Is there a crack or two making its way across the outside of your home? Do you see no rhyme or reason to your energy bills going up? Perhaps the siding has taken on a warped, discolored or just plain tired appearance. Homeowners are wont to lose sleep over such matters; for the most part they indicate that your siding is calling for some attention.
We at BulletpROOF Exteriors LLC put our quality exterior work to use in safeguarding properties for homeowners in MD, PA and WV. We have been fully licensed and insured since 2018 and can put to rest any concerns with more than 230 five star reviews on Google to back us up. Give us a ring at (704)-396-5381 if you have any misgivings about your siding. You will find us available around the clock.
There is more to siding than aesthetics. It is what stands between you and the elements be it wind, snow, rain or pests. Should it give way, the damage is not apt to remain superficial. Being aware of the telltale signs is a good way to avoid stress and expense later on.
Cracks, Warping and Buckling
A small crack may appear innocuous but it is an open invitation for moisture to get behind your siding and do its work on the materials below. As for warping and buckling, heat and age will often exact a price. Step back from your walls and if you make out any waves or bulges, you would do well to have a better look.
Rising Energy Bills
Siding and insulation go hand in hand in keeping the house comfortable. When the former is not up to the task, air will seep in and out and put extra strain on your heating and cooling equipment. All too often a homeowner will fault the furnace or A/C when the worn siding is to blame. If nothing has changed and the bills are mounting, the problem could be your exterior.
Moisture and Rot
Water is every home’s nemesis. Be on the lookout for these:
- Spongy feeling under your hand on the siding
- Paint or wallpaper coming away from interior walls
- Seams and edges with mold or mildew
- Fungus or moss on the surface
- Wood that is rotting around or under the panels
- Stains left by a hard rain
Left to their own devices these issues will only worsen and point to something more serious behind the panels.
Fading and Discoloration
You would expect some fading with time. Yet when it is pronounced it can mean the siding has had its day. The material loses its protective powers as it breaks down. In some cases discoloration is evidence of moisture being held in underneath.
Having to Repaint
Quality siding will keep its finish for years. Are you putting on a new coat of paint with greater frequency? If it is chipping or peeling not long after you have put it on, the siding is probably not holding up anymore. To keep repainting is a stopgap measure and in the end costs more than to put the matter right.
Loose or Missing Panels
A good storm will have no trouble pulling a panel loose or off altogether. One missing piece is all it takes to let in water and vermin. And where one panel is loose others will follow, the gap allowing wind and moisture entry. Do not put it off if you see panels that are not sitting flush.
Pests
Damaged siding is an attractive place for insects and the like to put down roots. Holes and tunnels are a sure sign your siding is compromised. Pests can wreak havoc on the wood framing in your walls, making of a minor repair a major undertaking.
To Repair or Replace?
The answer is not always to replace everything. An early catch on a small area of damage is easily repaired. Widespread rot or old siding is another story and might warrant a full replacement. It comes down to the state of the siding and what you have in mind for the home in the future. An inspection by a pro will put you in the know.
Let a minor matter become a costly one? Not with us. BulletpROOF Exteriors LLC will walk you through your options and we stand by our 100 percent satisfaction guarantee and free estimates. Call (704)-396-5381 and we will come by and have a look at your home.