A home’s siding is vital not only to its overall appearance but to its overall functionality as well. Failure to properly look after one’s siding can lead to everything from aesthetic decline to water damage to insulation issues and more.
Fortunately, when problems such as these arise, there are professionals available to help set them right. These professionals are, of course, residential siding contractors.
Curious as to when a residential siding contractor is necessary? Then read on. Here are eight signs you need one.
1. When You’re Building a New House
Are you in the process of building a new home? If so, you might consider utilizing the services of a residential siding contractor. Sure, you could make do with your primary builder, but you might not receive the level of service that you would from a dedicated siding specialist.
Siding contractors are well-versed in the installation of siding and will ensure that your siding is installed for optimal protection and aesthetics. This will facilitate max efficiency and lifespan, allowing you to get the absolute best bang for your buck with your siding.
Dedicated siding contractors are especially beneficial when you’re looking to install specialty sidings like stone veneer. They have installed this siding in the past and know everything there is to know about installation specifics. This might not be true of a general home building company.
2. When Your Siding is Cracked
Siding exists outside, perpetually subject to a variety of elements. As such, it stands a fairly high chance of incurring damage. Though it’s not always the case, this damage often comes in the way of cracks.
Now, cracks are certainly going to impair the aesthetic value of siding. However, that’s not all they’re going to impair. See, cracks impair the functional value of siding as well.
When a crack forms in siding, it provides an avenue not only for moisture but for heat and cold as well. As such, it simultaneously lessens the protection and energy efficiency capabilities of the siding in question.
In some cases, siding cracks can be repaired with the use of vinyl or wood filler. In other cases, they require full panel replacements. Regardless of what the case may be, you’re advised to utilize the services of a siding contractor; the contractor will assess the damage and then take action to correct it.
3. When Your Siding is Warped
Not only is siding vulnerable to cracking, but it’s also vulnerable to warping as well. See, as siding is exposed to more and more moisture, its structural integrity becomes compromised. Over time, this leads to the siding slowly bending and misshaping, often to the point that it can’t sit flush against its corresponding house.
There is no repair for this problem. Once a siding has become warped, it will need to be replaced with fresh siding. As such, once you experience such a problem, you’re advised to call up your local HVAC technician.
Failure to replace such siding in a timely manner can lead to a number of problems. Not only can it cause moisture to infiltrate your home, resulting in water damage, but it can also reduce the insulative qualities of your home, resulting in a more drafty and less energy-efficient residence overall.
4. When Your Siding is Faded
If you have vinyl siding (and many homeowners do), you must know that it will eventually become faded. What was once a bright red or an eye-catching blue will turn into a vague red or a transparent blue.
This happens as a result of rain and sun exposure. Slowly, over time, these elements drain the pigment from the siding, gradually reducing the quality of its aesthetic.
Unfortunately, there’s nothing you can do to prevent this from happening. Just as unfortunate is the fact that you can’t do anything about it, except for replacing it with entirely new siding.
As such, if your vinyl siding is faded — an aesthetic shell of what it used to be — you’re advised to bring in a residential roofing contractor. He or she will replace your siding in its entirety, furnishing you with the siding material of your choice.
5. When Your Siding is Antiquated
Times change. Unfortunately, your siding doesn’t automatically change with them. As such, when the years pass, your siding often gets left behind, leaving your home looking like something from 2005.
In other words, your siding becomes antiquated. As a result, it drags down the aesthetic value of the rest of your property.
If your siding is lagging behind the times, and if you’ve grown tired of looking at it, there’s no reason that you shouldn’t make a change. There doesn’t have to be a functional problem with your siding in order to justify its replacement. Aesthetic antiquation is reason enough.
And who do you call when you need that siding replaced? Why, a siding contractor, of course. Your local contractor should have a number of options for you to choose from, both in terms of material and style.
6. When Your Energy Costs Have Gone Up Unexpectedly
For years, your energy costs have been about the same. Unfortunately, as of late, they’ve been increasing gradually. Now, you’re paying almost $50 a month more than what you were just a year ago; and it’s not because of a rise in cost per unit.
What could the problem be? Well, it could be a number of things; you could actually be using more energy, for instance. But if you’re not, there’s likely something about the state of your home that is causing the increase.
Maybe your insulation has grown old and is failing to do its job as intended? Perhaps your roofing has deteriorated and can no longer keep out the heat and cold? Or maybe, just maybe, your siding is to blame?
Siding serves as an additional layer of insulation. As such, if it starts deteriorating, it will allow heat and cold to pass through a home at a higher rate, placing additional strain on an HVAC system, and forcing that system to utilize more energy. This, of course, results in higher energy costs.
So, if your energy bills are climbing steadily, you’re advised to bring in a seasoned siding contractor. He or she will assess your siding and make repairs and replacements as needed.
7. When Your Siding Requires Maintenance
It doesn’t matter whether it’s wood siding, vinyl siding, composite siding, or otherwise, it will require regular maintenance. In some cases (like in the cases of vinyl and composite), this maintenance will require no more than cleanings. In other cases (like in the case of wood), this maintenance will require cleaning, painting, sealing, and more.
Regardless, if you need help maintaining your siding, a residential siding company can help you to get the job done. Some siding companies even offer maintenance plans, ensuring that your siding receives maintenance on a consistent and reliable basis.
Note, maintenance isn’t something you can overlook. Failing to furnish your siding with regular maintenance will result in its premature deterioration, not only aesthetically but functionally as well. Call up your local siding contractor and he or she will provide your siding with the care it desperately needs.
8. When You’re Looking to Learn More About Residential Siding
Residential siding is ever-changing. What was popular 20 years ago could be antiquated now. As such, if you’re thinking about installing new siding soon, you might want to get a better idea as to what’s available to you.
There are a number of ways to do this, but perhaps the best way is to ask your local siding contractor. Siding contractors know everything there is to know about modern siding and will be able to provide you with all of the benefits and drawbacks of each material. They can also inform you as to new technologies in siding manufacturing.
Sure, wood siding is by and large the same thing that it was 200 years ago. However, vinyl siding, for example, has changed substantially and is now often filled with insulative foam.
There are all sorts of siding developments to learn about, so call up your local siding contractor and get the latest news on various materials.
In Need of a Residential Siding Contractor?
Do you tick any of the boxes reviewed above? Are you in need of a residential siding contractor in Madison or Waukesha, Wisconsin? Heins Contracting is the company to call.
We’re well-versed in the servicing of all types of siding. Whether you’re looking to install new siding, need your existing siding repaired, or require help with siding maintenance, we can be of assistance.
Contact us now to discuss your needs!
