Is it time for a siding replacement?
Making updates to your home should be exciting. However, when the truth of limitations begins to sink in, a remodeling task can appear to be more of a bad dream than a festive event. Life expectancy is always a topic of discussion and debate when it comes to home siding. While wood and aluminum siding are classic choices, vinyl siding has grown in popularity due to its longevity and durability. An added benefit to vinyl siding is that it is energy efficient and can help lower utility costs if maintained regularly. Whatever material you decide to go with when installing or replacing your existing siding, make sure you join forces with a trusted siding contractor.
When Is It Time to Replace My Siding?
Your siding is your home’s primary line of defense against harsh weather and pests. It’s the most important exterior feature of your home. Not only does your siding showcase the style of your property, but your home’s structure also relies on the protection of your siding.
When it is falling apart, loose, cracked, warped, buckled, or sagging, it is an eye-soar and an invitation to nesting rodents and damaging insects. Suppose you notice holes in the siding or any unusual damage to your exterior. In that case, it’s time to contact a professional siding and exterior renovations contractor to look at it for you. Here are some signs to help you determine whether siding replacement is necessary:
- Sagging and cracking. If your siding is cracked and tends to sag, consider replacing it. Sagging and cracking siding can allow water to seep behind the panels, leading to rot and decay.
- Storm damage. Hail damage is the easiest to see on the siding and roof. Heavy hail may leave holes in vinyl siding and dents in aluminum siding. Strong wind gusts can cause entire pieces of siding to be pulled off the home. In these cases, siding and roof replacement is essential. You will want to check with your homeowner’s insurance company to see if the replacement is covered.
- Excessive peeling paint. There are many problems with wood siding that can lead to excessive peeling paint: the wrong choice of paint, poor ventilation behind the siding, long-term moisture penetration, and more. If your paint job is flaking off and you are ready for siding options that require less maintenance, now is the time to replace it.
- Missing siding pieces. Missing siding is a serious issue and leaves your home vulnerable to premature siding failure, rot, termites, and insect infestations. If your siding has been blown off, torn, or is falling off, it requires prompt attention.
- Fungal decay or termite damage. You may not know you have a termite infestation until considerable damage has occurred. Because termites and certain types of fungi feed on wood, they can compromise the aesthetics, strength, and stability.
- Pest Damage. Woodpeckers, termites, and other pests are more than just a nuisance-they can cause severe damage to your home. If you have frequent problems, you may want to consider replacing your siding with a material that offers little appeal to critters, such as fiber cement siding.
Waiting for the right season
You can save money when getting a siding replacement, depending on the season. But each season can have its benefits and drawbacks caused by factors, such as the weather and temperature. For instance, many homeowners tend to get their siding replaced during spring and summer because of the sunny weather. However, the temperatures can also get too hot for certain siding materials such as vinyl, affecting the installation process.
There’s also the possibility that your siding won’t get replaced immediately during spring and summer because these tend to be peak seasons for siding contractors. If you choose to have your siding installed in the winter, keep in mind that the lower temperatures aren’t always ideal for siding replacements, especially if they drop below 50 degrees. In addition, some materials can contract and become brittle under cold weather conditions, so consider your choice wisely.
Remember that expertly installed siding can add value to your home and increase the resale price. If it’s time to replace your siding, Siefken Contracting will get it done right the first time. Call us at (908) 503-5393 or submit our contact form to get a free estimate on your next job.
