When it comes to your siding, replacing it could be a matter of time. Depending on what your siding is made of, you’ll need to replace it every so often. Organic materials like wood need to be replaced the most often.
Stucco siding seems eco-friendly, but will need to be replaced often depending on the temperature. As a Michigan company, we can say that stucco, unless it’s fortified for the cold, will need to be inspected for cracks every spring and fall. There’s a reason you see more Stucco in Florida, California, and other warmer states.
Brick and stone can last a lifetime, but the grout will need to be inspected and filled in from time to time. Plus, houses made entirely out of real brick or stone are a rarity and are often older.
Most homeowners have vinyl siding. It’s cheap to produce, lasts longer than wood or stucco, and is easy to install. That’s why it still goes up in new neighborhoods around the world.
1. Too many broken or thin panels
If you have a broken panel, fixing it right away can be the difference between a small investment and having to repair major home damage. Your siding is supposed to protect your home from the elements, water damage, and pests. If there’s a broken panel, you need to replace the panel ASAP.
If the panel is thin or brittle, that means it could crack soon, and it’s better to replace it now than wait until it cracks. This is especially true if winter’s approaching since fluctuating temperatures can make brittle panels crack and cracked panels worse.
2. Cracks
Don’t have vinyl or wood panels? Stucco and brick siding can also crack and need replacing. Similarly, broken or old, worn panels above, a crack in a panel is especially bad news. One small crack is enough to let water and outside air in. This can cause your energy bills to go up and can invite mold and mildew damage to your house that you might not even know about until it becomes a big problem.
That’s why it’s important to inspect your siding for cracks, breaks, or worn panels before the temperatures dip. If you find damage, won’t wait to replace your siding. If you have stucco or wood panels, consider upgrading your siding with new vinyl. It doesn’t need to be replaced as often as stucco or wood.
3. Unsightly discoloration
Doesn’t seem like a big sign, does it? However, if you have siding that’s discolored and you’ve scrubbed and scrubbed as much as you can, sometimes, planting a bush in front of the damage isn’t going to cut it. Plus, depending on the siding material you have, and where the discoloration came from, you might have a bigger problem.
Vinyl can discolor due to sun damage, water damage, algae, or caked-on dirt. According to SFGate, the best way to take care of this damage is prevention. Wash your siding regularly, inspect it for mold or mildew, and keep grills, pesticides, and reflective surfaces away form your siding.
However, SFGate’s suggestion of painting your vinyl only does so much good if the damage is from dirt or sun damage. If your vinyl is thinning or is discolored due to mold or mildew, you may need to replace your siding.
If you want to redo your entire siding, we have replacements that last for years and stand up to wear and tear. Contact us today or receive a free estimate right now!