Signs You Need To Replace Your Home’s Siding

Your home’s siding is pretty sturdy—in fact, it’s so reliable that you probably don’t spend much time worrying about it. Siding can last for decades and normally requires minimal maintenance. It’s an easy thing to forget, but ignoring it for too long doesn’t bode well. Over time, your home’s siding will deteriorate. If you don’t catch early warning signs or handle them promptly, they can worsen and lead to more extensive—and expensive—problems down the line. Here are some telltale signs you need to replace your home’s siding.

Fungus Growth

Fungi require three things to thrive: darkness, food, and moisture. Unfortunately, your home’s siding provides all three. Siding faces constant exposure to rain and snow, and it can accumulate debris and dirt (dirt is a fungi-approved food source). Plus, siding usually sits in the shade thanks to an overhanging roof. This makes it the perfect home for mold and mildew, which can both eat away at your siding and damage it. Mold and mildew can also creep into cracks or holes and travel into your home, where it can spread and cause health issues for you and your family. You can have the mold or mildew removed, but in many cases, you’ll need to replace the siding to eliminate it entirely.

Cracks, Dents, and Holes

More signs you need to replace your home’s siding include cracks, dents, holes, and other visible damage. A small crack or hole in the siding might not seem like cause for concern, but even the tiniest imperfections can pose huge problems. These cracks and holes can compromise the structural integrity of your home. Water can seep into gaps and cause mold or mildew to grow beneath the siding. And if water can get past the siding, so can crafty insects and critters! A termite colony might decide to snack on your exterior, or a small family of rats or chipmunks may crawl in and build a cozy nest inside the walls.

Expensive Utility Bills

Have you noticed a concerning uptick in your monthly utility bills? This may stem from your home’s siding. Incorrectly installed siding, low-quality siding, and low-grade insulation can lead to an increase in energy bills. To eliminate drafts and bring your energy bills back down, you’ll likely have to choose a new siding material to replace your old siding and invest in additional insulation.