Noticed any changes in your utility bills lately? One of the culprits could be your home siding. Believe it or not, cracked or warped siding that’s not addressed can do a lot of damage to your exterior—like putting out the welcome mat to pests, allowing moisture to penetrate, and driving up energy costs.
The consequences of not taking timely action to protect your home’s structure and appearance are steep. So, if you’d like to bypass the trouble that results from ignoring your siding’s condition, we’ve got siding tips for you here!
Understand the Problem of Warped or Cracked Siding
Whether it’s vinyl, wood, or fiber cement, your siding acts as a shield that keeps rain, snow, and outdoor temperatures from penetrating your home. When this defensive layer is compromised, problems pop up! Let’s break down the details on what cracked or warped siding does to homes.
Moisture Damage
Cracked or warped siding isn’t just a cosmetic blunder; it’s an indication your home is no longer keeping moisture out. As you know, siding is your house’s first line of defense against anything Mother Nature dishes out. So, when you spot a crack, there’s more going on than meets the eye.
If you could follow the moisture into the crack in your siding, you’d watch it seep in through the vulnerabilities created by breaks and warping. Next, you’d spot it penetrating your walls and causing rot while triggering unhealthy mold and mildew to grow. You may not see it or smell it, but mold can negatively affect your breathing and lungs.
Finally, if left unnoticed, the cracks or warping in your siding may allow water to cause costly structural damage. And that can leave you with the hassle of hiring a contractor to do extensive repairs (which can really disrupt your daily routine!).
Pest Intrusion
Warped or cracked siding creates an easy entry point for pests. Insects like termites, carpenter ants, and beetles can make their way through the opening in your siding and cause expensive damage to your home’s structure. These pests multiply quickly, causing infestations that require costly extermination and repairs.
Additionally, mice and squirrels can chew through weakened areas of your siding as they hunt for a place to make a nest in your walls or attic. They may gnaw on your insulation and wiring while spreading bacteria that could pose a health risk for you. That’s a big problem!
Unsightly Aesthetics
As a homeowner, you take pride in your property’s appearance. So, keeping your siding in good condition is a top priority. If you notice cracks in your siding or spot some warped panels, leaving the problem as-is won’t just open the door to costly issues—it can make your home look unsightly and uncared for. That’s not the impression you want to give your family and guests when they visit you. Plus, you deserve to come home to a beautiful house that you feel good about! So don’t ignore cracked or warped siding issues.
Structural Integrity
Siding adds to the structural integrity of your home. When it becomes cracked or warped, it weakens the stability of your exterior walls, paving the way for deterioration. Over time, the safety of your home may be at risk! This can cost you in expensive structural repairs (that could have been avoided). Dealing with siding cracks and warping ensures your home remains strong and safe!
Energy Loss
Siding provides a layer of insulation to your home, helping it stay warm each winter and cool each summer. When your siding cracks or warps, it opens your interior to outdoor temperatures while draining the heating or air conditioning you’ve invested in. This causes your hard-earned money to go right out the window!
It also puts undo stress on your HVAC unit, causing it to wear out quicker. It will take more energy to make your interior comfortable, creating higher utilities each month. In a nutshell, ignoring cracked or warped siding costs you! The longer you wait to address it, the more your small problems cascade into big ones.
Home Value
If you’re wanting to sell your home, buyers—and the home inspections they invest in—will spot your damaged siding. Additionally, if it’s visible, it will hinder curb appeal, which plays a huge role in your home’s value and what a buyer is willing to pay. First impressions last, and marred siding is a blunder you can’t afford when selling your property.
In fact, if you have siding issues now, investing in new siding before listing may be a smart move. It will also give you the opportunity to update your home’s color and create a stunning first impression for potential buyers!
If the Cracks in Your Siding Could Speak
They’d Tell You Your Siding Is Failing
And ignoring what they’re communicating will cost you.
They’d Urge You to Fix Your Siding Quickly
And you’re smart to take their cues.
They’d Thank You Once You Did!
And you’ll feel great about your home again!
Address Cracked Siding Early to Prevent Bigger Problems
If you’re feeling overwhelmed from the frustrations of siding issues, we get it! You don’t have to figure this out alone. Rather than put your aging, damaged, or deteriorating siding on the back burner (where it will only grow more costly!), reach out to our team so we can partner with you in resolving the situation once and for all. Addressing cracked and warped siding early ensures you bypass further issues and maintain the integrity of your house. That’s a win!
At Bluff City Exteriors, we offer durable James Hardie siding, and cost-effective vinyl. We handle every detail of your siding with precision and care. From our initial consultation to the installation of your new siding, we work with you to obtain the optimal solution for your long-term needs. To learn more about how we can help, contact us today!
