Siding. It protects your home against the elements. It determines your home’s appearance. It plays a pivotal role in determining your home’s value. But, what do you know about determining the true condition of your siding?
Siding replacement decisions
Unlike a fresh coat of paint or new color in your beds, choosing siding means making a longterm commitment. Before choosing materials, though, make sure you really need new siding.
Warning signs of siding replacement
A casual visual inspection can easily miss warning signs your siding may need replacement. Wood siding can be especially susceptible to moisture and weather conditions causing it to expand and peel over time. Similarly, OSB ,or wood-composite siding, tends to expand, buckle, crack and mold when repeatedly exposed to precipitation.
Knowing if you need new siding means knowing what to look for:
- Warping: Using a screwdriver, poke beneath warped siding. If the layer below feels soft, it’s probably time to replace your siding.
- Peeling paint: Not on your siding, but inside your home. If your siding allows moisture to seep beneath it, damage can happen to interior walls. Sagging wallpaper or peeling paint are an early warning.
- Mold/Mildew: When mold or mildew form on your exterior siding, it can mean moisture is getting into your home. At the very least, mold or mildew on your exterior siding is cause for investigation.
- Dry Rot: While not visible to the naked eye, dry rot is a common problem with wood siding. Tap various locations with a screwdriver handle to identify areas suffering from dry rot.
Hardie: Tom’s choice for replacement siding
James Hardie siding is engineered to stand up to whatever Texas weather can throw at it. While weather, water, time, fire and pests can all lead to trouble for other siding, Hardie stands tough and comes in a variety of finishes. In this week’s feature video, Caleb chose three Hardie siding options:
- HARDIEPLANK® BEADED CEDARMILL Inspired coastal communities hugging the Eastern seaboard, this siding style brims with charm.
- HARDIESHINGLE® SIDING The authenticity of cedar shingles with the strength of James Hardie that resists rotting, curling, warping and splitting.
- ARTISAN® BY JAMES HARDIE Thanks to added thickness, these boards cast deep shadow lines for added dimension and drama.
Since siding is the first thing people notice about your home, be careful to choose a qualified contractor. Caleb chose a HomeShow Hardie Pro, Home Exterior Solutions, to make sure his home’s siding would be properly installed to provide years of carefree enjoyment and added curb appeal. See the transformation in this week’s feature video.
