You may believe it’s your walls that protect you from the cold and rain outside, but they are only one part of a much larger defense system. Walls need to be protected from the elements as well and that’s where siding comes into play. Siding is an exterior cladding that creates a watertight barrier around your home. It prevents rain, wind, snow, and ice from damaging your walls and penetrating your interior.
If you want to fully protect your home, then you need to invest in quality siding installed by qualified experts. Our siding contractors in Cayce are the best when it comes to your exterior needs. We value honesty, integrity, and professionalism. Whether you need new siding, gutters, or roof repairs, we have the team for the job. Call Midlands Roofing at 803-414-6801 to discuss your exterior needs.
When Do I Need to Replace the Siding on My House?
Sooner or later, every home will require repairs or a complete replacement of its siding. Identifying these warning signs as early as possible will minimize the potential damage to the underlying structure. Here are the 7 most common warning signs that it’s time to replace your siding.
Cracked or Loose Siding
Siding will begin to crack over time due to natural wear and tear. If you live in a particularly harsh environment with strong winds or frequent hail storms, then you’ll begin to notice cracks sooner than normal.
A single area of cracked siding can be removed and replaced with ease. When the damage is spread around the home it’s time to consider replacing the entire system. If ignored for too long, water can begin to spread beneath the siding causing more severe damage.
Fading or Peeling
This is another clear sign that your siding is reaching the end of its lifespan. Siding can begin to fade, bubble, and peel for a number of reasons. Fading often occurs due to prolonged oxygenation. Areas of the home that receive the most sunlight will likely begin fading before the rest. Similarly, prolonged exposure to rain can cause fading and peeling.
Rotted or Warped Siding
Wood siding will often become rotted or warped when it is time to replace it. Rot is a clear indicator that the protective surface of the siding is no longer useful. It’s a problem that every homeowner with wood siding will eventually need to deal with.
Holes or Damage
Having holes in your siding is bad news. Holes allow moisture to seep beneath the siding and damage the wood that it should be protecting. Holes and other types of damage are most common in areas that experience frequent hail storms. Holes can also be caused by wind throwing debris at the house.
Mold or Mildew
Certain types of siding are more susceptible to mold and mildew growth. Mildew only lives on the surface of the siding and is possible to remove with the right chemicals. Mold is more problematic because it can grow inside porous materials and even underneath the siding. Mold can lead to very serious health issues so the siding should be replaced as soon as possible.
Bubbles in the Paint/Water Stains/Swelling
These are all common symptoms of excess moisture penetration. They are often a sign that somewhere there is damage to the siding that is allowing water to move past it. If the siding is allowing water stains to appear on your interior walls, then it is time to identify the damaged area and replace the siding.
Heating and Cooling Bills Increase
There are a dozen different problems around the home that cause heating and cooling bills to increase. If you’re HVAC is working fine and your house is properly insulated, then it may be a problem with your siding. Siding is part of every home’s insulation system and damaged siding can make it more difficult to maintain a comfortable temperature indoors.
What Are the Different Types of Siding?
Not all siding is created equal. You have several different materials to choose from and they each have their benefits. If you are looking to have your siding replaced, you’ll be glad to know that we have an array of options including:
Aluminum
The efficiency of aluminum siding will depend heavily on the thickness of the metal and the quality of the installation. The cheapest siding is 40-gauge and will only provide mild protection from the elements. The thicker 53-gauge siding will provide much more insulation and last considerably longer. You can expect a lifespan as long as 35 years with 53- gauge siding.
Wood
Wood is an aesthetically pleasing siding choice that can easily be stained or painted any color of your choice. It is more susceptible to rain and snow than aluminum, but can still last for several decades if properly maintained. You can choose from several types of wood, including cypress, pine, and cedar.
Steel
Steel is one of the most expensive siding options, but is low maintenance, can easily stand up to the elements, and is extremely fire resistant. However, it is not a perfect insulator and it can begin to rust after prolonged exposure to the elements. Steel siding that is properly maintained and does not rust can last up to 50 years.
Fiber Cement
Fiber cement siding became very popular during the 1980s when an Australian company learned to manufacture the material without using asbestos. It can be painted ahead of time in any color of your choosing or it can be given a primer and then painted after installation.
It can come in many different textures and even replicate the appearance of wood siding at a fraction of the cost. Similar to steel, it can last as long as 50 years when properly maintained.
Vinyl
Vinyl has become the go-to siding material for many homeowners because it’s affordable, flexible, and easy to install. The color is baked in during manufacturing, which means there’s no need to paint it after installation. It has an average lifespan of between 30 and 40 years.
Why Choose Midland Roofing for Siding Replacement?
Most homeowners want the best for the house and you probably feel the same. If your siding is your first line of protection, then it makes sense to hire only the best experts for installation. That’s exactly what you’ll get at Midlands Roofing company. We have worked in the Cayce area for more than 10 years and have improved hundreds of homes throughout the community.
Call Our Trusted Siding Contractors in Cayce, SC Today!
Most types of siding can last at least 30 years when maintained but if you’ve recently moved into an older home, then it might already be time to make the upgrade. When you begin to see the warning signs, such as cracked, damaged, or faded siding, it’s time to call the professionals at Midlands Roofing. Call our office today at 803-414-6801 for fast and friendly service.
