Think Your Siding May Be Sliding? 6 Questions You Need To Answer To Determine If Your Home's Exterior Is In Trouble

Posted on: 6 August 2020

Whether you've had your siding replaced in recent years and suspect improper installation or can't even remember when the siding was put up and it's just now showing possible indications of problems, it's too important to leave to chance. Your siding serves as a shield, safeguarding the structure from the elements, not to mention keeping the occupants comfortable and all their belongings intact.

If you're starting to worry that something's wrong with your home's siding, ask yourself the following questions: 

1. Are The Seams Out Of Sorts?

No matter what type of siding your house has (vinyl, wood, aluminum, etc.), there should be a symmetrical seal of caulk at every seam and connecting point between the siding and home, including where it adjoins with frames. Should this caulk bulge, break, or dislodge completely, replacement is in order right away. If, however, you've let this aspect of the siding falter, the damage beneath the panels could be extensive enough by now that you're looking at a total redo. 

2. Is The Siding Distorted At All?

The panels themselves should not be distorted in any way, such as being warped or erupting in any particular place. Especially in the smoldering summer sun, expansion can lead to buckling, more so if the panels weren't installed properly. Eventually, all the connected parts of your siding can be compromised. Look at your home's exterior from different angles to determine if the panels are smooth and undisturbed. If they're not, something needs to be done about it.

3. Has The Damage Crept Indoors?

Unfortunately, aging or inadequately-installed siding can eventually damage your home on the inside. Dampness penetrates from the exterior, right through to your drywall, wreaking havoc on interior paint, paneling, wallpaper, and carpeting. If you notice any of these surfaces eroding faster than they should, consider the possibility that the outside shield is beginning to fail. This is crucial if you own any high-end furniture or antiques, which require controlled humidity for safekeeping. Since you don't want anything you own damaged by creeping moisture, you must ensure the exterior of your house is highly functional.

4. Are Nails Discolored, Out Of Place, Or Missing Completely?

There may be foam board or basic sheathing directly behind your siding panels, but it must be attached somehow. You may notice rusted nails, empty screw holes, and other tell-tale clues that the small parts holding everything together are coming apart, quite literally. Particularly if this problem is widespread, something either went awry during installation or too much time has elapsed since the job was done; either way, it's not a situation you can simply ignore. Nails for this type of construction should be made of stainless steel, aluminum, or galvanized metal, where a protective coating of zinc is applied. 

5. Have Your Heating Or Cooling Bills Seen An Increase Lately?

Another benchmark of a failing exterior is when the interior can't hold a steady temperature. When there's a seemingly inexplicable increase in your heating and/or cooling bills, it's high time to inspect the outside of your house to find out why the inside requires that much more energy for thermal stability.

6. Do The Composite Materials Match Your Climate?

If the roofer who sides your house isn't from the area, they should be familiar with the climate just the same. Wind is very hard on a home's exterior surface, as are other shenanigans of Mother Nature. A professional knows when you need water-repellent materials, customized reinforcements, and serious weatherproofing. This is not an area where corners should be cut to economize or abbreviate the installation process.

Siding is too important to take chances with, especially if you've answered yes to a couple of these questions. Get the answers you need and the help for your siding that may be necessary by contacting a professional so your siding can serve as a shield of protection and comfort once more.

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