A siding replacement project is a significant home investment and one that no homeowner should dive into uninformed. In fact, before getting this replacement project started, they first need to think about certain important factors, such as what materials to order, which contractor to hire, and how big the budget will need to be in order to complete the project.

As winter approaches, take a look at your siding. At first glance, it may look good – why replace it? But take a closer look. What appears to be perfectly good siding may have more than a few problems, some of which will leave you shivering this winter if not repaired. See this post to learn more about the reasons why you should change your sidings before winter.

Internal Signs Of Siding Problems

When it comes to siding problems, it may come as a surprise that not all signs of damage are external. In fact, many signs that your siding needs to be replaced are visible from inside the home. Just like peeling house paint, peeling interior paint or sagging wallpaper are signs that your siding may be letting in moisture from the outside. This can damage not just your wall treatments, but the walls themselves, so it’s important to check for any additional structural issues if siding issues prove problematic.

Spotting Signs Of Disrepair

Home siding tends to let you know when it needs to be replaced, even if only through subtle hints. Often seen alongside peeling and faded paint is warped or rotting siding. While faded color is a hassle, warping can be a sign that deeper structural damage has occurred. One expert recommends using a screwdriver when inspecting warped siding. This will allow you to probe for damage, such as rotting beams. If you detect soft spots under the siding, it’s time for immediate action.

A similar concern arises if your siding has cracks or holes. Cracks are more likely caused by weather damage or other environmental conditions, while holes are likely caused by bugs working their way through the siding. While in some cases of cracking you may be able to remove just the cracked section for replacement, any underlying damage to the home may require removing much more. The same goes for insect damage – covering the holes won’t be enough if the bugs have chewed through key beams or have built extensive nests under the siding.

The Energy Bill Metric

When it comes to signs of siding damage, perhaps the sneakiest indicator is the one draining your bank account every month. Aging and damaged siding can cause temperature regulation issues in your home, leading to an increased energy bill each month. Whether it’s from heat seeping in during the summer months, causing you to run your air conditioner nonstop, or icy internal temperatures that drive up your heating bill in the winter, it’s incredible how much of a financial difference new siding can make.

Siding Replacement Timelines

If you can’t remember the last time you replaced your siding, but aren’t aware of any pressing issues that would warrant renovations, you may want to reconsider. Although it depends on the kind of siding you have, the typical contractor guidelines for vinyl recommend replacing your home’s siding every ten to fifteen years. It’s especially important to inspect your siding annually as you approach this timeframe.

Even if your home siding still appears up to the job when inspected, it’s common practice to replace older siding when performing major home renovations. Adding a sunroom, new windows, French doors, or a home expansion are all good reasons to reside in your home. Any siding that needs to be added alongside aging siding is unlikely to color match well, and worn out siding that has slipped through inspection may cause damage to home additions. Better to replace siding early during other home improvement work than to wait and regret it.