7 Signs You Need Siding Replacement or Repair

Siding is a critical part of American homes that does far more than just sit there looking pretty. It's your home's first line of defense against, well, almost everything from moisture to wildlife damage. And it needs to be in good condition to perform its job properly. If it's falling apart, repair and/or replacement should be in the cards to protect your home against much worse internal and structural damage.

But how do you know if it needs to be replaced? We'll cover seven signs that your cladding is crying out for help from Mr. Handyman of Greater Columbia and Eldersburg so you know what to watch out for and can keep your home safe.

What Are the Types of Siding?

You're probably aware of what type of exterior siding installation you currently have on your home, but it's good to know what the options are. Popular siding materials include:

• Vinyl
• Wood siding
• Engineered wood
• Batten style siding
• Fiber cement
• Synthetic stone veneer
• Natural stone

Each one has its own set of pros and cons. For example, the natural charm of real wood versus its susceptibility to wood rot and damage from woodpeckers (yes, really). Or the ease of maintaining vinyl versus its tendency to fade in color. You may be happy with the type of cladding you currently have. But if you're looking at replacement, it's a good idea to consider all the possible choices so you can make an informed decision.

How to Tell If You Need Siding Replacement or Repair

Now let's talk about the signs that your cladding needs attention. You should carry out a detailed inspection at least once per year by walking around your home and closely examining it from as many angles as possible. But there are also some signs that aren't visible from the outside.

1. Cracks or Gaps

One of the major signs that your siding needs to be replaced is cracks in the material or big gaps between pieces. This can actually cause structural damage to your home by letting moisture into the interior of the walls. The moisture can then cause support beams to rot and crumble. Cracks or gaps might also let in pests, such as termites and rodents, that can cause a lot of internal destruction.

2. Fading

One of the best things about vinyl siding, aside from its water-repelling qualities, is that it comes in a wide range of colors and variety of styles. As mentioned above, it’s particularly prone to fading, especially on parts that get the most direct sunlight. However, the color should hold true for the period of time it’s rated to last by the manufacturer. If you do see significant color fading, it's an indication that your siding is past its prime and will start to suffer further damage in the near future.

3. Inflated Energy Bills

Have your heating and cooling costs gone up, even though your usage hasn't changed? Do you notice cool drafts of air near walls or windows, or coming from electrical sockets and switches? This problem could very well be related to damaged cladding that's costing you an arm and a leg by forcing your HVAC system to work overtime. You'll likely need the help of an experienced handyman to determine if your cladding is the cause. If it is, replacing it with energy efficient, insulated vinyl siding can save you a lot of money in the long run.

4. Bulging or Warping

This is the reason it's important to take the time to inspect your siding from multiple angles. There may not be any cracks or gaps, but if you see signs of warped cladding—especially when it's bulging out from the wall or cupped inward—that’s a huge red flag that something is going on underneath. That “something” is likely to be moisture damage, but it could be other serious issues as well.

5. Moisture Damage Inside Home

If you see signs of water damage on the inside walls of your home—such as loose or bubbling wallpaper, peeling paint and drywall tape, or dreaded mold and mildew—damage to your exterior cladding could be the culprit. Needless to say, this can have a huge negative impact on your home. But even worse, it can affect the health of your family. It needs to be dealt with immediately by a professional before it damages your house any further.

6. No Time to Maintain

Some types of cladding simply require more maintenance than others. You may be perfectly happy refinishing your siding every couple of years in exchange for natural beauty and a unique look. But, if you find that you don't have the time or energy to keep up with maintenance—or you just don't want to do it—premium vinyl siding panels are a virtually maintenance-free, affordable option.

7. Increase Property Value and Boost Curb Appeal

Thinking of selling your house in the near future? Out of all the home improvement projects you may be considering, siding replacement will boost your curb appeal and offer one of the best returns on investment. In fact, you can expect to recoup around 75% of the money you put in, according to Remodeling Magazine.

Mr. Handyman Is Your Local Siding Replacement Professional!

Noticed some signs that your siding is in desperate need of repair or replacement? Mr. Handyman of Greater Columbia and Eldersburg is ready to transform your exterior and help protect your home from damage.

Give us a call today or request service online, and we'll show you why we have so many satisfied customers for our siding replacement and other handyman services!