Siding is your home’s first line of defense against weather and pests; acting like an exterior windbreaker while insulating and protecting your home. When siding starts to fall apart, it becomes quite unsightly and invites pests and moisture leading to larger problems. Replacing your home’s siding may seem like a daunting and large project, but if using the right contractor, and the right products, and depending on how long you live in your home, chances are you probably only have to do it once. Unfortunately, your home’s siding won’t last forever. So how do you know when it is time to replace your siding?
Here are some signs to look for when you think you may need to do a siding replacement.
Excessive Maintenance
Taking care of your Colorado home’s siding will help prolong the life of your siding. Does it seem like you continually must repair spots on your home’s siding? Scheduling an inspection or maintenance check on your siding should be done once or twice a year, while the cleaning and maintenance are left up to the homeowner. This can be quite a time-consuming project, and you may want to consider having a siding that is more low maintenance to make better use of your time with other daily activities.
Extreme Color Fading or Peeling
Curb appeal is important to you and your neighborhood. Once the color on the siding begins to fade it can become quite unsightly. Do you find yourself having to paint your siding more frequently because it is peeling? In Colorado, we have 300+ days of sunshine per year, and that sun can be brutal on our homes. If you had sun-damaged siding and replaced or repainted it several times, and the damage returns quickly, this may mean a structural problem. There are options for sun-resistant vinyl siding, and fiber cement siding available in a variety of colors that don’t require constant maintenance and will retain their color for many years.
Cracks & Gaps
Cracks and gaps can be quite unsightly but can also lead to inviting in moisture or pests. The integrity of the underlying wood structure may be comprised or worn down. Water damage from rain, snow, or pests may contribute to some of the siding becoming loose. Although these small areas can be repaired as a short-term solution, it is recommended to replace damaged siding as soon as possible to protect your home, as well as the appearance of your home.
Rotting & Warping
Does it look like your siding is warped, buckled, or starting to crumble? This could be a sign of rot which can spread across the exterior. To test for rot, insert a screwdriver gently under the boards and joints around the gutters and chimneys. Is the area soft, and easy to poke into? This could be a sign of rotting damage. There are many new brands of siding like cement board or siding made from a vinyl composition that do not naturally decay when exposed to long periods of moisture.
Damage from Pests or Storms
Large-scale damage from storms or small damage from pests can present themselves as larger problems if not repaired or replaced. The damage could allow moisture to get into and under the siding which could reach your home’s structural framework or mold growth.
Higher Energy Bills
Rising costs of electricity and temperature swings may not be the only cause of your higher energy bills. Older siding does not insulate your home as well, making your furnace and air conditioner work harder to maintain the temperature in your home. Air leaks and drafts are common in defective or old siding. It may be time to replace your siding if you find you are paying more for heating and cooling bills.
Benefits of Replacing your Siding
Your home can look dramatically different with new siding, enhancing, and upgrading your home’s curb appeal, as well as increasing the value of your home. Installing and upgrading your siding could make a big difference in eliminating drafts, as well as saving on your energy bills in the winter and summer months. Ask the Team at New Windows for America about the different types of siding we offer, as well as siding that is rated by Energy Star for efficiency advantages.
Ready to Get Started on Your Siding Replacement Project?
If you are unsure if your home’s siding needs to be replaced, call the team at New Windows for America. We have 25+ years of experience with installing windows, and doors, including siding installation, specifically suited for our Colorado climate. We can help you figure out whether you can repair or need to replace your siding. New Windows for America offers some of the industry’s best brands, including James Hardie Siding, LP SmartSide, and Crane Performance Siding to name a few. We are happy to work with you on finding the best siding replacement for your Colorado home and can offer you a free estimate and determine if your siding needs to be replaced.
Contact our New Windows for America Team today with any siding questions you may have!