Your siding encounters a lot of wear and tear on a daily basis, from heat and cold to impact from blown objects and more. Over time, your siding’s role in protecting your home could be compromised, especially if you never perform any preventive maintenance. Your siding should be water resistant, provide insulation, and add curb appeal. If your siding isn’t doing all – or any! – of those things, it may be time to replace it.

Here are four signs that you may need new siding.

1.    Mold and Mildew

When you spot mold, mildew or fungus growing on the side of your home, don’t panic. This doesn’t necessarily signal your siding needs replacement, as mold and mildew can build up anywhere. It most likely just means you need to give your siding a good cleaning with a pressure washer.

When addressed early, you can nip the problem in the bud without the high cost of replacement. However, if you have let the mold and mildew get so bad that it has started to eat away at your siding, or you’re seeing it start to form on the interior of your walls, your siding may be failing and allowing moisture to enter the residence. Replacement may be the only solution here.

2.    Interior Peeling Paint

Moisture can cause your paint and wallpaper to peel. If you are seeing this happen more and more around your windows and doors, you may have an issue with failed caulking. Address this issue now before the wood under your siding starts to rot. Once this happens, you will be facing the strong possibility of siding replacement.

Likewise, if you are noticing damaged seams, deteriorating caulk could also be to blame, as its original purpose is to protect all vertical seams and joints of siding. Extreme temperature changes throughout the years can cause the siding to expand and contract, which could shift your siding material and interfere with the caulk.

3.    Rising Energy Costs

Exterior siding plays a vital role in your home’s insulation and corresponding energy costs. Have you noticed your heating and cooling bills have been steadily rising? Your siding could be the cause, as could your roof or attic insulation. First, inspect your attic, roof and exterior walls. If they’re not to blame, it could be your siding that needs replacing.

4.    Bubbled Siding

If you notice your siding bubbling in spots, this means water has been trapped within it. This moisture buildup is a serious cause for concern, as your siding’s key job is to repel water. Failing to address this now could translate to more expensive issues down the line, particularly stemming from rotting wood.

There are many other signs that your siding could be failing, from rusted nails to insect damage. Some are obvious and others can only be detected by a professional.

For that, contact Hi-Tech Windows & Siding at 800-851-0900. We can come out to your home and provide a free inspection and quote on new siding. We are the local leaders in all types of siding, from insulated vinyl to fiber cement.