Six Signs Your Wood Siding Needs Replacement
While wood siding has benefits, such as low thermal conductivity, it needs frequent upkeep to maintain its appearances and protective properties. However, it’s only a matter of time before wood siding breaks down due to its natural qualities. If you’re unsure if your wood siding is in need of replacement, we’re here to offer a few telltale signs that it’s time to reach out to a reputable contractor for a free estimate.
Dry Rot: Dry rot is a type of wood decay that happens when fungi attacks the components of wood that provide stability and firmness. This type of fungus is prevalent on damp wood. Wood siding that is placed too close to the ground is particularly vulnerable because it can wick moisture from the soil. Frustratingly enough, the early stages of dry rot can be tricky to identify because its appearance can manifest itself in numerous ways. However, one common tip-off that dry rot is compromising the integrity of your home’s wood siding is that it has changed in appearance to an off-white or gray hue.
Warped Siding: If areas of your wood siding are no longer laying level, it can be indicative of moisture getting into the wall system behind it. Determining the origin of this issue should be left to a trusted siding professional that can pinpoint the problem and suggest a permanent fix.
Skyrocketing Energy Costs: While there can be numerous reasons your energy costs are climbing; your siding can be the culprit if a reliable professional verifies your attic insulation and ventilation are at appropriate levels. Builder grade wall insulation in tandem with worn out wood siding can create a significant strain on your home’s HVAC system, causing your heating and cooling costs to escalate.
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Peeling or Flaking Paint: As your wood siding advances in age, Mother Nature will take over and cause the paint on the siding to peel, and chip off. If you’re finding yourself in a situation where the your home’s siding needs painting every few years, it may be wise to consider a long-term, maintenance free option, such as steel or LP® SmartSide®.
Pest Invasion: Termites, carpenter ants, powder post beetles, carpenter bees, and wood peckers can all wreak havoc on your home’s siding. Whether it’s tapping holes into your siding or feeding on the starches of the wood these pest spell real trouble. Left unaddressed, it’s only a matter of time before full replacement is needed because the siding is beyond repair.
Interior Wall Damage: If the paint or wallpaper within your home are peeling in numerous areas, your siding may be to blame. That’s because shoddy siding allows moisture to permeate inward, causing damage to the inside of your home.
