As a homeowner, it’s essential to know the state of your exterior and stay on top of any small problems that arise so they don’t cascade into big ones. Each spring, fall, and after major storms, walk around your house and inspect your siding. If you see signs of damage, contact a reputable siding contractor for an inspection.
Let’s dive into what to look for when assessing your siding for damage.
How to Identify Siding Damage
1. Moisture Intrusion
When siding is compromised and moisture invades, you’ll spot things inside and outside your home. Inside your house, you may see water spots or discoloration of your walls. Once you see that, make your way outdoors and look at the same area to see if your siding is damaged in that spot. You may also smell mold due to its growth in your home’s walls.
2. Storm Damage
Hail damage leaves dents or holes in your siding, particularly if it is vinyl. Severe storms usually include high winds, which can also cause large pieces of siding to be pulled off your home, leaving your exterior in a vulnerable state. If your siding was damaged in a storm, document the damage in detail by taking multiple pictures and taking notes on exactly what happened. Reach out to your insurance company and file a claim to begin the restoration process properly.
3. Peeling Paint
When your exterior paint starts to flake off, your home is now exposed to the elements from a more vulnerable position. Peeling paint may mean your house was painted with the wrong type of product, or it may indicate there is hidden moisture lurking behind your siding panels. Don’t compromise the integrity of your house’s protective layer. Reach out to a local siding contractor for an estimate.
4. Insect Infestation
When woodpeckers, termites, carpenter ants, and other critters invade your home, sometimes you don’t even know it until extensive damage has already been done. When taken to the extreme, invading pests can even cause structural damage to your home. Contact a pest control company to take care of the infestation, and reach out to a contractor to have your siding evaluated.
5. Greater Energy Use
Have your utility bills skyrocketed for no known reason? When siding wears out or becomes compromised due to moisture intrusion or other damage, it may open the door for outdoor temperatures to invade your home. This causes your heating and air conditioning unit to work overtime, which is reflected in your utilities.
6. Wood Rot
When water penetrates your siding for a long period of time, rot can set in. It’s easy to spot because it causes your siding’s finish to flake off and expose the rot below it. The longer you leave this situation unaddressed, the bigger it becomes.
7. Cracks and Gaps in Siding
Holes in your siding are easy to spot, and they take a toll on your home’s curb appeal. They may have been caused by pest infestation. When critters invade, they can make themselves at home (in yours!) and cause destruction. To maintain your siding’s integrity, reach out to a reputable siding contractor in the area (like us!) to have the situation evaluated.
8. Warped Siding Planks
When siding looks like it’s bulging or warped, there may be hidden problems beneath the protruding panels. Take a screwdriver and poke your siding to see if the layer under it gives way when it is touched. If your siding looks uneven, contact a trusted siding contractor to have it evaluated.
9. Lack of Maintenance
When you don’t have time for home maintenance, siding issues may arise seemingly out of nowhere. Have your siding inspected to ensure it is safeguarding your home from damage rather than harboring problems that only cascade over time.
Contact a Reliable Contractor to Evaluate Your Siding
Spotting siding damage early can mean the difference between a minor repair or a major issue that requires siding replacement. Don’t procrastinate addressing any siding issues you spot. Reach out to our reputable team to get a free quote on whatever your siding needs.
At Presidential Exteriors, we are a James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor, so you can expect to receive top-tier service in your siding installation. We were trained by the manufacturer, and uphold their best practices in installing your siding. Learn more about how our siding replacement services can enhance your home’s protection from the elements while boosting its curb appeal.
