Since it is exposed to the elements, your siding can really take a beating. Unfortunately, all that wear and tear can seriously impact your curb appeal and the overall value of your home. Not to mention, compromised siding can harbor mold, cause flooding, and affect your heating and cooling bills.
The question is, what kind of damage should you be on the lookout for, and what can you do about it?
You Can Repair Your Siding!
Before diving into what could go wrong with your siding, you should know that you don’t always have to shell out thousands of dollars in order to replace it. You may be able to opt for siding repair in Fort Collins instead!
A lot of damage is localized, which means you only have to remove the siding from one small part of your home. Surprisingly, most siding installation companies have the capability to match your existing siding so only the panels that are removed have to be replaced. It gives you the ability to protect your home and increase your curb appeal for a lot less than a total replacement.
Water Damage
Water damage is one of the top causes of siding damage. Rain and snow can get behind your siding and cause moisture to get trapped, but that’s not all. If you use lawn sprinklers, they could get your siding wet. Shrubs that grow too close to your house can rub rain- or dew-soaked leaves on your siding. You especially have to be mindful of siding that isn’t protected by an overhanging wall or gutter system.
The earlier you catch water damage, the easier it is to repair. A professional can rip out the old hardboard and replace it before replacing the siding. The quicker you catch it, the less damage has been done, and the more affordable the repair is.
Extreme Weather
Water damage can happen during regular rainstorms, but there are other ways your siding can be damaged by more extreme weather. For example:
- Hailstorms can pummel siding, leaving behind divots and dents
- Extreme winds can pull siding away from the house or tear it off completely
- Blowing debris can punch holes or create dents in siding
Winter storms are a special consideration in Colorado where snow is likely during the winter months. Ice can be especially troublesome, as it can expand and contract, loosening siding panels and damaging the hardboard underneath.
It’s always a good idea to do a quick walk around your house after any severe storm to see how your siding looks. Take a look at your roof and your gutters too, as leaks there can also end up causing siding damage and more severe damage underneath.
Bad Installation
It isn’t uncommon for homeowners to hire an inexperienced crew to install siding, or they may even install it themselves. Although it may look good when the installation is first complete, if the siding isn’t installed properly, it usually doesn’t last. The siding ends up fading, the paint peels, or it gets warped, buckled, or cracked.
It’s a good idea to call in a properly licensed and insured company to take a look if you’re experiencing these kinds of issues. They can make repairs and install the siding the right way so that it doesn’t continue to affect the other siding panels on your home. Even if the entire side of one house has to be redone, it’s much better than paying to install all of the siding on your home.
Bugs and Pests
Colorado backyards are no stranger to pests. They can cause a lot of trouble in the garden, but they also have the potential to cause a lot of problems for your siding.
Termites are perhaps the most well-known. They can eat through wood and cause a lot of damage, but they aren’t the only bugs that can cause problems. Bees and wasps are notorious for making their nests under siding panels. Larger animals like birds, squirrels, and rodents can cause trouble too.
If pests are to blame for your siding damage, call a pest control expert first. Then, hire a professional crew to fix your siding so that bugs and pests can’t wiggle their way under your siding again.
Your home’s siding is its first line of defense against the elements. It’s what gives your home the most curb appeal too! Take care of it by keeping your eyes open for the most common causes of siding damage so you can get it repaired quickly.