You know your home like the back of your hand. You can spot a crooked picture frame from a mile away and hear a leaky faucet from two rooms over. But what about the outside? Your home’s siding is its first line of defense against the elements, and it’s constantly subjected to tough conditions.
Siding doesn’t last forever. Ignoring the warning signs can cause some serious headaches down the road, and we’re talking about more than just a little cosmetic wear and tear. Damaged siding can open the door to moisture, pests, and structural issues.
At Timbermill, our goal is to help homeowners upgrade their homes, cabins, and garages with low-maintenance, long-lasting exteriors. Read along as we explore 10 signs it’s time to replace your home’s siding and why Timbermill could be the solution to all these woes.
1. Cracks, Gaps, or Holes
Let’s start with the obvious. Walk around your house and look for any visible damage. Are there noticeable cracks, gaping holes, or spots where the siding is pulling away from the house?
Water can sneak into these openings, leading to rot and mold. Plus, little critters are always on the lookout for a cozy new home, and a gap in your siding is a veritable invitation.
2. Warped or Bubbling Siding
Stand back from your house and look at the walls from an angle. Do you see any panels that look warped, wavy, or like they have bubbles under the surface? This is a red flag. Bubbling and warping are almost always signs that water has gotten trapped underneath the siding. The moisture is trying to escape, and it’s pushing the siding material outward. This means your siding’s weatherproofing has failed, and the structural integrity of your walls could be at risk.
3. Dry Rot
If you have wood siding, then you have to check for dry rot. This fungus eats away at wood, turning it brittle and soft. You can check for it by tapping on your siding with the handle of a screwdriver. If sections sound hollow or feel spongy, you’ve likely got a problem. The fungus can spread quickly, compromising the strength of your siding and even the frame of your house. What’s worse is that by the time you see visible signs of rot on the surface, the damage underneath is probably pretty extensive.
4. Mold, Mildew, or Fungus
Take a close look at your siding, especially in shady, damp areas. Do you see any green, black, or gray patches? That’s likely mold, mildew, or fungus.
While a little bit can sometimes be scrubbed off, widespread growth is a different story. It suggests that moisture is hanging around on the surface for way too long, which means your siding isn’t drying properly. Persistent mold can signal a deeper moisture problem beneath the surface, a problem that could cause health issues for your family and damage the structure of your home.
5. Faded Color
A little fading from the sun is normal to see on siding after many years. But if the color has faded dramatically, it probably means the siding’s protective weatherproof coating is worn out. This coating is what helps your home’s exterior stand up to rain, snow, and sun exposure. Once that protection is gone, the siding material itself is exposed and becomes much more vulnerable to damage from moisture and the elements. Think of it as sunscreen for your house—when it wears off, you get burned.
6. Loose or Rattling Panels
On a windy day, does your house sound like it’s trying to tell you something? If you hear rattling or see siding panels flapping in the breeze, it’s a clear sign that they are no longer securely fastened to your home. This could be due to age, storm damage, or improper installation. Loose panels are basically useless; they allow wind and rain to get right underneath.
7. Peeling Paint or Wallpaper Inside
Sometimes, the signs of siding failure show up inside your home. Have you noticed paint bubbling or wallpaper peeling off the walls? This is a classic indicator of moisture getting through your exterior walls. Before you blame your painter, check your siding. Failing siding allows water to seep into the wall structure, and that moisture eventually makes its way to the interior wall surface. It’s a chain reaction, and the problem starts on the outside.
8. Increasing Energy Bills
Have your heating and cooling bills been creeping up, even though your usage hasn’t changed? Your siding could be the culprit. Damaged or poorly insulated siding allows air to leak in and out of your home. Your HVAC system then has to work overtime to maintain a comfortable temperature. Moreover, cracks and gaps can compromise your home’s wall insulation, making it less effective. A siding replacement, though not technically an insulation product, can help seal your home up tight and put a dent in those energy costs.
9. Constant Maintenance
Are you spending every sunny weekend painting, caulking, and patching up your siding? While all siding requires some upkeep, you shouldn’t feel like you’re in a never-ending battle. If you’re constantly repairing damage, it’s a sign that the material is either at the end of its lifespan or incompatible with your lifestyle. Your time is valuable, and you shouldn’t have to waste it by constantly performing band-aid repairs.
10. You Just Don’t Like It
Not liking the look of your home’s current siding isn’t a functional indicator of a replacement need, but it’s certainly a valid one. Your home should reflect your style, a place you’re proud of. And since siding is one of the most prominent exterior features, it should align with your taste.
Upgrade to Timbermill
If you’ve been nodding along to any of these signs, it’s probably time to think about replacing your home’s siding. And if you’re going to invest in new siding, you should choose one that eliminates the problems you’re facing now. That’s where Timbermill comes in.
Timbermill offers premium cedar vinyl siding that gives you the gorgeous, rustic look of real wood without any of the exhausting maintenance. Forget about spending your weekends sanding, staining, or sealing. Timbermill siding is designed to be maintenance-free. Our high-quality vinyl is built to withstand the elements, so it won’t warp, rot, or fade. It’s also impervious to moisture and wood-boring insects, solving many of the issues that plague wooden siding.
Our designs feature realistic knots and grain patterns that give you that authentic cabin feel. Plus, our siding is an environmentally friendly choice because it’s manufactured from recycled materials.
We’re so confident in our product that we back it with a 50-year warranty. Stop fighting with your old siding. Request a free sample kit today and find the perfect look for your home!
