If you currently have siding on your home, you probably know that it has many benefits. It protects your home from the weather and provides insulation to keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. It keeps water from seeping in. It increases your curb appeal and home’s value.
Some advantages of having siding on your home include:
- Aesthetics. Siding improves the look of your home. It provides a fresh, clean look with matching trim and accessories that can completely transform the look of your home.
- Lower Maintenance. Most siding materials (especially fiber cement and vinyl siding) require little or no maintenance to keep them looking great. That means that you don’t need to spend as much time cleaning and maintaining it. You get to spend your leisure time doing things you actually enjoy!
- Reduced Painting Costs. James Hardie fiber cement siding comes in a wide variety of manufacturer colors that are baked in, not painted on. They will last for years without painting. Vinyl siding never needs painting. Both materials won’t fade or chip. Neither material fades, flakes, chips or cracks. No more scraping and painting your home every few years.
- Increased Home Value. The clean look of siding improves your curb appeal. It will attract more home buyers because of its low maintenance characteristics.
- More Energy Efficient. Siding adds an extra layer of insulation on your home that protects your indoors from the outside weather. You’ll be more comfortable and enjoy lower utility bills.
8 Signs You Should Replace Your Siding
Siding doesn’t last forever. When it gets to the point of not performing as it should, you’ll need to replace it to get the same benefits. But how do you know when it’s time to do that?
If your siding has the following signs, you should strongly consider replacing it.
1. Dry Rot
The term “dry rot” is misleading, as this condition only happens when the wood gets wet. This can happen if the siding was improperly installed or there is an issue inside the home. The dampness leads to fungi growth that causes the rotting below the siding’s surface. If the problem is not addressed, it could lead to further structural damage.
Often, the problem is not visible without looking deeper. If you have had flooding or water damage inside or outside your home, you may want to test your siding. You can find out if it’s there by tapping on the siding with a rubber mallet or hammer. If the siding is not firm on impact, you may want to investigate further beneath it. Hiring a professional to inspect your home may be warranted to get the full scope of damage.
If there are only a few areas impacted with dry rot, you may be able to replace just those slats. However, if your siding is older, it may have faded so the color matching will be a challenge. The style or brand may no longer be available. In that case, it’s best to re-side the entire home.
2. Cracked, Peeling or Loose Siding
These signs are definitely more noticeable than the dry rot. They negatively affect the appearance of your home. But it’s not only aesthetic issues here. Cracks and gaps in the siding allow moisture to enter, which can lead to further problems, like mold and dry rot. They can also compromise the structure of the home. There’s an increased opportunity for insects and critters to get in.
You’ll need to check beneath the cracked or loose siding to ensure there is no additional damage beneath it. All impacted siding should be removed and replaced to prevent water and pests from infiltrating the home.
Again, if there are only a few of them, you can replace only the boards that are cracked or tighten up the loose slats. But you still have the issue of matching the rest of the exterior. Also, if there are large sections that are damaged or loose, it may be a sign of more severe problems. If that’s the case, it’s wise to contact a professional contractor to further inspect your home’s exterior.
3. Hail or Storm Damage
Storms can bring hail, heavy rains and strong winds. We all know that hail can cause pock marks and other damage to your siding. Even if there’s no hail, heavy winds can blow debris, tree limbs and other objects that will dent or crack your siding.
After a storm, it’s a good idea to visually inspect your siding. There may be evidence of chipping, denting and cracking caused by the storms. Even if the damage is not extreme, it could decrease the protective layer that siding provides against the elements.
Usually, hail damage is spread over large areas of the home. You’ll need to replace the siding on your entire house when that happens. The good news is that this replacement is often covered by your homeowner’s insurance, so check your policy and call your agent.
4. Maintenance
Are you having to paint your siding more often? Exterior paint should last at least 8 to 10 years. Chipping, peeling, or cracking paint on the siding is one of the first signs of decay. If your paint is only lasting 5 or 6 years, it may indicate a problem with your current siding.
If cleaning your old siding is a chore that you hate, replacing it with siding made from low maintenance materials will ease your burden. Think about getting James Hardie Fiber Cement siding or premium vinyl siding installed on your home. You’ll enjoy the look and appreciate the minimal maintenance.
5. Interior Walls Peeling
Is the paint or wallpaper inside your home cracking or peeling? It may be a sign that your exterior siding is damaged. If so, it could be allowing water and moisture to seep through it to the wallboard inside.
6. Higher Utility Bills
If you notice an increase in your utility bills, it may be due to your deteriorating siding. If your siding is older, the insulation has worn down and not as effective. There may be holes or cracks in the siding that are allowing outside air in and inside air out. Your HVAC unit is working harder to maintain the indoor temperature; thus, higher bills.
7. Curb Appeal
Even if there are no real physical or structural issues with your siding, you may want to replace it. If your siding is older, has become faded, or is dingy from wear and tear, it’s not very aesthetically appealing.
Are you tired of the color or style? There are many more color shades available in today’s modern siding. In fact, James Hardie fiber cement siding comes in dozens of styles, textures and colors. You’re sure to find something you love from their vast selection.
8. Resale Value
Worn, old, outdated siding can be a detriment to the value of your home. Replacing your siding can add a 78 percent return of its cost at resale. Because it adds to the curb appeal of your home, you’ll get more interested buyers who drive by or look at the pictures online.
Types of Siding Available from Banner Construction
When you’re ready to replace your siding, you have options on types of siding materials. Banner Construction only installs James Hardie fiber cement siding and premier vinyl siding from Mastic Home Exteriors and Revere Sovereign Select. Although there is siding made from metal and wood, we believe they don’t provide the look, appeal and value that our siding does
James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding
When it comes to the most durable, longest-lasting, most appealing siding available, fiber cement has it all. It’s environmentally friendly, made from recycled materials. It won’t rot, is pest-resistant and fire retardant. It may cost more than other materials, but it is guaranteed to last at least 30 years.
The premier fiber cement siding manufacturer is James Hardie. Their Color-Plus technology provides many choices in baked-in color. Even if you don’t find a color that suits you, fiber cement can be painted. James Hardie products include siding, trim and fascia.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl is another popular material for homeowners. It comes in more color choices than it did years ago. If you choose premium vinyl siding, you’ll get a product that is sturdier and able to withstand extreme temperatures. It can resist high winds and fading from the sun. It’s easy to install and maintain.
Choose a Trusted Professional to Install Your Siding
If it’s time to replace your siding, it is important to contact a professional to help you make sure the job is done properly. We only carry the highest quality siding because we want to ensure our customers the best results with the best warranties.
Banner Construction is a local contractor specializing in James Hardie Fiber Cement siding installation. As a James Hardie Elite Preferred contractor, we have the training and expertise to install your siding right and maintain your warranty.
We are also a St. Louis' premier vinyl siding companies, installing premium vinyl siding by Mastic Home Exteriors and Revere.
We can guide your decisions on what type of siding is best for you and help you make an informed decision. Contact us today for a free consultation.