Do you know the condition of your home’s siding?
When was the last time you really examined your siding for signs of rot or wear?
Here are several key siding warning signs that suggest you should consider repairs or siding replacement.
Ongoing problems with your paint or siding surface
You can tell a lot about the state of your siding by examining its surface. If you are starting to see bubbles, cracks and peeling on the paint or surface layer of your siding, this is a sign that something more serious is going on beneath. Oftentimes, frequent peeling is caused by trapped moisture. If you have paint problems that (literally) surface more than ever five years, your siding has a deeper issue and may need to be replaced.
Warping, drooping and other strange problems
This problem can come as an unpleasant shock to those with newer siding. The boards can start to twist, warp, droop and otherwise melt in alarming ways, pulling away from the house and pushing out nails or brackets. This siding warning sign is typically seen with vinyl siding. The plastic components can melt under long-term exposure to heat, and you may need to upgrade your siding to solve the problem. In colder areas, vinyl siding may crack instead of warping.
Unusual stains and mildew
Any strange stains or signs of mildew are serious siding warning signs. Stains are brown spots on your siding that look like dirty water has dripped down your house. This is a sign of poor installation up by your rooftop. If not properly sealed, siding can allow rainwater in behind the siding, causing rot and staining issues. Mildew, on the other hand, is a collection of brown or black spots that slowly grows, hinting that your siding is exposed to far too much moisture.
Water issues after rain
If you notice problems with stains and mildew, take a look at your siding after the rain. Is water staying on your siding for a long period of time? Is it noticeably turning your siding darker colors, like it’s soaking in? This is a sign of bad sealing and poor or absent gutters. Call in a contractor to see if you can save your siding through better sealing or a new gutter solution.
General heating and cooling problems
When siding starts to fail, it often begins to pull away from doors, windows, foundations and other areas. This makes it easier for heat to enter or leave your house, which can play havoc with your HVAC system. If your energy bills have drastically changed in recent months but you cannot find a cause, it’s time to take a close look at the state of your siding.
If you are noticing any of the aforementioned siding warning signs, it may be time to contact Findlay Roofing.