Waiting till your siding is falling off or causing water to leak into your home is not usually the best time to replace it. This can put you in a situation of needing the work done right away, and sometimes it’s difficult to have quality work done on such short notice.
So how do you get a jump on replacing your siding while there’s still time for you to have it done right? First, take some time to inspect the exterior of your home, and here are some things to look for to help you determine if it’s time.
Signs That You Need New Siding
For wood siding, it may be time to replace it if you see the following:
• Peeling or curling paint • Cracking or splitting boards • Extensive hail damage • Wood knots popping out (specific to cedar siding) • Woodpeckers continually hacking at the boards
Wood siding can last from 20 -100 years, and the wide range comes from a deep list of variables. The species of wood (red wood and cedar last longer than pine), the age of the wood (old-growth vs. new growth), and the weather conditions around your home all contribute to the soundness of the boards.
For hardboard siding, it may be time to replace if you see the following:
• Boards swollen from water • Finish peels or flakes off • Doesn’t hold a new coat of finish • Surface has delaminated
Hardboard siding is a relatively new siding material, man-made from wood fibers, wax and resin, and usually lasts as long as indicated by the factory-finish warranty. But if that finish is compromised (from scratches, scrapes or punctures), the soft material underneath immediately soaks up water and the board will fail. Hardboard is a high-maintenance siding requiring diligent cleaning and caulking.
For vinyl siding, it may be time to replace it if you see the following:
• Chalky film on your finger after sweeping it across the vinyl • White streaks on brick or foundation below vinyl siding • Faded color • Cracked or brittle sections • Becomes more difficult to wash off mold, moss and dirt
Depending on the original quality of the vinyl siding, it can last from 15-20 years. Pollution and UV exposure also breaks down the petroleum in vinyl, so vinyl siding on a rural home tends to last a bit longer than on homes in urban and suburban areas.
It is never a good idea to install new siding over existing siding. Whatever the problems that caused the old siding to fail will continue to grow unchecked behind two layers. Take the opportunity to completely remove old siding and apply a new moisture membrane (like Tyvek) and inspect window and door flashing to protect your interior from water penetration. Here are more reasons to remove old siding.
When in doubt about the condition of your siding, err on the side of caution and have it inspected. The Home Consultants at Mosby Building Arts are deeply experienced and trained in analyzing siding conditions, and will recommend which is preferable – repair or replacement. And the Mosby construction team is trained and certified in siding installation so you will have peace of mind that it’s done right the first time.
For inspection of existing siding, or installation of new siding, or contact them here.
Similar Posts:
- When Do You Need New Siding?
- Prepare for Exterior Painting
- Ways to Clean Vinyl Siding
- When Do You Need a New Roof?
- Color Tips for Choosing a New Roof
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