotten into your interior walls and caused noticeable problems there, it could eventually lead to the development of serious mold, ultimately harming your family’s health.
Exterior Mold Patches
As mentioned above, mold inside your home’s walls can cause major problems. However, mildew and mold on the outside of your house can also signify trouble. If you’ve noticed any patches of mold on your siding, it’s time to call a professional to assess the situation. The odds are good that water is seeping behind your siding.
Spiking Utility Bills
If you’ve noticed your heating and cooling bills being significantly higher recently than in the past, your siding could be the culprit. Old, inefficient siding can lead to something called thermal bridging, which, in essence, causing rapid heat loss. If you are currently dealing with costly utility bills, investing in new siding could very well save you a large sum of money in the long run. You may even be eligible for energy upgrade state tax credits or municipal refunds, depending on where you live.
If you need help selecting your new siding, contact the Hatch Homes office. We’ll be here to assist you every step of the way during your renovation, from explaining various siding options (there are many these days!) to making sure the job is done right the first time. You can’t go wrong with our expert team, and we look forward to hearing from you very soon.