Vinyl siding protects your home from weather damage, pests, and harsh temperatures. It can last for 20 to 40 years but might need a little maintenance every now and then. If your siding has been in a storm or subjected to any manner of outside sources, then it’s time to take a walk around your home and inspect the siding for possible damage. 

How Do You Inspect the Vinyl Siding?

Go to the corner of your house and peer down the length of the wall. The siding should be straight all the way to the other corner of the home. Repeat this step around your house. Then, do a quick visual inspection of the siding as you walk around your home, especially if there is a grill next to the wall. Warping, melting, or bulging usually cannot be repaired and has to be replaced. However, if warping is found soon after installation, then it’s possible the vinyl siding was adjusted too tightly during the installation.

Weed whackers, golf balls, and hail are all enemies to vinyl siding. Storms can also blow debris against your home and cause small amounts of damage, but once a crack or hole appears, the damage is already done. The structural integrity of the siding is compromised, and stronger winds can access these areas and cause more damage.

Why Should You Schedule Repairs as Soon as Possible?

Moisture is the main threat to vinyl siding. Although it doesn’t affect the siding directly, it does affect the moisture barrier, insulation, and wood behind the siding. Moisture can deplete the effectiveness of insulation and rot the wood. If unabated for a long period of time, black mold can begin to grow, which can lead to rot or congestion issues.

Insects can also damage the siding. Most insects are harmless, but once they get under the siding, they can lay eggs, look for access into your home, or in the case of termites, weaken the home structurally. Even during the hottest months of the year, pooled water can remain under the siding, and these unwanted visitors will flock to it.

Vinyl siding is a good investment, but it must be maintained regularly. Inspecting the home once every three months will help ensure it remains intact. Ray St. Clair Roofing has serviced the Greater Cincinnati, OH, area for over 60 years. Their trained experts can repair or replace your siding, regardless of the size of your home. For more information on their services, visit their website, or call (513) 874-1234 to schedule an estimate.