3 Warning Signs Your Home Needs New Siding
How can you tell if it’s time to replace your siding? By keeping an eye out for the warning signs of wear and tear and siding damage.
Timberland Exteriors, your trusted general construction company, gives an overview below:
- Widespread Rot
Wooden siding is known for its rustic appeal, but to maintain its aesthetic appeal, it requires quite a bit of upkeep. Without routine maintenance, wooden siding becomes susceptible to issues such as dry rot. The term itself is a bit of a misnomer because dry rot is a type of decay caused by excess moisture and fungi.
How can you tell if your siding is affected by dry rot? Check if parts of your siding have started to shrink or break into cube-shaped bits. These are all a consequence of dry rot breaking down the cellulose in wood.
- Mold
Like wood rot, mold also thrives in damp environments filled with excess moisture. Mold may look fuzzy or slimy and usually appears in different colors ranging from dark green to bright red to black. If you notice green or black patches in your siding, you should schedule a siding replacement as soon as possible. That’s because mold can easily affect other parts of your home if mold-damaged exterior components aren’t replaced immediately.
- Higher Cooling and Heating Costs
Scratching your head over a higher-than-expected electricity bill? Cracks and gaps in your siding are a possible suspect. Cool air can escape your home through cracks and siding. Not to mention water will be able to infiltrate your home—and create a damp environment that’s the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew—through gaps in your exterior.
Choosing the Right Type of Siding
Keep in mind that no matter how durable your new siding is, it won’t last long if it isn’t suited to the local climate. To learn more about the types of siding best suited to the local climate, consult a local home remodeling contractor. Since they’re familiar with the local climate and building codes, they can make better recommendations.
Looking for roofers near you?
Timberland Exteriors, an A+-rated contractor with the Better Business Bureau®, offers a wide range of professional exterior services, including exterior home remodeling services. To get a free estimate, call us at (651) 439-1760 or (218) 849-6675. You can also fill out this form. We serve homeowners in Minneapolis as well as the surrounding MN communities.
