Detecting Siding Issues and What to Do About Them Home Decoration Home Improvement by Terry Stamman - January 18, 2016January 22, 2016 Detecting Siding Issues and What to Do About Them Siding is designed to add an extra layer of protection to our homes. It also enhances the home’s aesthetic appeal. Its condition can greatly affect how it performs those two functionsand, thus, siding problems can be a real headache. These issues can be caused either by weather or age, but sometimes, improper installation is also to blame. As a homeowner, you should know about common siding issues and have an idea about what to do. Image – www.bigstockphoto.com/ Siding Problems: Top Things to Check For Some siding issues can be repaired while some may be severe enough that you’ll need to have your entire siding replaced. But before you can decide what to do, you first need to know what sorts of problems you might have to face. Warping and Buckling. This problem is particularly common in vinyl siding. If the siding is not properly fastened to the home’s exterior wall, allowing it to expand and contract, its pieces can warp or buckle over time. Image – 2.staticflickr.com 2. Moisture Issues. Most siding materials do not have waterproofing properties. To prevent moisture issues that can lead to damage of the siding and the adjacent parts of the home, a waterproof barrier must be installed over the house’s exterior prior to siding installation. 3. Mold and Algae. These are some of the bad effects of moisture buildup. Mold can appear as a white or gray powder with tiny specks of black while algae can create an unsightly green, brown, or black discoloration. When not addressed for an extended period of time, they can cause permanent discoloration and damage to the siding material. Image – www.bigstockphoto.com 4. Siding is directly exposed to sunlight and its harmful UV rays which cause fading and discoloration. Furthermore, old, sun-damaged siding can crack over time. 5. Cracks occur when the panels become damaged due to different causes such as storms and severe winds. If not detected and treated as soon as possible, the crack will allow water and moisture to seep through, causing more damage to the siding and the home’s exterior wall. 6. Improper installation can lead to noisy siding. Loose siding can rattle in the wind and create a noise when it expands and contracts. Image – www.bigstockphoto.com Regular Professional Inspection: The Key to Damage Prevention Some siding damage happens from the inside out, making it difficult for an inexperienced homeowner to notice. Worse, signs and symptoms might become obvious only when the problem has become prettyserious. Siding issues that are invisible to an untrained eye can eventually cost you a hefty amount of money for repairs and replacement. While it is ideal that you also know of the common siding problems to check for, having a professional regularly check your siding for hidden issues can ensure that it is always in a good condition, making all the issues listed above the least of your worries. Cliche it may be, but prevention is still better than cure, and this holds true even for your home and its components such as siding. Image – www.bigstockphoto.com About the Author Terry Stamman is the Chief Executive Officer of Twin Cities Siding Professionals. As the leader of his team, his goal is to maintain the company’s reputation of being one of the most reliable siding companies in the Twin Cities. This is the reason why aside from contributing his expertise and knowledge to the field, he also writes blogs to share ideas and tips with homeowners.