9 Signs Your Siding Needs to Be Replaced

Your siding defends your home from the elements and is a defining feature of your exterior aesthetic. When it begins to wear out, shows signs of damage, or becomes vulnerable to pests or water intrusion, it’s time to replace your home’s protective layer. 

But how do you know now is the right time to invest in new siding? Read on and gain valuable knowledge that will help you identify the severity of problems with your home siding and assess the value of replacing it. 

Signs You Need Siding Replacement 

Take an intentional stroll around your exterior and look for signals it’s time for new siding, such as: 

1. You Notice Signs of Water Penetration to Your Current Siding

If your siding looks warped, cracked or like it is rotting, it’s time for siding replacement because these issues can’t be repaired. When moisture penetrates wood siding it begins to rot. If left unnoticed, your siding will start to deteriorate as a result. If you have vinyl siding, cracks and warping may also have rot under their surface. The cracks make your home vulnerable to more water intrusion, escalating the problem. These are serious signs it’s time to replace your siding. 

2. Your Siding Requires Extensive Upkeep

Siding requires more maintenance and repairs as it ages. If you don’t attend to its upkeep needs, you’ll need to replace it sooner. Has your siding become a major maintenance and repair project? It may be time to replace it. When caulking wears out, that’s no big deal. Just remove it and replace it. But when siding boards warp, crack, rot, or become loose, that’s another issue. And if pests invade your siding, that takes things to another level—it’s a sign that re-siding is a good next step for your home. 

3. Your Exterior Incurred Substantial Damage

It’s one thing when siding fades, it’s another when excessive woodpecker damage occurs and the only way to break the cycle of them coming back annually and harming your home again is to replace your siding. Storm damage is another non-negotiable issue that needs to be resolved swiftly to preserve your home’s structure. If a hefty winter storm blew through the area and harmed your exterior significantly, that’s a good sign that siding replacement is imminent. 

4. Your Siding Is Old

While the material and quality of installation directly impacts your siding’s lifespan, its age is also a factor. Hardie siding can last up to 50 years when installed correctly and maintained well, and vinyl siding may only last 20-25 (and can start to show signs of aging by the time it’s 10-15 years old). Wood siding requires tedious maintenance, but if it is well sealed, wood can last 20-40 years—depending on the type of wood, the climate it’s exposed to, and how well it was installed. 

5. There Are Blisters or Bubbles on Your Siding

If you notice blisters or bubbles forming under your siding’s surface, it’s an indication that water has become trapped in your siding. This means your exterior is compromised, and a big indication you should replace it. 

6. You Have Skyrocketing Energy Bills 

While windows and doors are an important place to check on if your utility bills increase significantly, siding can also be a contributor to this issue. Older siding doesn’t provide the insulation new siding does, so your heating and air conditioning unit may be working overtime. This causes your HVAC unit to wear out quicker and energy use to increase, and results in higher bills for your greater energy use. It may be time to consider new siding if this is the case. 

7. There Is Peeling Paint in Your Home Interior

It may be surprising, but siding issues can show up inside your house as well as outside. If your wallpaper becomes loose or interior paint begins to peel, your siding may be the culprit. There are multiple layers between your exterior and internal walls—like insulation and drywall. But when siding gets old, outdoor temperatures can permeate your home. Moisture can seep through your siding and cause peeling paint and wallpaper issues. 

8. Your Siding Looks Dated

Most homes in your neighborhood were probably built around the same time. If neighboring homes have been upgraded from their initial siding while yours looks dated and tired, that’s a signal that it’s time for new siding—particularly if yours needs repairs anyway. A siding replacement offers the perfect opportunity to update your exterior’s style and color, giving a fresh feel to your abode. Re-siding will add curb appeal, vibrant color, and value to your home. It will put out the welcome mat to friends and family, and offer a great first impression every time. You’ll have pride in your home again once you replace your siding. 

9. You Spot Fungus, Mold, or Mildew on Your Exterior

When unhealthy mold, fungus, or moss begins to grow on your siding, they should be removed swiftly. In the presence of moisture, these unwanted guests grow and allow water to penetrate your siding more readily. While these are all hassles that decrease your home’s curb appeal, they aren’t urgent signs you need new siding right now. But they point to it in the future, as they compromise your siding and make it more vulnerable to issues. 

Get Gorgeous New Siding for Your Minnesota Home 

Don’t risk your house’s integrity by overlooking the need for new siding. Get the replacement siding you need and protect your home from the elements while boosting its curb appeal. 

Before deciding on your new siding material, take time to do some research so you’ll do it right the first time, avoid costly repairs in the future, and enjoy your gorgeous long-lasting siding for years. At Lutgen Companies, our hands-on approach to selecting the materials we install adds a trustworthy, personalized touch to your exterior remodeling process. Learn more about how our siding replacement services can benefit your home’s beauty and durability.