A siding is meant to act as a protective barrier, preventing damage from harsh weather and pests. But older cladding might start to develop cracks, which can leave your house vulnerable to insects and rodents. But how can you tell when it’s time to replace your siding?
You will need to replace your sidings when you start to notice signs of damage or mold. Sometimes, there might be small holes, producing a draft in the house. In most cases, sidings will last for between 20 to 40 years, with regular maintenance.
Performing a thorough inspection of your cladding should give you a clear idea of whether it needs to be replaced. Read on to learn how to identify damaged sidings.
What Are Some Signs You Should Replace Your Siding?
There are multiple ways to spot sidings that should be replaced. Some of the things you should be looking for include:
- The siding has become loose. You shouldn’t be able to move any of your siding boards. But over time, they will become loose. Sometimes, they might fall off the exterior entirely.
- Rodent or insect damage. Pests can do a lot of damage to your siding. The most obvious example of this is holes in the boards.
- Excess moisture can provide the ideal breeding ground for mold. This fungal growth can do a lot of damage, eating through organic materials, like wood. At other times, rot might have taken hold of the cladding, causing it to start to crumble apart.
- Drafts in your house. Siding and house insulation should create a barrier that stops the wind. If drafts are getting through, it might be a sign of holes in the siding. Often, this will result in higher electricity bills, as it becomes harder to heat or cool your home.
- Fading color. Lastly, the sidings might have started to lose their vibrant colors, making the exterior of your house look dated.
- It’s also important to consider how old your siding is. In most cases, wooden siding can last for between 15 to 40 years, though it will require a lot of maintenance. Aluminum sidings can last for around 30 years. Vinyl will last for between 20 to 60 years and will be easy to maintain.
If you spot any of these signs, it’s a good idea to call in a professional to inspect the siding. They can help you decide if you need to replace it.
Final Thoughts
Sidings should last for a long time. But if you’ve had yours for 20 years or more, they might be starting to show their age. If they are starting to show signs of damage, it might be time to replace them.
