Siding plays a vital role in protecting the exterior of your home from the elements. While regular care and maintenance can extend its life span, constant exposure to the sunlight and the weather means it eventually needs replacement. Here are some of the most common reasons you would need to replace the siding.

How to Tell You Need to Replace Your Home’s Siding

1. Dry Rot & Mildew

Excessive exposure to moisture can cause mildew growth. This fungal growth is typically known as dry rot, which weakens the material from the inside. It can be detected by tapping the siding with a rubber mallet, which reveals that the underlying wood is soft and weak. Mildew and mold growth of any kind are common indicators that moisture may be pooling behind the wall.

2. Bubbling or Warping

Water that is trapped behind the vinyl can cause significant damage to both exterior and interior walls, and the siding itself may bubble or warp. As moisture penetrates the interior, the adjacent walls will likely have peeling paint or loose wallpaper. Prevent these issues by replacing panels that have cracks or holes as soon as possible.

3. Extreme Fading

The paint color doesn’t just help your siding look fantastic—it’s also an indicator of the longevity of its waterproofing. When the panels are extremely faded, the waterproofing materials have reached the end of their life span. While repainting or staining the siding could help restore its appearance, you will likely need to replace it to protect your home from pests and moisture.

For all your siding and roofing needs, turn to Walter St. Clair Roofing. This family-owned and -operated roofing contractor has been serving the Greater Cincinnati, OH, area since 1923 and is fully insured and certified as a master applicator with CertainTeed®. To learn more about their services, visit them online. Call (513) 641-3265 to request a free estimate.