No matter how long, or briefly, you have owned a home, if you are a homeowner you should be aware of the possible causes of siding problems and damage, to properly maintain your home’s exterior. We’re going to look at the most significant and the most common causes of siding problems, and what you’ll need to do to address them effectively.
Installation Errors
One of the primary causes of siding problems is improper installation, often from a DIY job, or by an inexperienced contractor who fails to compensate for temperature changes. These changes in temperature cause thermal expansion and contraction, which can lead to buckling, warping, and even cracking. This can also happen when the siding is nailed down too tightly, or neglected to seal the various joints.
Weather Conditions
Siding is generally designed to withstand different weather conditions, however, severe weather can still cause damage. Powerful seasonal storms can even cause the siding to start to peel, even blowing off whole pieces of siding. Constant exposure to intense sunlight can cause some colors to start to fade. Even the temperature changes that we mentioned can cause expansion and contraction of the siding materials. Be sure to inspect your siding regularly, and in particular, do a walk-around after each strong storm.
Moisture and Water Damage
Water is one of the most insidious causes of siding problems. If your siding isn’t keeping the water out, or if it doesn’t have a chance to dry out, it can lead to several problems, including mold, mildew, and rot. This can happen from poorly installed siding, as well as poorly installed or maintained gutters. Regularly check your gutters’ operation to ensure they are routing water away from the side of the house. Also, ensure that your home’s siding has sufficient ventilation to prevent moisture build-up.
Pest Infestations
Pests of all types, from ants to bees, can cause significant damage to a building over time. This is particualrly true for natural materials like wood. The pests will chew their way into the siding, either to colonize the inside, use it as a food source, or even both. Pest problems can be incredibly costly to repair or recover from, but regular maintenance and pest control measures can help you avoid problems like these more easily.
Lack of Maintenance
Finally, all types of siding have minimum maintenance requirements, and if those minimums aren’t met, there’s a good chance that the siding won’t be able to do its job of protecting your home. This includes routine cleaning, inspections, and repair of minor issues before they grow. Aim to have a professional inspection at least once per year.
Partner With All-Star Products
As you can see, there are several common causes of siding problems, and they can all create a considerably costly problem if left unaddressed for long enough. By understanding these potential causes, you’ll be better equipped to be more proactive in prevention, and better informed when it comes to repair. Your siding is important since it directly affects not only your home’s condition but ultimately its value.
If you are seeing signs of damage from these common causes of siding problems, the best thing you can do is to contact a trusted local professional, like All-Star Products, to quickly and effectively address your siding problems. Reach out today for more information, or to get started with a quote.
