Signs Your Home Needs New Siding

Siding is a key part of your home's exterior protective system, shielding from rain, snow, wind, intense sunlight and other environmental exposures. And, although it can have a relatively long life, siding doesn't last forever.

Are you preparing your home to sell? Or maybe neighbors are starting to replace their vinyl siding and you’re wondering if yours is also due? Whether you’re actively shopping for vinyl siding in Cleveland, or are simply noticing that your home’s siding isn’t looking its best, there are some clear signs to look for that will quickly tell you that siding is reaching the end of its useful life.

At Fairview Home Improvement, our Cleveland home improvement specialists are here to help. Our invaluable information, experience, and top-rated brand partnerships ensure that we have the products and services you need when siding replacement is on your radar.

Siding Warning Signs

Your home’s siding takes a beating, year in and out. It’s normal to notice a ding or discoloration here or there. But how can you tell when repairing siding is no longer a viable option? Here is what to look for.

Cracked or Broken Siding

Siding that has been compromised with cracks or is missing broken pieces can allow moisture and pests to reach areas behind the siding. Depending on the severity and construction of the wall system, this could lead to serious water intrusion and subsequent damage that threatens structural integrity. Oftentimes one or two panels of siding being damaged is not a crisis and these can typically be repaired. However, when there is repeated cracking across an exterior wall along with widespread brittle or deteriorated siding, replacement is the best option to keep your home protected and dry.

Warped or Buckled Siding

Take a look at your home’s exterior walls from different angles. Are you noticing bowing, bulging, rippling, or otherwise uneven siding? These shifts and minor deformations can indicate that siding panels are pulling away from the wall. From installation problems and heat-related movement to moisture or structural deterioration, the root causes can vary, but the solution demands a deeper investigation by professional Cleveland home improvement specialists. Siding replacement and perhaps some minor repair work are generally recommended.

Loose or Missing Siding

Siding that is improperly installed, but also siding that is exposed to very strong winds and storms could begin to loosen or detach in sections. Age can also lead to this sort of deterioration, as can excessive seasonal moisture and freeze-thaw cycles. If panels are repeatedly becoming loose or large sections are affected, the home's siding system may need more extensive attention and replacement may be in order.

Rotting Siding

Wood and wood-based products used to side a home are naturally prone to rot over time. Soft areas, crumbling material, discoloration, swelling and visible decay all indicate that repeated water exposure, inadequate sealing, and time and wear have taken their toll. Painting over rotted wooden siding doesn't correct the underlying deterioration, and instead it is time to consider replacement along with an investigation into the underlying moisture issue. Installing vinyl siding in Cleveland homes is a smart choice for most homeowners.

Peeling, Blistering, or Failing Exterior Paint

For various reasons, your home may have painted siding. Many homeowners view paint as an easy way to update their home’s color scheme and curb appeal. But more often than not, a seemingly simple DIY job can lead to repeated coating failure and evident peeling, flaking, blistering or cracking. These symptoms can result from aging coatings, improper preparation, moisture infiltration, substrate deterioration, and other causes, but more paint isn’t usually the solution. Repair or siding replacement is generally the appropriate choice.

Fading and Discoloration

While fading is often primarily cosmetic, particularly after years of UV exposure, it can also be evidence of weakness that makes siding less effective. For instance, widespread fading that occurs alongside brittleness, cracking, warping and other signs of deterioration is proof that the fading process has also resulted in an overall degrading of siding materials. A mere coating of paint cannot repair those compromised siding panels, and it’s a good idea to start looking into siding replacement.

Frequent Siding Repairs

If siding repairs have become recurring rather than occasional and you find yourself needing to fix areas of your home’s siding every season, it’s likely time to consider siding replacement. Repeatedly paying for isolated repairs may be less practical when it becomes a common occurrence. More often than not, a larger replacement project is a better long term solution.

Moisture, Mold and Mildew

Siding moisture problems can originate with various sources, but they’re all big risks to the integrity and safety of your home. If you are seeing widespread water staining, soft or deteriorated sheathing, and persistent moisture around exterior wall areas, there is an underlying water issue that needs to be addressed. Moisture can come from roofing, flashing, windows, plumbing, condensation, drainage, or other sources, but any water source and prolonged dampness can eventually lead to mold, mildew, or organic growth. Algae, mildew, or other organic buildup on siding exterior can often simply be removed and cleaned. But repeated or prolonged exposure to moisture that also penetrates behind siding can allow mold spores to take hold and cause potentially dangerous conditions. 

Holes or Pest Damage

Depending on the siding material, you may notice that wildlife is very interested in it. As wooden materials degrade, they can attract insects, birds, rodents, and other pests, leading to damaged exterior surfaces. Watch for small holes, gnawing or nesting damage, insect activity and any damaged wood surfaces if your home has wooden siding. Gaps that may arise from exposure or wear and tear could provide access behind any type of exterior material, allowing pests access to your living spaces. An active infestation will require the expertise of an experienced pest control specialist along with your trusted Cleveland home improvement team to remove and replace compromised siding materials.

Interior Damage

The home exterior is the first place to look for siding damage. But siding problems aren't always visible from the yard. If you are also noticing interior water stains, peeling interior paint, damp areas or other unexplained deterioration near exterior walls, these could be potential clues that warrant investigation. While issues with roofing, windows, plumbing, ventilation, and other home systems can produce similar symptoms, if these have been checked and no problem exists, it’s worth looking into your home’s siding to see if it is at the root of any water damage problems.

What Is Siding’s Lifespan?

As is the case with roofing materials, gutters and downspouts and so many other aspects of a home’s exterior, projected lifespan depends on several factors. Specific material, installation quality, maintenance and local climate all play a role in determining the average lifespan of any home’s siding.

All things considered, wooden siding panels can generally last around 20 to 40 years with regular painting, sealing, and maintenance. Fiber cement siding may last as long as 30 to 50+ years with occasional caulking and repainting. Aluminum siding is also very longlived, at an estimated 30 to 50 years, however it’s prone to denting and can look unsightly after far fewer years. Brick and stone exteriors are very durable, but they are not impervious to wear and climate, and correct installation is absolutely vital–all these factors lead brick and stone to be the more expensive option. Vinyl siding is a favorite for Cleveland homes thanks to its low maintenance needs and durability–it can last 20 to 40 years or longer with proper care and product selection. Whatever siding material you choose, it must be suited to your home’s location and your local climate and weather exposures, and you must be prepared to invest the time and effort needed to care for it properly.

Vinyl Siding For Cleveland Homes

At Fairview Home Improvement, we are committed to offering only the best vinyl siding to Cleveland homeowners. Choose from Odyssey Plus®, ASCEND® Composite Cladding, or Charter Oak® Premium vinyl siding from Alside® along with Polaris WeatherTech™ and ProVia HeartTech® vinyl siding. All of these premium options offer color customization and take into account the specific site conditions of your home’s location to ensure excellent weather protection in the face of high winds and moisture. For unmatched durability and performance that also delivers on style and aesthetic appeal, you can’t go wrong with the vinyl siding options we offer.

If you’re seeing widespread cracking, warping, rot, brittleness, moisture problems, or dealing with increasingly frequent siding repairs, there’s no need to continue struggling. Once you’ve been able to determine why the siding is failing, it is vital to address underlying moisture, installation, or structural problems and then contact Fairview Home Improvement to plan vinyl siding replacement. We’ll help you explore siding options that fit your home, budget, and maintenance goals–give us a call today to schedule a consultation.