Owning a home comes with certain responsibilities, some of which are more crucial than others. Making sure your house has functional siding, for example, is extremely important. Aging siding can lead to a variety of problems, including water damage, insect and rodent infestations, and even mold issues. If it has been years since you last replaced your siding, or if you never have, now is the time to start looking for warning signs that now is the time for new siding. As you read on, you’ll discover a few key red flags.
- The color has faded – Typically, the original color of siding begins to fade once it reaches the end of its lifespan. This may or may not be the length of time on your warranty information. If, for example, you live in Charleston, South Carolina or another coastal area, salt air and salt water may cause your siding to deteriorate faster than it would inland. If your warranty is still valid, contact the siding manufacturer, and at least some of the cost of your new siding may be covered. If, however, your warranty has run out, you will be responsible for the full cost of materials and installation.
- Your energy bills have gotten expensive – Typically, homeowners have a good idea of how much they can expect to spend for heating and cooling in any given month of the year. If you notice that your energy bills have spiked, it could be because it’s time to replace your siding. Old, worn out siding doesn’t provide as much insulation and protection from the elements as new boards, which can lead to a rise in utility costs.
- Warping, cracking or rotting – Depending on what kind of siding you have, warping, cracking, or rotting can definitely indicate that it is time to invest in new siding. Vinyl siding can warp or crack in extreme weather, including the cold that mountainous areas of North Carolina sometimes experience during the winter months. Wood siding, on the other hand, is almost sure to begin to rot in places after a couple of decades. This is typically due to moisture retention. If you notice any of these issues, contact a reputable contractor immediately. Letting damaged siding go could lead to serious problems.
- You see mold – If you notice mold growing anywhere on your siding, it means you need to have your home inspected right away. Mold is a sure sign that there is water pooling under your siding boards. If left unattended, this could lead to rotten studs, mold on your interior walls, and a variety of other issues you undoubtedly want to avoid. It also bears noting that mold can lead to severe health problems for individuals who have allergies.
If you are interested in having your siding replaced in the near future, contact Hatch Homes at your earliest convenience. Our team can handle any siding project throughout the Carolinas, and we would love to work with you! We’re passionate about during houses into dream homes, and we look forward to hearing about the plans you have for your exterior renovation project.