According to some homeownership experts, the siding of a home can last anywhere from twenty to forty years with proper maintenance. However, many homeowners also fail to provide adequate maintenance of the home exterior. Without proper care and maintenance, siding is susceptible to damage from the sun and other weather elements as well as pest infestations and poor installation. But when should you replace siding? How can you know if the damage is beyond repair?
It can be difficult to know when to replace siding, especially if you aren’t sure what warning signs to look for. In this post, we’ll go through the various types of siding commonly found on modern homes and what warning signs to look for in terms of wear or damage. If it has been over a decade since your home’s siding was last replaced or if your siding shows any of the signs of wear, you might want to consider repairing or replacing it with Volpe Enterprises.
Aluminum
When to replace aluminum siding? It may be time to replace your aluminum siding if you notice signs of corrosion. While aluminum doesn’t rust, it can become brittle and corrode, especially when exposed to harsh elements. If it’s been more than a decade or longer than you can remember since your siding was last replaced and you notice signs of wear, it may be time to replace your aluminum siding.
Cedar
When to replace cedar shingle siding? Like other types of wood siding, cedar is particularly vulnerable to damage from insects, woodpeckers, and other pests, even when treated. If any of the panels appear visibly warped or if you see cracks developing, it’s probably a good time to at least schedule a professional to assess damages to see if it would be more cost-effective to replace or repair.
Wood
When should you replace wood siding? If it has been about ten or more years since your wood siding was installed, or if you notice any warping, cracks, holes, or other obvious signs of damage – it may be time to replace your wood siding. While wood siding can last for decades with sufficient maintenance, its biodegradability makes it particularly vulnerable to prolonged exposure to harsh elements, especially when left untreated.
Vinyl
Vinyl siding is a valid solution for numerous homeowners due to its affordability, durability, and the fact that vinyl typically requires very little maintenance, especially when compared to wood siding. Vinyl is also highly customizable and can be painted over, although it is vulnerable to dents and cracks when subjected to extreme weather conditions. And because it’s also generally pretty affordable and easy to install, vinyl is a prime option for many new homes being built today.
When to replace vinyl siding? It’s usually pretty easy to tell when vinyl siding needs to be replaced; siding may warp or buckle in addition to becoming cracked or loose. Although vinyl siding technology has been around since the 1950s, most modern vinyl compounds can be expected to last around thirty or forty years. If it’s been that long since the vinyl siding went up on your home or if you notice any of the signs of wear for vinyl siding, it may be time to replace it.
Stone
Stone is one of the longest lasting siding materials, but it is volunerable to water and moisture. If you see crumbling or pieces of stone falling out, you likely need to repair or replace it.
Conclusion
Vinyl is one of the best options for homeowners regarding siding; the material is energy efficient as an insulator and durable, as well as highly customizable in terms of style and color. One of the biggest reasons homeowners love vinyl so much is because of how easy it is to maintain – there’s no yearly treatment process or need to repaint over and over again. Simply hose it off when it gets dirty and regularly check for signs of damage or wear after storms and high winds.
Fiber cement is another option for homeowners that have become increasingly popular in recent years. Some of the benefits of fiber cement (Hardie) siding include its incredible durability and longevity, versatility and flexibility of style, as well as its resistance to heat, fire, and adverse weather conditions. Fiber cement siding is also highly versatile in terms of style, and there are numerous choices that fit a diverse array of home styles and architecture types. Additionally, fiber cement is exceptionally resistant to other common forms of siding damage and wear, like warping or rotting. And because of its durability, fiber cement siding can provide greater protection for homes in danger of tornado or hurricane damage.
Volpe Enterprises can see to your home’s siding maintenance or replacement needs. As a family-owned enterprise for over fifty years, they understand what it means to provide quality service that can last for decades. Volpe can get the job done quickly, honestly, and with integrity. Contact us today to learn more!