Homes with siding require rare but essential maintenance to have it last a long time. Some material options are easier to maintain than others, but overall, maintenance of any siding is the key to a long lifespan. Here are a few questions homeowners have when they need to replace their home's siding. 

Common Questions About Home Siding

1. What are signs I need to upgrade my siding?

There are a few telltale signs of worn siding. Warping or rotting are obvious indications, as they signal rotting. If you tap on siding with the rubber handle of a tool, you can also find hidden dry rot under the surface. Also, if you have to repaint your home every 5-6 years because of peeling and cracking paint, there are underlying issues. Quality siding will maintain color for at least 8-10 years.

Inside your home, loose wallpaper or peeling paint can indicate issues outside. When siding is loose, moisture seeps in and makes your house humid, which peels paint and wallpaper over time. Increased energy bills can also cause concern, as your HVAC system has to run longer when air leaks out of structural cracks. 

2. What happens if I leave my old, broken siding?

While there are aesthetic reasons to replace old siding, there are also structural concerns that result from inaction. If your siding is loose or cracked, it opens the opportunity of water seeping into your home. When not addressed for a long time, water can rot your home's structure and create pockets of mold, which are both substantial hazards. To avoid this issue, perform routine inspections for wear on your siding and have a professional make any small repairs before they become monumental issues. 

3. What type of siding is best?

The best type of siding depends on what your priorities are as a homeowner. Metal siding is the choice for performance and works particularly well if you live in colder climates. Vinyl and engineered wood are aesthetic favorites, and they perform reasonably well. Wood siding requires very little daily maintenance, making it a durable choice to maintain over its lifetime. 

4. What type of maintenance does siding require?

Vinyl siding is typically maintenance-free after its installed. Metal will need repairs if you live in a hail-heavy climate, but otherwise, you can install it and forget it. Wood needs no daily maintenance, and it won't break or dent due to weather. However, it will require a weather-resistant treatment every 4-6 years to keep water from rotting the wood. 

In Wisconsin Rapids, WI, homeowners trust Link's Contracting Inc with their home contracting needs. From siding to windows, doors, gutters, and more, their team has over 25 years of experience and an A+ Better Business Bureau Rating under their belts to do the job right. For more information and to schedule a consultation, visit their website or call (715) 424-5465.