Your home’s exterior siding experiences the full force of harsh weather and unfortunate accidents to protect you and your family. From hailstones to fallen tree branches, the exterior materials are designed to help minimize home damage. However, in time these materials may start to degrade. Here are several warning signs that may indicate that it is time to replace your siding.
Higher Energy Bills
Siding is designed to be an exterior barrier for your home. While it keeps the weather and outdoor temperatures from entering the home, it also locks in the conditioned interior air. Yet you may notice that your energy bills are higher year round because you are running the furnace longer in the winter and air conditioning more in the summer. If you checked the other areas of your home for inefficiencies, such as your roof, windows, or doors, then the problem could be that your siding is old or damaged.
Siding is Severely Faded
The constant exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet light can make your siding fade. You may have noticed this fading on only one side of the home that gets the most direct sunlight. The fading can also occur due to snow and rain. In time, this fading can make your home looked age as well as allow water to penetrate due to degradation. While the siding can still protect your home when experiencing some fading, you want to fix this issue before more serious problems occur to your home.
Siding is Warped
Have you noticed that there are bubbles along the homes exterior where the siding bulges out? Your siding could be warped.
There could be several reasons why your siding warped. Moisture could have penetrated through cracks. Pests such as termites or rodents could have damaged the siding to create holes that allow moisture to enter. Poor installation could also cause tech siding to warp. Siding is designed to contract and expand when the temperatures change. If the siding was nailed too tightly, it can bulge. Discovering the key reason for the warping issue can allow you to determine which repair to perform.
Fungus/Mold in Siding
Several types of fungus can adhere to your siding. Some fungus, such as artillery fungus, can come from hardwood mulch and creates black spots on the siding as this can be easily removed. Other types of fungus and mold on siding is caused by trees and shrubs that are too close to your home. These plants lock in moisture along the siding while blocking the sunlight. If you see mold or mildew along the seams of siding, it could indicate that the fungus or mold has penetrated underneath and could be causing damage to your home.
Determining the problem with your siding and the extent of damage can allow you to take the necessary steps to protect your home. If you are experiencing siding problems in the Cincinnati area, contact the professionals at Brandstetter’s KangaRoof. We can perform an evaluation to help figure out the cause and replace the siding so you have safe and comfortable home.
