Siding is the exterior covering on a property, and it can be made from various materials, including wood, fiber cement, vinyl, and metal. Siding plays a vital role in protecting your home, acting as a first line of defense against the elements. It can prevent water ingress, guard against pest and insect damage, and mitigate the impact of extreme weather conditions.
Quality siding can even help lower your energy bills and make your home more sustainable by regulating temperature.
Depending on the type of siding you choose and the quality of your siding installation, it can last anything from twenty to fifty years or more.
Fiber cement siding and vinyl siding typically last longer than wood siding and require less maintenance. However, even the best siding will eventually sustain damage and perform less effectively as it ages. Weather, pests, moisture, and simple aging can all impact your siding.
In this post, we will explore the key indicators of siding damage and show you how to determine when it is time to replace your siding.
Siding Installation, Care, and Maintenance: Visual Clues of Damage
It is essential to inspect your siding regularly for visual signs of damage. Different materials, such as fiber cement siding and wood siding, have their own specific signs of damage. Always check with your siding installation contractor or supplier for the specifics of your product.
Some of the most common signs of siding damage include:
Warping and Buckling
This can indicate trapped moisture or heat damage, which is a particular risk in locales with extreme weather conditions. Here in the Bay Area, we often see siding damage caused by continued exposure to cool, wet winter weather.
Wood siding is at particular risk from this issue, though improper fiber cement siding or wood siding installation can also cause warping and buckling over time.
Cracks and Gaps
Visible cracks, gaps, and other small openings in your siding can indicate more significant underlying structural issues and, if not remedied, may cause or worsen these problems. Vinyl siding and fiber cement siding tend to be less vulnerable to cracks and gaps than wood siding.
Fading and Discoloration
Fading and discolored siding are not only aesthetic issues but can also indicate underlying issues such as moisture ingress or damage from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Loose or Missing Siding Panels
Loose boards or missing panels can be caused by storms. However, they may also indicate improper or poor-quality siding installation, such as not correctly securing the starter strip or corner posts.
Installing siding is a skill, and it is always best to hire professional siding contractors with the right tools and experience to ensure precise and effective installation of your new siding.
Moisture and Mold Indicators
Over time, even the most robust siding might suffer from moisture ingress. Proper installation of components such as under-sill trim can help prevent this issue.
Water ingress can cause mold and rot, which is unsightly and can lead to more significant structural and safety issues for your home. Fiber cement siding is amongst the most resistant to moisture and mold, making it a durable option for homeowners in the wet and foggy Bay Area.
Look out for the presence of visible mold, mildew, or algae on your siding, which can often be seen in damp or shaded areas. Soft or rotting wood is a significant indicator of prolonged moisture exposure, while visible water stains on your home’s interior walls are a common sign of compromised siding.
Structural and Functional Issues
Siding is not just there to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home. Proper fitting and securing of each panel, including the main vertical boards and the top siding panel, is crucial for keeping the structure sound and providing functional benefits. Therefore, watch out for functional issues or reduced performance, as these may indicate a problem with your siding.
For example, peeling interior paint or wallpaper could indicate trapped moisture, which is often caused by siding issues. Higher energy bills may indicate that damaged siding is impacting your home’s insulation efficiency.
Problems with pests can also be an indicator. Small cracks in your siding can invite termites, ants, or rodents into your home. Therefore, always check your siding if you are experiencing a pest infestation.
Inspection Tips: How to Check Your Siding for Damage
Inspecting your siding should form a regular part of your ongoing home care and maintenance routine. Aim to inspect your siding at least twice yearly, once in the spring and once in the fall, and more often if your siding is older.
You should also inspect your siding more often if you live in an area that experiences inclement weather conditions. Always check it carefully for damage after extreme weather events such as storms, high winds, heavy snowfall, or unusually heavy rain. Investing in specialist tools such as a snap-lock punch tool can help to fix any loose panels or pieces of trim quickly and easily.
Use this article as a checklist for noticeable signs of damage to your siding, and pay particular attention to areas where water may concentrate, such as roof ends and window and door trims.
What to Do If You Notice Damage to Your Siding
If you notice damage to your siding or suspect your siding may be compromised, it’s time to call in a professional. Proper installation techniques, such as correctly removing the nailing strip, are crucial for a durable and effective repair. A siding installation contractor can assess your existing siding and advise you on your options for siding repair or siding replacement.
It may be possible to fix your existing siding rather than taking on a complete siding replacement project. However, though the initial cost outlay for this will likely be cheaper, it may cost you more in the long run. A quality siding installation is an investment in your home that can last many years and ultimately save you money.
Time to Replace Your Siding? Quality Siding Contractors in the Bay Area
High-quality siding is one of the most important investments you can make in your home. Understanding the signs of siding damage can help you catch and remedy problems before they cause major issues. Preventative maintenance and regular inspections can help your siding last longer, look great, and perform effectively.
Always choose a trusted siding contractor to perform your siding installation for you.
At Bayside Builders’ Group, we supply siding products from a carefully selected range of partners and provide siding installation services to homeowners across the Bay Area. We can supply and install vinyl siding, fiber cement siding, wood siding, and more.
To learn more or to schedule your consultation, contact our team today to get started.