Most siding materials are engineered to last a very long time – and rightfully so. Just like your roof, your siding is designed to protect your home, along with everything inside it. It guards against rain, snow, wind and whatever else Mother Nature decides to throw its way. When installed properly by a home improvement company, it acts as a thermal enclosure that keeps you and your family comfortable. Lastly, it is one of the most prominent features of your home and can either add to or detract from your home’s overall curb appeal and value.
Needless to say, your siding is an integral component of your home’s exterior which is why experts strongly recommend that you try to do what you can in order to prolong its service life.
In today’s post, a trusted local building renovation company points out seven common factors that can affect your siding’s lifespan and share a few tips on how to make your siding last for as long as possible.
1. Strong Winds
There are many things that can have a lasting effect on the condition of your siding but one of the most common ones is strong winds. Even if you live in a generally mild climate, storms or other weather extremes can still occur occasionally. Strong winds can lift siding panels away from the wall and disrupt the tongue and groove system that makes them watertight.
Strong winds, when combined with other issues such as holes or cracks can leave your home very vulnerable to damage. If your area has recently gone through a severe storm, it is always a good idea to have a siding repair company inspect your home.
2. The Level of Maintenance
The amount of maintenance needed to keep your siding in good condition largely depends on the material it’s made of. For example, vinyl siding is usually marketed as a low-upkeep material that is easy to clean and maintain. Wood siding, on the other hand, is susceptible to water damage and will need regular care, especially if you live in an area that sees a lot of rainfall.
Regardless of what kind you have, it is still important to have a regular maintenance schedule to keep it in good shape year-round as there really is no such thing as maintenance-free siding. If you want your siding to last as long as advertised, employ the services of a local home improvement company to do regular maintenance and repairs when needed.
3. Proper Installation
One thing you need to know is this: your siding is only as good as the installer behind it. You can purchase the highest-quality siding available in the market, but if your contractor does not have the experience necessary to install it correctly, then you are definitely throwing money down the drain.
One of the most important decisions you’ll have to make when replacing old siding or installing new ones is which contractor to hire. Be sure to take the time to conduct your due diligence and vet your siding repair and installation company properly. Before hiring a contractor, we recommend that you do a bit of sleuthing online and look for honest reviews. We also recommend speaking with references before signing a contract.
4. Hail
A hailstone the size of a golfball falling from the sky at upwards of 90 mph is definitely no joke. Even the most durable siding material will not be immune to these giant ice pellets. Chipped paint on wood and fiber cement due to hail damage is not only an eyesore, it can also leave your siding exposed to moisture which can lead to wood rot and premature failure.
While there is not much we can do to prevent siding damage caused by hailstones, what we can do is to repair the damage immediately after we spot them. Remember, even minor damage can turn into major headaches if left untreated.
5. Changes in Temperature
According to the data from the Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction (SOC), vinyl siding is the second-most used exterior material next to only stucco. While vinyl siding is definitely a favorite siding material among homeowners and building renovation companies alike, it does have its share of shortcomings. Vinyl siding can expand and contract up to half an inch in extreme temperatures.
Major heatwaves can also cause it to melt, while frigid temperatures can make them brittle and prone to cracking. This process can also occur gradually over time and have a huge effect on the overall life expectancy of your siding.
6. The Price Tag
The most expensive siding in your home improvement store doesn’t always mean it’s the best. When it comes to siding (and building materials in general), you usually get what you pay for. There are great siding options available out there that offer excellent durability and high energy efficiency but don’t cost an arm and a leg.
Still, never skimp on something as important as your siding. Always go for a reputable brand even if it does cost a little extra. With cheap, low-quality siding, you may think that you are saving a lot of money upfront, but you are likely to spend more on repairs later down the line and you will eventually need to have them replaced a lot sooner.
7. Sunlight
The oppressive heat from the sun can cause your siding to warp, fade, or even melt. While melting and warping are more immediate causes of concern, fading can also be a real issue for most homeowners. Your bright, vibrant vinyl siding can fade significantly within 10 to 15 years after installation.
While the problem is mostly cosmetic, faded siding can really make your home look time-worn and shabby. If you are thinking about selling your house, you should definitely consider replacing your siding before putting it on the market.
VillWell Builders, LLC is a trusted local siding contractor serving residents all over Connecticut. For all your siding-related needs, be sure to give us a call at (203) 879-2118 to schedule an appointment. Alternatively, you may fill out our convenient contact form to request a free estimate today.
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