Your siding is one of the most important features of your home’s exterior because it offers the ultimate protection against the weather extremes we experience here in Missouri. Unfortunately, the elements it protects against are the same things that take a toll on your siding, leading to serious damage. So, at what point is the damage too much? Below, we’ve outlined some of the signs to look for that indicate it’s time to replace your siding in Chesterfield, MO.
If you notice any of these signs on your exterior or you have questions about the siding replacement process, please get in touch with our team. You can reach us by calling 636-757-3925 or contacting us online.
Your Siding Is Loose or Cracked
Anytime a strong storm rolls through Chesterfield, there’s a risk that it will damage your siding. In the most extreme cases, high winds can cause your siding to loosen, split, or crack. When this happens, water during that same storm and future ones can get beneath your siding and threaten your home’s structural integrity.
Loose or cracked siding should be taken seriously and replaced as soon as possible.
Your Siding Is Faded or Peeling
It’s not only storms that threaten your siding. The bright Missouri sun can also damage your siding, causing it to fade or peel after years of exposure to UV rays. While you can opt to repaint your siding instead of replacing it, in many cases, this is just a temporary fix.
A severely faded exterior is an indication that your siding’s weatherproofing properties are compromised. In that case, you’re better off replacing your siding instead of prolonging the issue.
Mold, Mildew, or Algae Is Growing On Your Siding
When you notice a growth on your siding, it’s a sign that there could be moisture trapped beneath its surface. In some cases, you can remove the growth from the siding, but if it continues to grow back, you have a persistent moisture issue that needs to be fixed.
We recommend having a siding expert like our team here at Siding Express come out to inspect your exterior. If we see signs of serious moisture issues, we’ll likely recommend that you replace your siding.
Your Energy Bills Are Higher
If you’ve lived in your home for several years, you should have a good idea of what’s considered a “normal” energy bill for you. When your bill goes up quickly and significantly, it could be a sign that your siding is no longer providing adequate insulation.
We recommend replacing your siding with an energy-efficient material like James Hardie fiber cement siding, which provides excellent insulation and can help lower your energy bills.
You See Holes in Your Siding
Just like cracks in your siding can let water in, so can holes. While the occasional hailstorm can cause holes in your siding, more often pests are the culprit. Whether you have holes from woodpeckers, termites, or carpenter ants, you’ll need to replace your siding to prevent future damage to your home.
If you leave the holes without fixing them, it’s only a matter of time before they get larger and pose a bigger risk to your home.
Your Siding Is More Than 20 Years Old
Depending on the type of siding you have on your home, it may start to degrade after the 20-year mark. In that case, you’re better off replacing your siding instead of repairing it, even if the damaged area is fairly small.
This can help you save money in the long run because you’ll take care of the replacement now instead of paying for repairs and then a full replacement in another few years.
Your Siding Is Warped or Rotting
The next time you look at your siding, touch it in a few spots as well. If you notice that it feels soft instead of solid and sturdy, it’s a sign that it’s beginning to rot underneath. You can also tap on your siding to see if it sounds hollow, which is another sign of dry rot.
In that case, it’s time to replace it before it degrades further.
You Have Masonite Siding
If you currently have masonite siding, now may be the time to replace it. Masonite is susceptible to buckling, deterioration, and discoloring. This type of siding is also prone to insect infestation and can create many problems for a homeowner. If you have masonite siding and you are experiencing some of these issues, consider replacement siding.
Your home’s siding is the first defense for your home against nature so having a durable siding can help you protect one of your biggest investments.
Hire Siding Express to Replace Your Siding in Chesterfield, MO
After reading this post, we recommend going out to give your siding a quick inspection. If you notice any of the signs that we’ve outlined, you should plan to replace your siding in Chesterfield, MO. To request a free quote for your replacement project, please reach out to us by calling 636-757-3925 or contacting us online.