Three Signs That You Need To Replace Your Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is attractive, durable, and cost-effective, but it isn't designed to last forever. Know the signs that it is time to replace your old siding so you can be prepared when the day comes.
1. Warping
Warping is a common issue with some vinyl siding. Older siding may warp due to heat exposure, which means it is likely to be more pronounced on the side of the home with the highest level of sun exposure. Warping can also be a result of outside heat, such as from grills placed too near the home. Warped siding won't lay flat, and it will have a bowed or rippled appearance.
This type of damage is more than aesthetic. Warped siding no longer provides a good seal against outside moisture because the panels are not lying flat. Moisture can seep in behind the siding, leading to problems like mold and mildew.
2. Panel Damage
Panels that are loose or hanging unevenly have likely suffered some damage. In some cases, the damage may be minor and can be repaired by replacing the hardware that holds the panels in place. In other cases, there could be irreparable damage to the panels themselves. If panels can't be held on securely, they are more likely to be ripped off in future storms. Plus, moisture can seep behind them.
Another type of damage is cracks or punctures on the panels themselves, which are usually caused by impacts such as that from hailstones. Cracked and punctured vinyl siding panels can't be repaired. There are patches available, but they tend to look unsightly, and eventually, they will fail. Further, finding color matches to replace just a single damaged panel is also difficult, so usually it is best to simply replace the siding on the entire home.
3. Underlying Issues
Sometimes the paneling looks fine at first glance, but it is no longer sealing your home against problems. If moisture has seeped behind the panels, then you may be dealing with mold and mildew problems in your home. Mildew stains on walls, blistering paint, and water damage on interior walls are all signs that the old siding has failed.
In some cases, the siding panels aren't to blame, but the vinyl trim along the corners and seams has failed. You can try to replace only the trim if a suitable match can be found, but usually, the best option is to re-side your home.
Contact a house siding replacement service for more help.