Today, even most brick homes utilize some aspect of vinyl siding in eaves and around other areas of the home. These transition pieces or sections not only serve to influence the overall look of a property, but they also are a necessity in terms of the overall construction process. Depending on the roof type implemented, an area from where the actual wall concludes until the pitch runs down needs to be filled. In these instances, using vinyl siding to cover the exposed construction elements, padded with insulation behind, presents the best look and most energy efficient option for the residence and homeowner.
Vinyl siding has an exceptional lifespan when cared for properly but there are a few signs of wear or damage which may indicate that a change is needed. While these may not occur for years down the line, there are a couple of scenarios where even replacing all existing siding may benefit a property owner.
Since the inception of vinyl siding and its application on homes across the country, there has been a major debate about whether or not it is an appropriate building material. While improvements over time have effectively changed these negative connotations, there are still a few dreaded rumors about the usage and especially the manufacturing or recycling process when a change is needed. Given the improvements across the board in both areas, there are still plenty of reasons to love vinyl siding. Cost effectiveness, the ability to hand pick a color your prefer, durability, and the ease of maintenance are just a few of these factors.
However, there will be times when a change is required. If your home is showing any of these signs or you find yourself in any of the following situations – consider a professionally installed replacement.
MELTING
While vinyl siding protects your home from the weather elements, if you do expose it to extreme heat for an extended period, melting can occur. This is not the case from hot summer days, but a grill or smoker operating too close to the home could cause issues and potentially damage to your vinyl siding. While the flame may not directly be in contact with the home (a good thing!) even the heat released from cooking could cause a severe issue. If you’re grilling, make certain to pull the grill out and away from the home before lighting and beginning to prepare any meal.
The good news is that with vinyl siding, portions are replaceable instead of the entire surface. For this instance, only the affected pieces would need to be changed.
ROT
Another cause for the decline of vinyl siding performance and sign it should be replaced revolves around rotting sections of wood underneath. While vinyl siding can protect your home, nothing is 100-percent effective in keeping out every single drop of rain and moisture build up.
After a professional inspection, it may be determined that you do not need to replace rotted wood before installing vinyl siding. If the impacted section(s) are minor then quality siding, installed correctly can continue to protect your home and investment for years to come.
UTILITY INCREASE
Another sign of damage or failed siding includes an unexplainable rise in the cost of utility bills to either heat or cool a home. Air leaks in a property negate the production of the HVAC unit and even siding with insulation installed underneath can become vulnerable to break downs at certain points in their overall lifespan.
If you’re heating/cooling habits haven’t changed and the weather maintains average temperatures for the corresponding months, yet the cost to heat or cool significantly increases, then an inspection of the siding should be conducted. It may be revealed that certain areas have bulged out or peeled away from the home, leading to an easier correction before considering a complete change to ensure the residence is insulated properly.
VALUE
However, a complete new installation could increase the property value of your home. If you’re in the market for a new property or hoping to make a profit off the currently owned vinyl siding home, then consider changing the color/siding. Both could potentially increase the property value and although there would be up front cost, it may be recouped when the residence is purchased by another party.
Changing the colors to fit current trends or create a new look also comes with knowing that typical vinyl siding can last upwards of 25 years.
PEST CONTROL
If your home has suffered a breach by insects then examining the vinyl siding should be considered. At times, bugs and termites can burrow into the siding and reach the wood inside your home creating considerable issues. While not always noticeable, a regular inspection of the siding should be conducted in order to determine there hasn’t been a breach around the property.
Again, the good news is that siding can be replaced in sections so should evidence of insect damage exist. Then replacing the areas affected can significantly reduce the cost of having to change out an entire house.
With a wealth of knowledge and experience, quality service has been our priority in Denver and the surrounding area. Arvada Roofing and Construction has been completing vinyl siding and roof inspections, installations, remodels, repair and multiple other exterior household projects or associated services for nearly two decades. Their highly trained experts can provide an estimate on any repair, remodel, or now construction project, if needed, as well as any inspection you wish to have completed. Should you find yourself in a situation where you are concerned about the effectiveness of your vinyl siding or already have an issue, we are here to help. Our certified and extremely knowledgeable staff is available to handle any construction or roofing job and provide a variety of other services such as seamless guttering systems, or any potential damage analysis thought to be caused by severe weather for the purposes of insurance reporting. Contact us today online or call 303-432-2753 for your free estimate on any of the above mentioned projects!