As a homeowner in Denver or the greater Colorado area, you understand the importance of keeping your home looking its best and providing quality protection against severe sun, heat, and wind.
One of the most important components to achieving this is having well-maintained siding. Knowing when it’s time for a siding replacement can be tricky as some signs may not always be readily apparent – this article will guide you to recognize the tell-tale signs that it’s time for replacement siding.
The Importance of Your Home Exterior
The siding on a house is an important part of its exterior. It’s the outer layer of protection between the interior walls and the outside elements, like rain and wind. Exterior siding materials vary from one home to another, with options available such as vinyl, wood, stone veneer, brick veneer, stucco, aluminum, or fiber cement.
While each material has advantages and disadvantages that should be considered when making a selection, in Colorado, the two main types are fiber cement and vinyl.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is a popular choice because it is low-maintenance and durable. It resists fading and heat damage while still being lightweight and easy to install. While it naturally lacks insulation, the right siding contractor can ensure that any vinyl siding installation is done with excellence to provide security to your home for years to come.
Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement is similar in appearance to wood but offers better fire resistance. The much harder surface makes it highly desired among homeowners looking for durable sidings that offer insulation without excessive maintenance needs. However, this material can be quite expensive up front as well as labor intensive during installation compared to other types of sidings
Why Replace Your Siding?
As homeowners, it is important to stay on top of our home’s exterior maintenance. One of the most important components of doing this is regularly replacing your home’s siding.
Replacing your siding can lead to an increase in energy efficiency as newer siding products are made with more insulation and better air-sealing qualities than those prior. This means that new siding installed on your home will keep out the elements better, helping to keep your heating and cooling bills lower.
Additionally, new siding can protect your home’s structure from water damage by providing an extra layer of protection against moisture infiltration that can occur through older materials.
Finally, new siding gives you the opportunity to customize your home’s aesthetic and give it a fresh new look without having to make any major changes or renovations. So not only does getting new siding help with the function and upkeep of your property, but it also allows you to express yourself creatively!
Four Signs It’s Time for More Than a Siding Repair
Visible damage to a home’s siding is one of the clearest signs that it’s time to call a siding contractor. This will look different depending on the original material used, but many of the initial.
Faded and Peeling Paint
Fading or peeling paint can make a home exterior look neglected, thus decreasing its curb appeal. Vinyl siding is particularly prone to cracking or blistering, allowing moisture to seep in, which can cause mold growth beneath the siding and weaken its structural integrity.
Warped, Loose or Missing Siding
Missing or warped siding is similarly vulnerable to water infiltration, as gaps let moisture in, leading to structural damage or rotting over time. Therefore, redoing your home’s siding when visible damage first appears is key for maintaining your home’s aesthetic value and avoiding long-term problems.
Mold and Algae Damaged Siding
The presence of mold, mildew, and algae growth on your home’s exterior can indicate that the siding is deteriorating and needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. Mild situations can be remedied with a thorough cleaning, while severe situations resulting in water damage and wood rot need to be replaced.
Damaged Caulking and Sealants
Damaged caulking or other sealants around windows, doors, and siding are other top indicators for replacing siding. These sealants are designed to protect against air and water infiltration, and if they are damaged or have gaps in them, the underlying structure of your home is unprotected from the elements.
When It’s Time to Replace Siding – Call Peak to Peak!
If you experience any of these obvious signs, it’s time to invest in protecting your home’s exterior for many years ahead before more serious damage occurs.
Peak to Peak Roofing and Exteriors is here to provide you with a free inspection and high-quality siding services to keep your home looking its best. Get in contact with us today!