Your siding does more than affect your home's curb appeal. It also protects the house from the elements and keeps the home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. When it loses its integrity, however, all of these benefits begin to fall by the wayside. Fortunately, there are several signs that can alert you to consider siding installation. Here are three to keep in mind.

When to Replace Your Home’s Siding

1. Blistering

Blisters and bubbles are unsightly imperfections that point to signs of water damage. Usually, blistering suggests that there is an opening somewhere in the perimeter allowing moisture inside. Water can get trapped there, leading to the blisters and bubbles you see. 

If water damage is present, you may also see very faint stains on your interior walls or even droplets of water near the walls. The longer moisture lingers, the more likely that mold will develop. This may form directly on the panels, but often develops beneath them. Mold can further rot the siding and cause health problems for you and your family. 

2. Discoloration

Discoloration isn’t just an aesthetic defect—it's also a deeper concern that indicates the siding isn’t protecting your home as it should. That’s because the panels are more exposed to the elements without a protective layer of paint, making them more vulnerable to moisture intrusion. The sun's ultraviolet rays can also cause them to warp over time. 

However, repainting won’t help if the panels are already damaged. In this case, new siding installation is the only way to properly safeguard your home from the elements.

3. Rust

Walk the perimeter of your home and check for any signs of rusty nails. The nails can become more corroded over time and eventually lose their integrity. Weak nails can stick out or pop off altogether. In some cases, the panels themselves may appear rusty or brown. That could be due to water damage, which creates unsightly streaks that stream down the panels. Usually the culprit for rust formation is when water seeps behind a panel, freezes, and thaws, causing the panel to expand and contract. This natural cycle causes the panel to warp with time. 
 

If you need a reliable professional for siding installation, turn to Elite Contracting & Consulting. Serving clients since 2012 throughout the greater St. Louis metropolitan area, southeastern MO, southern IL, southwestern IN, and northwestern KY, these licensed contractors offer a range of home remodeling services to ensure that your property always looks its best. They’re proud to carry an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau® and offer 24/7 emergency repairs when you need them the most. Visit the website for more information, or call (618) 594-8555 to request a free quote.