Siding Contractor Victor, NY

How do I know if I need new siding?

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​Many homeowners notice signs of wear and wonder if the damage is minor or if they may need new siding. But how can you tell for sure? There are several telltale signs that your will siding need replacing—especially if you see widespread physical damage like cracks, warping, rot, and more. when you see widespread physical damage (cracks, holes, warping, rot, soft spots, water damage). Other key indicators include loose, or warped panels, soft spots on wood siding and increasingly higher energy bills. Here is a list of signs to watch for that will tell you that it’s time to call a siding contractor for an estimate to replace your home’s siding.​

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Visual & Physical Signs

You will see visible signs that will help you determine if you need new siding. Inspect the outside of your home for these "red flag" signs that it might be time to call a siding contractor.

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• Warping and Deformation: If the siding is no longer flat or is bulging it is likely that water has penetrated and has become trapped behind it, potentially causing the wood underneath to breakdown and rot, which can compromise insulation. 

• Multiple Cracks or Gaps: Even minor cracks or holes in your siding can let moisture and pests infiltrate your home's structure. When cracks are extensive rather than limited to a single area, replacement is typically required.

• Soft Spots or Brittle Boards: If your wood siding feel soft, spongy, or crumbles when poking it gently with a screwdriver, it has dry rot and will need replacing sooner than later. On other siding material, if the panels are brittle, you may want to have your siding replaced.

• Multiple Loose or Missing Panels:  If your siding has become loose or panels are missing, this means that your home is no longer protected effectively from weather and pests.

• Severe Fading/Discoloration: If your siding is showing signs of widespread fading, the means that the protective weatherproofing is gone. (This does not apply to wood siding.)

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Performance and Functionality

Often will find visible signs that you need siding replacement from inside your home. Here are some signs to look for that signals you may need to replace your siding.

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• Peeling Paint: Frequent Painting/Peeling Paint: If the paint on your wood siding needs frequent painting or you are constantly repairing chipping or peeling paint, this could mean that the siding material itself is failing. 

• Energy Bills are Higher than Normal: If your siding has been damaged in any of the ways mentioned, this could mean that it's lost the ability to insulate your home properly due to air escaping. This can cost you more to heat and cool your home.

• Walls Show Signs of Mold and Mildew: Any type of mold or fungus that is showing up on the interior walls of your home means that water in somehow getting in behind the siding. Look for peeling wallpaper or bubbling paint. 

• Signs of Pest Infestation: If you are seeing termites or carpenter ants, or you spot holes made by woodpeckers, this can indicate that your siding has been compromised, allowing easy entry and overall damage to your siding.​​​​​

Your Siding's Age

If it's been several decades since your siding has been on your home, you may want to do an inspection and look for signs that it needs replacing. Here is a rough estimate about how long your siding is expected to last depending on the material.

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• Vinyl Siding: 20–40 years 

• Wood Siding: 20–30 years (if well-maintained) 

• Fiber Cement: 30–50 years 

• Aluminum Siding: 20–40 years