Common Question: Time to replace my siding?

Exterior home siding performs a critical function – protecting the interior of your home from the elements. It is important to recognize when your siding is reaching the end of its useful life. New Jersey homes withstand heat and humidity in the summer, ice and snow in the winter and thunderstorms with heavy rain and wind in between. The right siding can help insulate your home and dramatically reduce your energy costs. Siding can also improve the aesthetics of your home and actually increase its resale value. Some siding materials can last for decades with proper maintenance. Here are some signs that your home’s siding may need to be replaced.

Holes, Cracks and Gaps

Visible holes, cracks or gaps in your home’s siding are a sure sign that it is time for an upgrade. Not only does aging or damaged siding negatively impact your home’s curb appeal, it also can be an indicator of interior damage. Holes and gaps in siding can leave your home’s interior vulnerable to unwelcome visitors such as insects, rodents or termites, all of which can cause severe damage and headaches. Even the tiniest of cracks in a home’s siding can serve as an entry for dampness and rain, resulting in mold, mildew and rain damage.

Siding with damage due to woodpeckers or insects.

Mold and Moisture

The presence of moisture, mold or mildew collecting in your attic or on your home’s interior walls or windows could be the result of concealed damage to your home’s siding. Exposure to mold build-up can lead to respiratory illnesses and also result in significant damage to your property. Always have mold growth investigated and addressed swiftly. Mold buildup can indicate that the home’s siding or insulation has been damaged or it can indicate the presence of a water leak.

Mold on an interior wall caused by dampness that seeped in from damaged siding

Bubbles or Blisters

The appearance of blisters or bubbles on your home’s siding is generally an indicator of issues with the weatherproofing. Blistering occurs when moisture gets trapped underneath the siding. If the bubbling is limited to a specific area, it may be possible to just replace that section. However, if the damage occurred due to inferior weatherproofing then it is likely that additional sections will become breached in the future. In this case, it is best to replace all of the siding.

Maintenance Fatigue

If you find you are spending a lot of time repairing damaged pieces of siding or repainting boards that have become cracked or faded or are peeling, it may be time to replace your siding. Life often gets hectic and if siding maintenance falls by the wayside, this can lead to costly damage to the underlying structure of your home.

Home siding in need of replacement - clapboard with peeling paint.

Increasing Energy Bills

Not all siding materials are equal. With age or from exposure to extreme weather, some materials will contract or shrink leaving small gaps around doors, windows or electrical outlets. Any area where you feel a draft coming in is also a spot where money is going out in terms of heating and cooling costs. Replacing the siding on your home is also an opportunity to upgrade the insulation beneath the siding for improved thermal performance and moisture control. Certain types of home siding are even Energy Star rated for efficiency. Replacing your home’s siding can result in a significant savings in home energy costs.

Replacing your home's siding can significantly lower energy costs.

Select the Right Siding for Your Home

Choosing the right siding for your home will bring peace of mind and will help your home look its best for years to come. Alte Exteriors is a trusted Central New Jersey siding contractor. Our team of professionals offer material selection and expert siding installation services. We can even make recommendations for siding and roofing combinations based on design trends, the style of your home and your personal preferences.

Vinyl and PVC siding are popular and cost-effective options because of their significant weatherproofing capabilities and color choices. The siding experts at Alte Exteriors can evaluate your siding and discuss the best options for your home. Alte Exteriors is a second generation, family-owned and operated New Jersey exterior renovation company. We offer high-quality brands, such as Wolf PVC siding and offer expert installation. Contact Alte Exteriors today for more information about exterior siding for your home or business.