Five Signs It's Time to Invest In New Siding for Your Home

At E&E, we get it—siding probably isn’t the hottest topic of conversation around the dinner table. (Unless you’ve dedicated your life to exterior renovations, that is… ) But the truth is, talking about siding has its place. And when yours starts falling apart, your home can go from looking like a dream to more of a water-damage nightmare faster than you can say “siding repair.”

So, to prevent a lot of headaches down the line, this article will help you decide whether or not it’s time to replace your siding. The good news is the choice may not even be that difficult. You just need to be aware of a few telltale signs. And here they are…

1. Cracked, Warped, or Loose Panels

Let’s be real—if your siding looks like it went head to head with a tornado in the boxing ring, it’s probably time to call in a siding repair contractor. But what do you do if the damage isn’t quite so severe? 

Since even seemingly minor cracks and warping have the potential to harm your home’s exterior, they should be checked by a professional. The reason? These small  breaking points aren’t just cosmetic, and chipped, cracked, or loose panels allow moisture to creep into the outer sheath of your home. This can lead to mold, mildew, and expensive structural damage. 

So don’t let cracked and chipped siding get worse. A trusted siding contractor can let you know if you only need a few panels replaced, or when it makes more sense to invest in a full siding replacement.

2. Energy Bills Are Creeping Up

If you’re noticing a steady increase in your heating and cooling costs, it’s time for a quick siding inspection. 

Poor insulation from old siding lets the cold air in—or out during the summer—and keeps your HVAC system working in overdrive. Along with updated windows and doors, new siding is one of the best ways to insulate your home and keep your bills low.

Additionally, a well-insulated home lengthens the life of your HVAC—something that can cost upwards of $10k to replace. Because of this (and a few other factors you’ll learn soon), replacing your siding has one of the best ROIs of all exterior home renovations. 

3. Peeling or Fading Paint

Sure, some minor cosmetic issues can be spruced up with a fresh coat of paint. But if your siding is looking tired and old even after a recent recoatings, it might be time to trade in for something longer lasting.

Modern siding products made from composite materials can hold their color for up to 15 years—without needing a paint job. Along with being generally low-maintenance, these same products look amazing with customized colors, widths, and designs. 

And who doesn’t want a house that turns heads year after year?

4. Mold, Mildew, or Fungus on Siding

Let the mold and mildew find a home of its own—and leave yours alone! 

While that might not sound like perfect hospitality, mold, mildew, and dark streaks on your siding means one thing: moisture. And we probably don’t need to remind you that water is your home’s natural enemy. Once you’ve sprung a leak, the problems only get worse.

The best line of action is to call in a trusted siding professional to take a look. And please don’t wait. When that moisture and mold get into the outer sheathing of your home, it can spread and lead to costly rot repair not too far down the line.

In other words, consult your local siding expert before the mushrooms start charging you rent.

5. Your Siding is Over 20 Years Old

While 20 years is still the foolish youth for a lot of us, it can be elderly as far as siding goes—especially if your home is built with older products. 

Modern siding can last around 20-40 years with just some minor maintenance and upkeep. Some products—including our favorite engineered hardwoods—are even guaranteed to last 50 years in harsh conditions and climates.

So if your siding is approaching its golden years, consider upgrading before it starts to show its age. Doing so means you can sit back, relax, and know your home’s protected for decades to come. 

Financing Options for Siding Replacement

In terms of bang-for-your-renovation-buck, few exterior renovations are as good for your wallet as a full siding replacement. Still, there can be the issue of the upfront payment.

If you’re curious about payment options for your home exterior projects, check out E&E’s financing options. You can get bank financing through a trusted partner, as well as flexible payment plans for breaking up your bill over the life of your project.

If You Need It Done, Do It Right

At E&E, we’ve been in the exterior renovations business since 1993, and in that time, we’ve met a lot of different homeowners.

The point is, our crews understand that maybe you weren’t planning on needing new siding this year—or the next. But that doesn’t mean you can’t make the most of your project—and give your home a facelift that lasts decades.  

Modern siding products are sleek, attractive, and bring a customized look for all tastes and preferences. Plus, new siding materials have one of the best ROIs you can get on all exterior repairs—due to lower HVAC bills, preventing future rot and pest repairs, and increasing your home’s market value. 

So if your home is in need of some attention, do it right. Create a home that excites you—one you’ll be proud of in the years to come. Because when you get right down to it, you might only get one chance to do it your way.

Reach out to E&E Contacting for your complimentary estimate today.