Even top of the line siding won’t last forever. Vinyl siding is a popular choice for siding because it is affordable, requires minimal maintenance, and is highly durable. However, over time you may start to notice signs of wear and tear on your siding and consider replacing vinyl siding on your home. So, how do you know when it’s time to replace it?
Your vinyl siding can become cracked for a variety of reasons, but one of the most common is from hail damage or even your lawnmower throwing a rock at the side of your house unexpectedly. Regardless of the cause, when these cracks occur, it exposes what’s underneath to moisture which can result in damage to the inside of your home.
You may also have larger holes in your vinyl siding as well. This could be caused by insects or animals such as carpenter bees, carpenter ants, termites, or beetles. Mice, rants, and squirrels are also known to gnaw at almost anything if they think they will find food. Holes, like cracks, can expose your home’s interior to moisture that may lead to mold, mildew, and rotting.
When temperatures make drastic shifts and houses settle, something quite common in Missouri, siding can contract and expand. If your siding was installed too tightly without much room for this movement, you may notice buckling or warping on your siding. Even if your siding was installed correctly, the extreme temperature shifts can still cause damage that will result in replacing vinyl siding pieces.
Even if you haven’t noticed obvious signs of damage on the exterior, replacing vinyl siding may be necessary if you notice moisture on your home’s interior. Signs of this include peeling paint, mold on your walls, or a musty smell that you cannot explain. If you can identify an area of moisture inside your home, try to find the corresponding area on the outside of your home so you can remedy it ASAP.
Everyone wants to be more energy-efficient, and your siding plays a role in how well your home stays warm or cool. If areas of your home are missing pieces of siding or it was not installed properly, it could be affecting the temperatures inside your home, making your bills skyrocket. If you’re not sure whether it’s your siding causing the increase, consider the age and quality of your windows as well.
Vinyl siding is quite durable, but nothing lasts forever. Your vinyl siding likely has a lifespan of 30-40 years. If you know when the vinyl siding was originally installed, you can plan to replace it when the time comes. However, if you know your siding is old, but are not sure how old, replacing aged vinyl siding before you notice signs of damage could save you money in the long run. Keep an eye on the condition of your siding and consider consulting an expert if you think your siding is too old to continue protecting your home.
Since 2006, Manor Roofing has been serving the Columbia and Mid-Missouri area, doing projects like siding repair and replacement, roofing repair and replacement, window replacement, and more. If you think you may need to replace your vinyl siding, reach out to schedule a free inspection!