What is Siding?
The primary purpose of your home's siding is to protect the home, along with foundation and contents within it. It protects the home from rain, snow, wind, and any other strong weather elements. When it is colder, a well installed siding can protect the interior of the home from the cold weather outside. It can also help keep in the heat that is produced for your home, so you can stay warm and comfortable in the winter. Another purpose of the siding is to add beauty to your home. Since the siding takes up a majority of the homes outside surface, the attractiveness is an added appeal to any resident.
The damage poor siding can cause
If your siding is failing, water is more than likely going to find a way into the frame of your home. Moisture that is trapped there can lead to the wood rotting, mold growth, and other interior damage. This can lead to larger problem with the interior walls down the road. Also, the siding can act as a shield from insects and other extreme weather conditions. By having siding on your home, you can help ensure proper protection to your homes interior. It can help preserve the infrastructure, which can deteriorate with the wear and tear of the environment. Timely siding replacements and fixes can actually save you money on repair bills in the long run.
Signs new siding may be needed
If you unsure if new siding might be needed for your home, there are some signs you can look for. If there is warping in the old siding, you may need to have it replaced soon. You may start to notice the siding starting to bend and pull away from the surface of the home. This means that rain water and moisture could be getting behind or underneath the siding, and causing damage to it. There may also be a sign of interior damage in your home. There may be peeling paint or loose and sagging wallpaper in a room. This can be caused from moisture getting between the siding and the framework of the home. There may be signs of small green or black patches on the siding itself. These spots are usually found on the shady side of the home. This can also indicate a moisture problem you have in your home. If you feel along the siding and notice any place that gives in slightly, you may have soft spots. This can be a sign there are rotting boards behind the siding, and should be fixed as soon as possible.
