As a homeowner, you take great pride in your property. You’ve invested time and money into making it a comfortable and beautiful space. However, over time, the exterior of your home can start to deteriorate, making it look shabby and dated. Your home’s exterior is the first impression visitors have of your property, and your siding is one of the most critical components that contribute to your home’s curb appeal and overall value.
Siding plays a crucial role in protecting your home’s structure and your family’s safety. It’s designed to shield your home’s interior from the harsh outdoor elements like wind, rain, snow, and UV rays. However, siding does more than just provide protection from external elements. It also helps to insulate your home, maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature while preventing energy loss. Over time, siding can deteriorate due to weather, age, and exposure to other elements, causing it to lose its protective qualities.
When siding starts to deteriorate, it can lead to a range of problems that can compromise your home’s structural integrity, impact your energy bills, and even pose health hazards to you and your family. For example, worn or damaged siding can allow moisture to seep into your home’s interior, leading to mold and mildew growth. Pests can also enter your home through cracks and gaps in your siding, causing damage to your property and even presenting a risk to your health. Additionally, poorly installed or outdated siding can be a significant source of energy loss, leading to higher heating or cooling bills and an uncomfortable indoor environment.
Given the critical role that siding plays in protecting your home, it’s important to know when to replace your siding. Here are some warning signs that it may be time for a siding replacement:
Holes or missing planks
One of the most obvious signs that it’s time to replace your siding is the presence of holes or missing planks. This can occur due to a number of factors, including high winds, insect infestations, accidental damage, or even being installed incorrectly, which can compromise the integrity of your home’s exterior and lead to costly repairs. Holes or missing planks can compromise the integrity of your home’s exterior, allowing moisture and pests to enter and potentially causing extensive damage. If you notice any holes or missing planks on your siding, it’s important to have them repaired or replaced as soon as possible to ensure the continued protection and safety of your home. A professional siding contractor can provide expert advice and guidance on the best course of action for your specific situation.
Cracks or blisters
If you notice any cracks, blisters, or bubbles on your siding, it’s a sign that your siding has reached the end of its lifespan. Over time, weather exposure or extreme heat can cause the materials to weaken and lose their protective qualities, which can lead to cracking and blistering. This can lead to water damage and rot, which can be detrimental to your home’s structural integrity.
Fading or peeling
Fading and peeling are also telltale signs that it’s time to replace your siding. If your current siding looks dull or faded, it means that the color has faded and the protective coating has been worn away. Similarly, if you notice that the paint is peeling or flaking off, it means that the protective layer has been compromised and your siding is no longer able to protect your home from the elements.
Moisture or water damage
Moisture or water damage can be an indication of siding failure. If you see signs of rotting or warping, it could mean that water has seeped through your siding and caused damage to your home’s underlying structure. Water damage can be incredibly costly and may require extensive repairs or even a full replacement of your siding.
High energy bills
If you’ve noticed that your energy bills have been on the rise lately, it could be a sign that your siding is failing. Siding that is worn or damaged can lead to air leaks, which can make it harder for your HVAC system to regulate the temperature inside your home. This can lead to higher energy costs as your system struggles to keep up with the demand.
Pest infestations
Pest infestations are another sign that it’s time to replace your siding. If you notice pests like termites or ants around your home, it could be because your siding is damaged or deteriorating. Pests can easily gain access to your home through small gaps or holes in your siding, leading to costly damage and potential health hazards.
Age
Lastly, the age of your siding can also be a determining factor in whether or not it’s time to replace it. Most types of siding have a lifespan of around 15-20 years, after which they start to deteriorate and lose their protective qualities. The longevity of your siding depends on several factors, including the material used, the quality of installation, and the level of maintenance.
Siding types: how they stand the test of time
For instance, wood siding, while beautiful and natural-looking, is more susceptible to moisture damage, rot, and pest infestations, making it less durable in the long run. Typically, wood siding lasts around 10-15 years, although it can last longer with proper maintenance and treatment.
On the other hand, vinyl siding is a popular choice for homeowners because of its affordability and low maintenance requirements. It typically lasts between 20-30 years and is resistant to moisture, pests, and fading. However, vinyl siding is also less durable than other materials and can become brittle or crack in extreme temperatures or harsh weather conditions.
Fiber cement siding, like James Hardie, is a newer material that has become increasingly popular among homeowners because of its durability, low maintenance, and resistance to harsh weather and pests. Fiber cement siding can last up to 50 years or more, making it a smart investment for any homeowner.
If your siding is approaching or has exceeded its expected lifespan, it’s a good idea to have it inspected by a professional siding contractor to determine if it needs to be replaced.
We can help you upgrade your home’s exterior
When it comes to maintaining and enhancing the value of your home, replacing your siding when it’s showing signs of wear and tear is a smart investment. Not only can new siding improve your home’s curb appeal, but it can also provide critical protection against the elements, lower your heating or cooling bills, and prevent costly repairs. At Gunner Roofing, we specialize in installing James Hardie fiber cement siding, a durable and long-lasting material that offers superior protection against weather damage, rot, termite damage, and more. James Hardie siding is available in a wide range of styles, textures, and colors, making it easy to find the perfect match for your home’s architecture and your personal taste.
However, we understand that every homeowner has unique preferences and budgets, which is why we also offer other siding types such as beautiful wood cedar and vinyl siding. These materials offer their own unique benefits, such as a warm, natural appearance for wood cedar, or the low-maintenance and affordability of vinyl. Our team of experienced professionals can help you select the right material and design that best fits your needs, providing expert siding installation services that ensure your new siding looks great and provides long-lasting protection for your home.
At Gunner Roofing, we’re dedicated to providing our clients with the highest level of customer service and quality workmanship. We pride ourselves on our attention to detail, and we go above and beyond to ensure that every siding project we undertake meets or exceeds our clients’ expectations. Our team is available to assist with a range of exterior upgrades, including siding installation, roof replacement, window and door replacement, and other home improvement projects.
If you’re ready to start your siding replacement project or have any questions about our services, don’t hesitate to contact us today. We offer free consultations and estimates, so you can get a clear idea of what your siding installation project will entail and what it will cost. With Gunner Roofing, you can trust that your home is in good hands, and that your new siding will provide lasting protection and beauty for years to come.