Now that warmer weather is here, you might think about what kinds of remodeling projects you can do on your home's exterior. One of the first places you should start is your siding. If you think the primary purpose of your siding is to make your home look nice, think again.
Siding is important for a few other reasons, including protecting your home from the elements and keeping moisture away from the insulation. Because siding is so important, replace it when necessary. Doing so will provide added protection for your home.
You'll know you need to replace your siding when you notice any of the following signs.
1. Your Utility Bills Are Unusually High
When your siding is up to par, it can help to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. How much you pay for heating and cooling largely depends on how you heat and cool your home. On average, homeowners in South Carolina pay $132 for electricity. If your utility bill is a lot higher than this, examine your siding.
If your siding is too old, new siding might increase your home’s overall energy efficiency.
2. Your Siding Is Loose or Cracked
Strong winds, hail, ice storms, and heavy rain can wreak havoc on the siding of your home. Bad weather is one of the main reasons that siding becomes loose or cracked. After experiencing a severe storm, examine your siding. If the siding is damaged in any way, replace it.
If a few pieces of siding have been damaged, you won't have to replace all the siding. However, if large sections of your siding are cracked or loose, it will require a larger renovation project. If loose and cracked siding isn't repaired, you have a higher chance of moisture getting into your insulation, which can result in interior damage.
3. Your Home's Exterior Contains Mold
The warm and humid conditions in South Carolina are ideal for mold growth. In fact, South Carolina ranks fourth in the country for states with the highest mold rates.
If you see patches of black or brown stains on your home's siding, you most likely have mold. When mold is located near the seams of the siding, water might be inside the wall. Besides being bad for your house, mold can be hazardous to the health of you and your family members.
4. Your Siding Has Holes in It
If you see holes in your siding, even tiny ones, these holes could be cause for concern. One of the primary causes for holes is that insects have gotten into the siding. This is especially true if your home has wood siding. Some of the most common types of pests that can destroy siding include:
Siding is important for a few other reasons, including protecting your home from the elements and keeping moisture away from the insulation. Because siding is so important, replace it when necessary. Doing so will provide added protection for your home.
You'll know you need to replace your siding when you notice any of the following signs.
1. Your Utility Bills Are Unusually High
When your siding is up to par, it can help to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. How much you pay for heating and cooling largely depends on how you heat and cool your home. On average, homeowners in South Carolina pay $132 for electricity. If your utility bill is a lot higher than this, examine your siding.
If your siding is too old, new siding might increase your home’s overall energy efficiency.
2. Your Siding Is Loose or Cracked
Strong winds, hail, ice storms, and heavy rain can wreak havoc on the siding of your home. Bad weather is one of the main reasons that siding becomes loose or cracked. After experiencing a severe storm, examine your siding. If the siding is damaged in any way, replace it.
If a few pieces of siding have been damaged, you won't have to replace all the siding. However, if large sections of your siding are cracked or loose, it will require a larger renovation project. If loose and cracked siding isn't repaired, you have a higher chance of moisture getting into your insulation, which can result in interior damage.
3. Your Home's Exterior Contains Mold
The warm and humid conditions in South Carolina are ideal for mold growth. In fact, South Carolina ranks fourth in the country for states with the highest mold rates.
If you see patches of black or brown stains on your home's siding, you most likely have mold. When mold is located near the seams of the siding, water might be inside the wall. Besides being bad for your house, mold can be hazardous to the health of you and your family members.
4. Your Siding Has Holes in It
If you see holes in your siding, even tiny ones, these holes could be cause for concern. One of the primary causes for holes is that insects have gotten into the siding. This is especially true if your home has wood siding. Some of the most common types of pests that can destroy siding include:
- Carpenter ants
- Carpenter bees
- Powder post beetles
- Termites
Unfortunately for homeowners in South Carolina, all of these pests can be found in this state.
5. The Color of Your Siding Appears Faded
If you have older siding on your home, the color may be faded. This fading is usually found in vinyl siding due to the types of chemicals that vinyl contains. When the siding is exposed to acid rain or sunlight, these chemicals oxidize, which results in fading. Newer vinyl doesn't fade as quickly as old vinyl does, so when you notice fading, have your siding replaced.
If you have noticed any of these signs and think you need to replace the siding on your house, contact Finley Siding & Gutter Services, Inc., for quality vinyl siding. We’ll examine your siding and help you find the best option to protect your home.
5. The Color of Your Siding Appears Faded
If you have older siding on your home, the color may be faded. This fading is usually found in vinyl siding due to the types of chemicals that vinyl contains. When the siding is exposed to acid rain or sunlight, these chemicals oxidize, which results in fading. Newer vinyl doesn't fade as quickly as old vinyl does, so when you notice fading, have your siding replaced.
If you have noticed any of these signs and think you need to replace the siding on your house, contact Finley Siding & Gutter Services, Inc., for quality vinyl siding. We’ll examine your siding and help you find the best option to protect your home.