Over the past few years, home improvement spending has been on the rise, with the average household spending more than $8,300 per year. If you’re planning out your own projects for the upcoming months, it’s a good idea to start by looking at your home’s exterior, particularly at the siding. If you’re in need of a siding replacement, you’ll want to take care of that first before tackling other projects.
But how do you know when your siding needs to be replaced? We’re here to help. Continue reading to learn about the most common signs to look for when trying to decide if you need to schedule a new siding project.
1. Discoloration
First, take a walk around your home and look for any signs of discoloration on your siding. This could be a sign of water damage. Or, it could mean that the siding is beginning to decompose or rot. Either way, this discoloration is a good indication that you need to replace your siding sooner rather than later.
2. Blistering or Buckling
Another common sign to look for is abnormal blistering or buckling, especially if you have Masonite siding. This material was designed to be straight and stiff. However, if it starts to absorb moisture, it will begin to expand, causing bulges along your siding.
If you don’t address this issue as soon as you notice it, it will only lead to more serious damage down the road.
3. Pest Infestation
When you’re inspecting your home’s exterior, it’s also important to look for signs of bugs or insects, especially around your foundation. Insects often start to eat or breed in siding materials like Masonite, slowly destroying it in the process.
If you catch the infestation before any structural damage occurs, you might just need to treat the area with a repellent. However, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Schedule a siding inspection with a professional to see if there is further damage and if you need to plan for a full replacement.
4. Issues With Caulking
One siding issue that you may not notice at first glance is in the caulking. When your siding was initially installed, all of the spaces between your boards should have been filled with caulk to prevent water from getting in under the boards.
Over time, that caulk will start to break down, meaning that your home no longer has the protection it needs. If you notice cracks in your caulk or missing pieces altogether, it’s time to replace your siding.
5. Deterioration
Perhaps the most obvious sign that your siding has seen better days is if you notice any pieces missing, especially from Masonite siding. Oftentimes, these start as small holes or cracks, which eventually get bigger, putting your home at risk of damage.
Call in the help of a siding professional at the first sign of deterioration.
Trust Siding Express for Your Siding Replacement Project
If you notice any of the signs we discussed in this article and have shown in the below photos, it’s time to call in some help. Our team here at Siding Express can help you identify the root cause of the issues you have and offer high-quality replacement products like James Hardie siding.
Don’t risk further damage to your home’s exterior. Contact Siding Express today to get a free quote for your replacement project.
