Winter can take a toll on your home, especially its siding. Maybe you’ve just purchased a new house and are wondering how much to invest in home improvement. However, this requires spending time and money to hire a local company, so you don’t want to make an uninformed decision when selecting a new type of siding. Knowing when it’s time to replace your siding and what options are out, there is crucial to protecting the value of your house and improving its aesthetics.
If you notice these five warning signs, then it’s time to replace your house siding:
Water Damage Appears
Old siding will eventually fail to protect your home from being damaged by the weather. For example, not only can bubbles form on the siding itself, water stains can appear inside your home as well. Water damage can happen for other reasons, like piping problems, but it’s a good idea to check the quality of your siding if you notice paint bubbles inside or outside.
Your Energy Bills Have Increased
When your siding starts to age, it can affect your bills as your house is no longer “as” insulated from outside elements. Take a look at your utility bills and calculate whether your heating/cooling bills have gone up year over year. If you see an increase, it’s most likely because your siding and/or wall insulation needs to be replaced.
Not only will this increase the value of your home, but it will also save you money in the long run because your house will be able to retain heating and air conditioning more effectively.
Moss is Growing
Plants, moss, or mold growing on your house siding are all signs that it’s holding in moisture and could be starting to rot. This can damage the aesthetics of your home as well as cause health risks for family members and guests who are allergic to mold or other kinds of plants.
If you notice fuzzy green on your house or mold spots, it’s time to call a contractor and invest in new siding.
Your Siding is Fading, Cracking, or Warping
Unlike water damage which may stem from various issues, if your house siding has begun to show signs of cracking or warping, it’s definitely time to replace the siding. Holes or cracks can collect snow and moisture, which can cause dangerous mold to grow. Likewise, openings in your siding allow bugs and rodents easily into your home. Pests can create even more damage by burrowing, laying eggs, and spreading disease.
If you’ve recently experienced a storm or harsh weather, check to make sure your siding is intact. Loose siding can cause the same problems as holes and warping — it doesn’t protect the interior of the home against moisture and animals.
Purchasing new siding is a time commitment and money investment, but it will ultimately increase the value of your house as well as keep your family safer from outside elements. When you start to notice any of these five signs, call Blue Ridge Exteriors, and we’ll provide quality house siding that’s not only aesthetically appealing but also durable.
