When is it Time to Replace my Siding?

While the roof and gutters typically get a lot of attention from homeowners, it’s important not to forget about your siding as well. Siding serves a number of practical and aesthetic uses, and maintaining it can help you save money in repairs. It may not, however, be immediately obvious that it’s time to replace your siding. Thus, it’s best to keep an eye out for the following warning signs:

Eye Test

Simply put, the easiest way to tell if you need new siding is by looking at it. If your siding looks faded, stripped, or overall unsightly upon first glance, it’s probably time to replace it. Another red flag is if the siding has strayed quite a bit from its original color. Bubbles in your siding indicate that water has made its way underneath and damaged the siding. Moreover, if you detect mold or mildew on your siding, this is another good indicator of water damage.

Ear Test

Give your siding a decent tap. If you hear a solid noise, your siding is probably in good shape. Conversely, if you hear a hollow noise, it may be because your siding is losing its form.

Increase in Energy Bills

Another way to know when it’s time to replace your siding is to examine your energy bill. If your heating or cooling bill seems unusually high, there is a good chance that your siding is failing to insulate your home properly. Insulation is one of the key functions of siding, and if your siding is failing in this department, it’s time to give your local roofer a call.