How to Identify Avoid, and Solve Common Siding Issues

A home’s siding plays a key role in making sure a home operates efficiently. With that in mind, J&B Construction offers tips on how to determine if there is a need to replace siding.

Moisture

The primary function of a home’s siding is to protect the home from the outside elements, including moisture. However, normal wear and tear or other forms of damage can cause siding to become susceptible to water damage. “Any signs of warping, cracking, peeling, rot, or mold growth on your home’s siding typically indicate that moisture is present, said Scott Cline, J&B Construction owner. “If left untreated, moisture can penetrate your home’s siding and cause water leaks inside the home as well as major structural damage, resulting in costly repairs.” The best way to avoid moisture problems is to perform a biannual inspection of the home’s siding and address any concerns or problem areas with a professional.

Cracks and Other Damage

The cause of cracks in a home’s siding can vary. For instance, siding may show signs of wear after being exposed to years of extreme weather, such as hail, sleet, snow, high winds, heavy rain, and the normal freeze-thaw cycle. Alternatively, it could be the result of improper installation or an accident that occurred on the property.

“Regardless of the origin, the mere presence of cracks in your home’s siding is concerning and should be addressed by a professional promptly to avoid further damage,” Scott said. “Depending on the severity of the damage and age of the siding, the areas of concern may simply need to be patched or the siding may need to be replaced entirely.” It should be noted that the average lifespan of siding varies widely, anywhere between 20 to 40 years, as it depends on several factors, including material type, weather conditions, and the quality and frequency of maintenance performed on the siding.

Pests

If there are any openings present in a home’s siding, it is important to understand that pests, such as termites, carpenter ants, carpenter bees, woodpeckers, and rodents can find the gaps with ease and wreak havoc on siding. “Since some types of pest damage can be difficult to detect, you should be vigilant of any signs of decay,” said Scott. “If you’re worried about damage caused by pests, consider opting for vinyl siding or fiber cement siding.”

One of the most popular and affordable siding materials, vinyl siding is resistant to rot and insect infestation. Alternatively, fiber cement siding is impervious to many of the issues that plague wood siding, like termites, but still retains a woodgrain pattern. Composed of wood fibers and cement, fiber cement siding is one of the most durable siding materials on the market.

Poor Insulation

Over time, siding may lose its ability to insulate from extreme temperatures and this may be reflected in the form of higher energy bills and uncomfortable indoor air temperatures. “After examining and excluding drafty windows and doors, a poorly insulated attic, and defective insulation elsewhere in your home as possible sources of any air leaks, it’s safe to assume your siding is likely to blame,” he said. “In this situation, replacing your siding is highly recommended, with insulated vinyl siding being a wise choice as it helps to maximize a home’s overall energy efficiency.”

Extreme Fading

It’s normal for your siding to fade after several years. Oftentimes, depending on the siding material, a fresh coat or two of paint is all that is necessary. “If you find your siding is exceptionally faded, this may be a sign that its weatherproofing capabilities are failing,” Scott said. “This is not an urgent matter, but it does serve as a great opportunity to think about installing new siding in the near future so as to avoid more pressing issues down the road.”

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