Red flags are made to send warnings or danger. Even though your home’s siding doesn’t have a literal red flag to warn you about when it needs to get replaced, there are several warning/danger signs that can pop up. Let’s go over the signs that are telling you it’s time to replace your siding. Because sometimes, these signs are not so obvious.
To see for yourself if you have any warnings on your home, you’ll have to do a close up inspection of your siding. This takes about 10 minutes of your time. You also might need a screwdriver, but look to Red Flag Number 1 to see for sure.
Red Flag #1:
Warped panels. Look at the panels on your house closely. If you find any panels that are warped, do a quick inspection underneath the panels with a screwdriver. Poking underneath, pay close attention to how firm the panels are. As a result, if they are malleable or soft this is a indication the panels may be rotted. Rotting tiles need to be replaced immediately. If they are not taken care of they can spread and even damage the structural integrity of a home.
Red Flag #2
Mold or mildew can be easily seen on the outside of the home and it’s another huge red flag when it comes to your home’s siding. Furthermore, mold or mildew is not only unhealthy to breathe in, it is dangerous for the siding as well. It can literally eat into the wood below the paint. It can damage wood so severely you may find yourself needing to replace all the exterior wood on your home. Mold can also make it easier for the wood beneath to retain water, which can destroy the panels even more too. Just washing mold off will not ensure it does not return.
Red Flag #3
Peeling paint or loose wallpaper may indicate that your siding is water logged. In addition, this tells you that water could be seeping into the foundation itself and the walls of your house. Siding of this nature needs to get replaced asap to prevent further damage. If you replace siding now you may be able to prevent thousands upon thousands of dollars of damage.
Red Flag #4
Bubbles underneath the paint in your siding. Additionally, this problem is common with poorly installed siding. Furthermore, Bubbles in the siding indicate that water is finding its way below the paint and collecting in pockets.
Red Flag #5
Fading paint. Fading paint alone does not indicate bad siding, but if you are having to repainting it every year instead of every 6-9 years then this is a huge problem. Waterlogged siding does not hold paint, and simply putting on a fresh coat of paint is not helping the problem. Replacement siding is your best option at this point in time. You should note too that new siding has new color technology that makes it never have to be painted again.
In conclusion we’ve read you all the warning signs. It is up to you to do your due diligence and see if your siding needs to get repaired. This means going outside and checking the panels yourself. Generally, make sure to check for the 5 things on our list which include;
- Warped Panels
- Mold Or Mildew
- Peeling Paint/Loose Wallpaper
- Bubbles Underneath The Paint
- Or Fading of current paint
As a siding contractor, we have many years of experience replacing siding. If you are not sure if your siding needs replaced, please give us a call for your free quote. We care about you and your home. Thanks for reading and please feel free to comment below on your ideal siding!