Siding is one of the most important parts of your home’s exterior- it helps to protect your home from the elements, keep your indoors insulated, and create a barrier to lock out moisture, animals and bugs. But what happens if your home’s siding starts to get damaged? Your home may become vulnerable and lead to extensive repairs if it’s not addressed early. Let’s take a look at what the main causes and signs of siding damage are, and when to call in the experts to fix any issues.
What Can Cause Damage to Your Home’s Siding?
There are several things that can cause damage to your siding. Whether it be underlying issues or external elements, we cover the biggest problems homeowners run into when it comes to the siding on your house.
Weather
Regardless of the season, weather can damage your home’s siding over time. During summer, the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can age your siding prematurely and lead to fading and warping. Strong winds from a rainstorm can loosen siding boards and leave your sheathing exposed, driving water into your home’s layers beneath the siding. In the winter months snow and ice can freeze and thaw, causing siding to crack under extreme temperatures.
Pests
Wood siding and siding products that support your home’s walls can be susceptible to insects such as termites, powder post beetles, carpenter ants and carpenter bees. Many of these bugs will attack and tunnel through unprotected or compromised wood that’s on your home’s exterior, leading to significant damage. Small animals like mice or squirrels are drawn to these types of bugs and may start to nest in damaged siding.
Roof Issues
If your roof is not in proper shape, this can damage your siding. Because roofs are meant to protect your home from weather, animals and more, any issues with your roof can drive water to your siding instead of away from your home. Missing or broken shingles allows water to get into the layers of your home which can deteriorate your siding. If you notice parts of your roof is damaged, this can compromise how your siding is supposed to protect your home.
General Wear and Tear
Homes are meant to be lived in, and general wear and tear of your home exterior is no different. Upkeep of your siding (including an inspection annually) can keep it in working order for longer, but if you recently bought a home, it can be hard to determine when the previous homeowner updated the siding.
Depending on the siding material, you can expect your home’s siding to last anywhere from 10-40 years. Identify what type of siding you have to figure out how to best maintain it. For example, it’s recommended that wood siding is resealed every few years to prevent rot.
Signs of Siding Damage
There are some telltale signs of damage to your siding, especially if you recently bought a new home or haven't updated your home’s exterior in years. If you notice any of the damages we’ve highlighted below, contact us today to send out an expert to assess your home.
High Energy Bills
If you’ve noticed your energy bill seems higher than what it should be or have seen a steady increase in your monthly bill, this can be an indicator that your siding isn’t properly protecting your home. Damaged siding or the home wrap under the siding can affect your home’s temperatures, on a cold day you may need to crank the heat up without feeling like your home is warm enough.
Warped, Cracked or Bubbled Siding
Warped, cracked or bubbled siding is an indicator that your home’s exterior is compromised. This can be due to extreme weather, pests or even improper siding installation from a previous technician. If your siding has these characteristics, this means an expert needs to come out as soon as possible to assess the problem and find the underlying cause. Otherwise, further damage to your siding will continue to deteriorate over time, which will cost you more money to fix.
Rot, Mildew or Mold
If you see any signs of mold, mildew or fungus growing out of the seams on your siding or on the siding itself (depending on the siding material), this means your home is in serious condition and needs to be checked out immediately by a professional. Mold and mildew can rot wood structures underneath your siding and can spread to areas inside of your home, harming you and your family.
Missing or Rusted Nails on Siding
Rusted or missing nails sticking out of your siding can be a sign that your siding is expanding and contracting or has been damaged because of extreme weather. Siding that isn’t properly reinforced can leech water into your home’s underlayers, causing mold and rot. It can also leave your home readily available for animals and bugs to make their way into your home.
Learn the Signs of Damage to Repair or Replace Your Home’s Siding
If you’ve noticed your siding has been damaged, it’s time to call in an expert to conduct an assessment. At Graves Brothers Home Improvement, we’ll send a team member to do a walk-through on your home to identify problem areas and a game plan for replacing or repairing your siding. The longer you wait to fix or replace your siding, the higher the chances are that you’ll have to spend more money to alleviate problems damaged siding is causing to your home. Contact us in Rochester, Buffalo, Syracuse, or Albany, or our new locations in Center Valley or West Hartford to speak with an expert today.