Siding is an important feature of your home as it protects your interior drywall and insulation from harsh weather. Each board of siding works together to ensure your home is protected from moisture seeping in. One downside to siding is the fact that you cannot see the damage that may exist on the interior layer. Siding must be removed from your home in order to see what’s going on. Before you start removing boards, keep an eye out for these warning signs that your siding needs repairs.
1. Missing or Rusty Nails
If you see exposed nails in your siding, this means your boards have experienced some movement. This could be a result of natural expanding and contracting. If the exposed nails appear rusty, this is likely due to moisture damage over time. If your nails are missing and nowhere to be found, your siding is in danger of falling off. Ideally, siding should be installed with stainless steel nails. If your siding is in good condition but needs a couple of new nails, connect with a siding specialist who can safely fix your missing nail issue.
2. Rot and/or Mold
If the missing nails in your siding let enough moisture in, soon enough you will have a rot and/or mold issue. The worst part about this is that it is unlikely you will be able to see the mold on your siding. Instead, you will notice it on your interior drywall or you could just notice a musty smell. As rot and mold can be hiding, it’s best to have a pro inspect your siding if you suspect too much moisture has entered.
3. Water Stains
Another warning sign related to moisture is water stains. These are discoloured streaks that start and stop suddenly on your siding. If you notice these streaks, this means that water is entering your siding and then running out again. Moisture is likely seeping in and could lead to mold and rot issues as mentioned above.
4. Worn Away Caulk
Caulk is very important for keeping your siding together. Over time, your caulk can crack, shrink or wear away. When this happens, your siding can shift and your boards will look uneven. If this is the case with your siding, you will need to have the caulk replaced. Failing to do this will result in all of your siding needing to be replaced.
5. Pest Infestation
Moisture is one issue to have between your siding and your interior walls, but unfortunately, water isn’t the only thing that can seep in. With small holes or cracks in your siding, pests can easily sneak in. This can lead to an unwanted infestation in between your walls. Termites are especially bad for wood siding and can destroy it completely. If you’re concerned about pests in between your walls, have a siding specialist take a look for signs of entry.
6. Old Age
Eventually, there will come a time when your siding has reached the end of its lifespan. This will depend on the type of siding, how it has been maintained, and the weather in your area. Clear signs of ageing include wavy, uneven, buckling, and shifting boards. If your siding looks warped in any way, it is time for it to be replaced.
Keeping your siding intact is essential in keeping your home dry and protecting it from the elements. If you notice any of these six warning signs, you should reach out to a siding specialist who can help correct them. It’s better to make a small repair now than having to completely redo your siding down the line. Use the banner below to connect with a pro today.
