Blog » What Are The Signs My Home Needs New Siding?

Home siding is an important factor in the overall efficiency, durability and safety of your home.

When stacked up against all other parts of home ownership that require maintenance and attention, home siding probably isn’t at the top of your list. It’s also likely that unless there’s major damage or an active leak, siding isn’t even on your radar.   However, siding shouldn’t be neglected. In fact, it’s suggested that you become familiar with some of the telltale signs of siding problems so you can catch them before extensive and costly repairs are needed. Whether you make it a seasonal reminder on the calendar or regularly check siding while doing yard work, it’s important to know what to look for both outside and inside of your home.

Top 5 Signs a Home Needs New Siding

1.  Rotted, warped, cracked or loosened siding
If siding appears deformed, take a long pointed tool like a screwdriver or chisel and poke gently around the damaged panels. Check the deeper layers for significant damage. If only one or two panels are damaged, it’s possible a replacement will fix the problem.  Larger sections getting damaged typically means getting all new siding.

2.  Dry rot damage
Dry rot is another kind of siding deformity like those described above. However, in early stages of dry rot, damage isn’t always visible. Since it begins far underneath the surface and slowly eats away at the body of the siding, you have to know what to look for to spot dry rot. Tapping on the surface will reveal weak spots. If only a few panels are affected, they should be removed and replaced. A home with more extensive dry rot will likely need all new siding.  

3.  Bubbled siding, fungus, mold and mildew growth
Bubbled siding is far more than a structural problem—it can indicate a serious water issue. It suggests that water is trapped underneath the surface of the panel. Also check for mold, mildew or fungus. Where there is trapped water there is also unwanted growth—both of which are causes for concern.  

4.  Interior wallpaper or paint is loose or peeling
Damage to paint and wallpaper is a sign of faulty siding. Siding that does not contain proper waterproofing properties or siding that is installed incorrectly can allow moisture to seep underneath. From there, it penetrates wallboard and damages interior walls.  

5.  Severely faded siding
The paint used on siding is estimated to last 10 years or more, or for the full life expectancy of the siding. Chipping, peeling, or cracking in the paint is a sign of a problem that needs attention. Even though faded siding doesn’t indicate it’s faulty or damaged, it could be a sign it’s losing waterproofing properties which could pose more issues down the road.  

It’s never a bad idea to occasionally check your siding for damage. And, it’s just as important to be aware of things inside your home that could suggest a problem. To schedule an inspection, or to find out more about replacing panels or adding new siding to your home, contact PRS Roofing & Siding today at (804) 527-2096.