House siding is one of the most visible parts of a house. The most common materials Americans opt for include wood, stone veneer, fiber cement, vinyl, or aluminum. Such materials are thought to protect the house safe from the damages of stormy or windy weather and pests. Regardless of how important this part is, some people may still forget to keep track of their siding.
Do you have an old house siding? Do you think you require replacement? If yes, it might be best to contact a contractor in your area now. If you’re living in Alexandria, for instance, you may contact your trusted siding replacement contractor Alexandria companies, to help you choose the best replacement option there is.
How Long Does Siding Materials Last?
Updating the siding of your house is crucial because it helps protect you from possibly hazardous elements while providing your exteriors with a great look at the same time. They’re made durable to last for years, but not for a lifetime. They’re still not made to last forever. So, you’ll need to update them after some time.
Refer to the details below to learn more about the materials used for siding and how long they usually last.
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Wood Siding
Wood is a popular material used for siding because of its versatility. They’re acknowledged for their traditional yet sophisticated appeal. When maintained under the best circumstances, wood could last anywhere from 20 to 40 years. With all the aesthetic qualities a wood offers, there are still several disadvantages that you must consider.
Wood is prone to moisture damage, which means there’ll be a need for proactive preservation to prevent it from rotting. Besides that, wood is an organic substance, making it hard to preserve. As you must know, insects make their homes in woods, making them also susceptible to insectivores like woodpeckers.
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Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is known for its minimal need for maintenance, high durability, and affordable cost. They’re designed to last up to 60 years, still depending on the climate and up keeping. Unlike wood, vinyl siding doesn’t trap moisture or specks of dust. Moreover, it still needs to be washed or repainted annually. Its lifespan may still decrease if you won’t fix its damages right away.
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Metal Siding
These days, homes with metal siding are styled to appear modern. The use of this material sprang in the 20th century. These were known for their resistance to flames and quick installation. However, they’re prone to dents and pitting, making them less popular. Metal siding may last a couple of decades or more. However, they could start to fade and depreciate in about 15 years. This may be due to harsh climate conditions.
How To Tell If It’s Time For A Siding Replacement
Your house siding is designed to last long. The only factor that’s making it to deteriorate early are factors like the weather conditions, durability of the material, and its overall lifespan. Be aware of the signs that mean your siding needs a replacement.
Make time to check your siding and see if the following occurs.
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Rotting
Replace your home’s siding if your siding material, especially wood, starts to decay or break. This simply means it won’t be capable of protecting your house from hazardous elements anymore.
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Growth Of Molds And Mildews
If you start seeing molds or mildews underneath the panels of your house, it can mean there have been water damages. If this is left unrepaired or unreplaced, this may rot through the frames of your home, possibly leading to health problems within the household. Take time to inspect if there are molds and if there is, consult a contractor to know if it threatens your safety or a problem.
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Rifts and Gaps
These issues are apparent signs that your siding needs repair or replacement. They don’t just look unpleasantly, but they’re also jeopardizing the architectural integrity of your house. If you really value your home, it might be best to replace it to make it look new.
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Excessive Maintenance
Have you done much maintenance on it lately? Your siding must’ve been through much damage. Why don’t you consider replacing it? In that way, you won’t have to spend much money on repeated repairs.
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Inefficient Insulation
Do you notice any sudden rise in air conditioning bills? You might assume this is only due to the rising temperatures of the weather. However, this could not be the case. It could be caused by the aging of your house’s siding. Such a situation won’t be capable of insulating your home efficiently anymore, leading to frequent use of your air conditioning and heating systems to adhere to the temperatures.
Final Thoughts
The interiors and exteriors of your house provide clues as to whether or not you have to replace your siding. You only need to learn how often the material you used will last and what factors tell that they need to be replaced. After all, your house’s siding is one of your primary defenses against harmful elements.
