Other than the roof, your home’s siding one of the most vulnerable parts of your home. Over time, various external factors can damage the siding, which can ruin both its looks and its ability to function. This is why you need to have your siding replaced as soon as you see the following signs:
Bubbling or blistering – Siding that’s no longer resistant to water will develop bubbles or blisters on the surface, a sign that water has managed to penetrate the outermost layer or coating.
Impact damage – Whether it’s caused by accident or by natural causes, impact damage – often caused by debris, tools, or even hail – can compromise your siding’s weather resistance.
Rot and staining – Wood siding can be weakened by rot if there’s too much moisture, while metal siding can develop rust over time.
Fading or peeling – Paint could eventually peel off, which isn’t just unattractive, but can also impact negatively on your siding’s water-resistant capabilities.
If you’re planning to replace siding, consider the following siding options:
Fiber cement – Siding panels made of cement mixed with cellulose fibers, fiber cement is durable and designed to have a long lifespan. It’s easy to maintain, easy to paint, and immune to pest damage.
Cedar – Unlike most wood alternatives, this classic material made from cedar wood has natural water resistance, as well as anti-bacterial or anti-fungal properties. It’s also considered a very environment-friendly material, which is good if you’re “going green”.
While siding replacement should be done as soon as issues become apparent to avoid further damage, it’s best to have it replaced during summer. This is because contractors are less busy during that time of the year, plus weather conditions are less likely to delay installation. Furthermore, many siding companies tend to have sales during summer, which can help you save a lot.
In the next part of this blog series, we’ll take a look at another key feature of your home’s exterior. Learn more about window replacement in part 2!