There’s no denying the beauty and appeal of natural wood exterior siding. But it also comes with a large amount of responsibility, as wood will degrade over time if not properly cared for.

If you still have wood siding on your home and it’s peeling and rotting, you may be wondering if it’s time to replace it. Perhaps it’s the original siding that was on the house when you bought it, or maybe you had it installed decades ago and need a change. Whatever the case, here are some signs that it’s time to replace your wood siding.

Peeling, Flaking Paint

The biggest sign your wood siding is in need of replacement is flaking or peeling paint. When not regularly painted or cleaned, dirt and moisture can get into the wood and lead to premature failure. Age is a big culprit when it comes to paint that’s peeling, blistering, and flaking off. Depending on the formulation and color of your paint, you may have to paint your home as soon as every three years.

Wood Rot

When moisture gets into wood and isn’t allowed to properly dry out, the wood will rot over time. This is due primarily to wood-decaying fungus that grows in and on moist wood. If you don’t regularly maintain and clean your wood siding, rot will set in and spread fairly quickly. Inspect your wood siding every year to look for the formation of rot, particularly around the bottom of the siding.

Breaks, Cracks and Other Visible Damage

Strong storms can cause damage to your siding, thanks to falling debris or hail. After a big storm, inspect your siding to check for sections or boards that have to be replaced. You may be able to make a claim on your homeowner’s insurance when it comes to storm damage.

Warping

If you have siding boards that don’t lay perfectly flat, this is a sign that moisture is getting into the wall system underneath. This type of inspection will have to be conducted by a trusted exterior contractor because it’s not easy for the average homeowner to diagnose these issues. For example, if your home does not have an effective moisture barrier behind the siding, you may have to undergo an extensive siding removal and replacement project so that the underlying wall system can have more protection from outside elements.

Moisture and Mold Inside the Home

Just as with warped siding, moisture and mold that grows on your interior walls or ceiling edges signal issues with the wall system behind the exterior siding. If you see moisture appear after a rain storm, or you notice peeling wallpaper or paint, partner with an expert home contractor to determine the issue and fix it.

Contact Hi-Tech Window and Siding to Replace Your Wood Siding

Are you unsure if you need to replace your wood siding? We can help. To get a free quote on siding replacement, contact us in Methuen by phone or fill out our online form.