A home’s siding may be the only thing protecting it from the elements. Every piece of siding is part of system that includes caulk, nails and paint which keep moisture out while protecting the home. Most homeowners can’t really tell how much damage exists until the siding is removed. However, there are signs that there may be damage behind a home’s siding.
Aging and Deterioration
Siding will age differently depending on its materials and maintenance schedule. Vinyl siding often suffers from sun weathering, while wood rots and warps. Old-style composite siding can chip and crack at the edges, letting water in. Whatever the case may be, damage typically manifests itself as uneven, warped or wavy spots. If siding shows such damage, it should be replaced by a Siding Contractor in Frankfort IL.
Nails
Are the siding’s nail heads rusty, missing or exposed? If nails are protruding from the siding, it means that the siding itself has shifted. Rusty nails are a sign of moisture damage, as are rusty streaks. Siding should be installed with stainless steel nails, and missing nails could put a home’s siding at risk of blowing away with a strong wind.
Caulking and Seams
Siding joints and seams should be caulked thoroughly, but caulk shrinks, cracks and wears away over time. If the seams have moved, the siding can fail; siding should be almost seamless if it’s correctly caulked.
Paint
Painted siding looks nice, but paint is more important than that. Depending on the paint quality and the coats that have been applied, it can last anywhere from two to 25 years. Vinyl siding should never need painting, but requires special care and supplies if the homeowner wants to change the color.
Insect Infestation, Mold and Rot
Termites and other pests can destroy or damage wood siding, and it may need replacement if pests and have found their way into the space between the siding and interior walls of the home. If moisture can get into the siding, it needs replacement.
Water Staining
Signs of runoff that stop and start at random can indicate that water has entered the space between the siding and interior walls. To inspect siding for such issues, homeowners can look at more info, and a Siding Contractor in Frankfort IL can determine whether it’s time for repair or replacement.
