A home is one of the biggest investments most people make, so it makes sense to protect it and maintain a happy space for your family to grow. Your siding acts like the skin of your house, and when it isn't up to snuff, it can quickly impact the integrity of your home, leading to bigger problems down the road. But how do you know when it's time to replace your siding? Here are a few warning signs to be on the lookout for.
If You Spot Rotten Planks
When you have signs of rot on your siding, you know it's time to look into having it redone. Rotten planks can lead to much more significant issues as the new holes in your house let in pests and weather, degrading your home's structure and causing greater problems. Take a look at your siding, and see whether you notice places where paint has chipped off or soft spots where rot has started to set in.
You can help prevent this type of damage by taking care of wood siding with regular maintenance, as well as repainting or restaining routinely. Products like LifeTime wood treatment can help keep your siding in great shape and prevent rot altogether. But once rot sets in, it may be time to replace your siding entirely.
Noticing Other Visible Damage
Cracks and chips in your siding can be a bad sign for the health of your home. Noticing these may indicate that it's time to update your siding. Bulging boards could signal other hidden issues that need to be addressed ASAP. These issues could also mean that your siding wasn't installed properly or has been exposed to too much heat, and it will need to be replaced.
Experiencing Drafts or Rising Heating Costs
Not all signs to update your home's exterior lie outside. You can find indicators of issues in the interior, too. If your home feels colder and draftier, or if the costs of heating and cooling have risen without explanation, you may want to take a closer look at your siding for the cause of the issue. The reason could be loose boards, holes, or even more significant damage. In that case, it may be time for an exterior facelift for your home.
If You Find Interior Mold
Any signs of damp or mold inside your house should be cause for concern. And while it's possible your roof may be to blame, damaged siding can also be the cause. Keep an eye out for wet spots, and address your siding issues right away to avoid a permanent problem developing. This could mean simply repairing holes or replacing a few planks, or it might mean it's time to revamp your entire exterior.
Marks Lumber has you covered, whether you're just looking for a new style of siding or doing damage control on your existing exterior. Contact us for recommendations on which of our wood siding options will be right for you, or to place your order today.