The Most Common Signs of Siding Damage
The state of your home’s exterior and interior are inextricably linked. Siding isn’t merely a cosmetic feature -- it protects your home from the elements, such as wind, rain, and snow. If your siding is deteriorating, then, your home becomes more vulnerable, and additional issues are bound to arise. This is why it’s so important to regularly inspect your siding for signs of damage and repair or replace it as soon as possible. Of course, you need to know what you’re looking for when detecting issues. Let’s go over some of the most common signs of siding damage so you can keep your home well-protected and beautiful.
How to Tell Your Siding Is Damaged
Boards that Are Warped, Cracked, and/or Rotting
These are perhaps the most noticeable signs of siding damage as they tend to draw attention to themselves. If one or more of your boards is warping, weakening, or being eaten away, there’s a good chance that you’re looking at water damage and/or some type of rot. Depending on how severe and widespread this damage is, you may merely need to repair and replace a few boards or completely overhaul your siding. Cracked siding may or may not point to a major concern -- a cracked board might result from an isolated impact (i.e. falling branch or windswept storm debris). Multiple cracks, however, require more attention. Either way, these cracks should be filled (or the boards replaced) immediately to prevent water, pests, and other debris from entering these gaps.
Faded and Discolored Exterior
Every exterior loses some of its color over time thanks to ultraviolet radiation (sunlight). Raleigh house painters can restore your home’s outward appearance when the time comes (every 5-7 years or so). However, not all instances of discoloration are created equal. If your siding’s tone is fading and/or shifting faster than normal, it may be due to water damage or other environmental threats. If this is the case, a fresh coat of paint will merely place a band-aid over the real problem. In other words, you may need to repair or replace your siding before investing in a new coat of paint if you want the best, longest-lasting results.
Mold and Mildew
Mold, mildew, and other types of fungi can quickly set up shop on (and inside) your home if the conditions are right (i.e. warm and wet). These fungal foes aren’t just unsightly, but can also weaken your home’s structure and pose health hazards to those inside. Regularly power washing your siding will help blast away these contaminants and prevent new spores from spreading, but you must remain vigilant -- if mold or mildew continue to show up, you’re likely facing a moisture intrusion problem. These nuisances will continue to appear until you resolve this underlying issue.
Exterior and Interior Paint Problems
Just as your siding is designed to shield your home from harm, paint is meant to protect your surfaces. Over time, however, even the highest-quality paint job will lose its strength and begin to succumb to the elements -- this occurs even faster for lower-quality paint. If you notice bubbling, peeling, cracking, and/or chipping paint on your siding, it might simply mean that it’s time to hire Raleigh house painting pros to apply a fresh coat. On the other hand, these signs might also point to deeper issues with your siding itself (moisture is once again a prime suspect). It’s not just your exterior paint job either. Interior paint problems might also point to issues involving your siding and/or insulation. Simply put, if your siding is damaged or weak, the outside environment can more easily creep into your home, affecting your drywall, wall paint, and more.
Higher Energy Bills
Finally, one of the most tell-tale signs of siding damage is also the least visible. If you notice a suspicious increase in your energy costs, your home is likely becoming less energy-efficient. There are many potential reasons for this occurrence (i.e. windows, doors, lightbulbs, etc.), but your siding and insulation may be the primary culprits. Siding that is damaged or deteriorating will allow the air inside your home to easily escape, increasing the amount of energy required to maintain a consistent internal climate. So, keep an eye on your energy output.
It’s easy to take your home’s siding for granted, but this feature is essential for protecting your home from harm (inside and out) and maintaining energy efficiency. If you’re unsure of the state of your siding, hire a Raleigh painting provider who knows what to look for. At Anderson Painting, our experts know how to spot siding damage and can repair or replace any type of siding if necessary. To learn more about us and all we do, call today at 919-610-1855 or email us at info@andersonpaintingnc.com!
