Siding, like other parts of your home’s exterior, will need to be replaced when siding repair isn’t a practical option anymore. Here are the signs that indicate that you need to replace your siding.
Severe Damage
Siding is exposed to the same conditions as the roof, and it’s not uncommon for siding to get damaged by hailstones and tree branches. Scratches and other kinds of surface damage can be repaired, but holes, splits and sections that are falling off are indicative of severe damage. It is possible to replace some sections of the siding, but in such cases, it is better to have it replaced. Consider investing in siding products with better impact resistance, such as James Hardie® fiber cement siding.
Dry Rot
Dry rot happens when a certain type of fungus consumes wood cells and spreads tiny strands into the wood fibers. This results in splitting, cracking or crumbling wood parts. Homes with wood siding (and other exterior components made of wood like decking) are susceptible to dry rot. If you wish to keep the same wood siding, you have to perform regular inspections and replace the affected boards immediately.
Constant Repainting
Wood siding requires a fresh coat of paint every few years. If your siding starts showing cracks and blisters too early, this means the wood has been scraped and repainted too often, and the primer won’t adhere to the surface anymore. Another benefit of replacing old wood siding with low-maintenance products is you won’t have to scrape and repaint your siding again. This is the reason why vinyl and fiber cement siding are popular with today’s homeowners. They are also easy to clean, and – in the case of James Hardie siding – the colors will stay vibrant and are warranted against fading, chipping and cracking.
Twin Cities Siding and Roofing is your leading provider of siding installation services. Give us a call at (651) 967-0873. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in St. Paul and the surrounding communities.
