Unless your home was designed by the artist Gaudí, it’s probably not a good sign to see wavy walls. More often than not, wavy siding is the outward signal that something is going wrong underneath. But, wavy siding isn’t the only cause of damage. Here are some warning signs to look out for when it comes to your home’s exterior and what to do about it.
Warping
No matter what kind of siding you have, it should be straight and sit flush against the walls. If your siding looks like it’s bowing out or waving, something isn’t right. Here in Sacramento, heat is a major concern and could contribute to your siding issues. However, the more common reason is rot or water damage. It may be an issue of water damage inside the walls, or a point at which the exterior seal was affected. Whatever the case, if your siding bows outward or is showing visible signs of rot, it’s time to call your local siding contractors to get a better idea what’s going on.
High Utility Bills
If your siding is compromised, your house will feel it — literally. Damaged siding can lead to damaged insulation, which means your home’s heating and cooling system will have to work harder to do its job. You’ll want to make sure it isn’t your roof or windows, but if neither of those are at fault and your utility bills are high, it’s time to get your siding checked.
Dents or Splits
If your siding has cracked somewhere along the side, that’s usually a pretty clear sign your siding is damaged. Cracks, splitting, and dents are particularly worrisome because they give water and pests a place to get in under your siding and cause damage to the walls supporting your home. Even if the cracks you see are small, it’s a good idea to have that area checked by a siding contractor to ensure there isn’t more dangerous damage underneath.
Frequent Painting
This is a sign many people don’t know. Siding should be able to hold onto paint for eight to ten years without peeling or chipping. If you notice you need to repaint your home every four or five years, there may be a problem with your siding. A siding contractor can come check your siding to see if there is an issue or if you just got a bad batch of paint.
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Solutions
There are additional signs of trouble, but these are the big ones. If you notice any of these concerns with your siding, the first step should be having everything checked by a professional. Small spots of damage may need a bit of repair or replacement for just that section. However, if the damage is more extensive underneath, you will likely need a full replacement. Ask your siding contractor about replacing your existing siding with more durable and energy-efficient options like fiber cement siding, engineered wood siding, or insulated vinyl siding.
For siding help in Sacramento, trust your home to the experienced team at Chriswell Home Improvements. Contact us today to learn more. If you’d like more information, check out our YouTube Channel.