One of the primary safety components of a house is its siding. Sure, it’s not the most exciting home renovation project to think about. Still, it’s vitally important, especially considering its lifespan. Understanding the warning signs of siding issues can allow you to address them sooner.

Moisture or Water Damage

Your siding is meant to keep water out from your home and reduce moisture damage to the interior frame. Unfortunately, when your siding is damaged, water can accumulate, which results in serious problems when left untreated. Regardless of what part of your home is affected, moisture is one of the biggest concerns regarding your home’s outer layer of protection.

If you notice signs of moisture, contact a professional Omaha exterior pro as soon as possible. When moisture is left unaddressed, the damage will extend into your walls, ceiling, and frame. This can lead to leaks and extensive work on frame and siding. To avoid moisture or water damage, properly maintain your siding and get professional inspections when needed.

Pests

Wood siding is particularly vulnerable to pests. They range from woodpeckers searching for a meal to bugs and carpenter bees seeking refuge and sustenance. In addition, termites will tunnel their way through the wood, as will powder post beetles, severely limiting the protection your siding will offer. But it’s not just the wood siding that can fall victim – other siding products supported by underlying wood structures are also vulnerable.

To prevent pests from destroying your siding, try insecticides or hot water running through a spray nozzle at 160 to 180 degrees. You can also use eco-friendly products on surrounding trees that might be the source of many pests to eradicate them without damaging the trees.

Extreme weather

Another major cause of siding problems is extreme weather. While your siding is built to protect your home from bouts of rain, hail, snow, sleet, wind, and ice, the damage can add up over the years. When not properly maintained and addressed, damages from extreme weather can result in homeowners needing to replace the entire area. This is especially true if water gets into cracks and freezes. Over time, this thaw-freeze cycle can lead to significant damage.

To avoid further problems from weather, always do a full inspection of your home—including the siding and roof. Walk around and check for any signs of damage, big or small. If you’re not sure what to look for, contact the HomeWise Roofing & Exteriors professionals for help.

Roofing Problems

Your roof and your siding work together to keep your home protected, so the two systems are interconnected to some degree. In general, the overall quality and shape of your roof will impact the stability of your siding. If your roof begins to show signs of damage or deterioration, addressing the issues will help you keep your siding in good shape. Ensure that you schedule yearly roof inspections to catch any problems before they progress. There are endless possibilities when it comes to your roof. If you need a replacement, try to schedule it sooner rather than later to avoid spreading the problem.

Poor Maintenance

Finally, poor maintenance will lead to all of the above siding problems and more. While you don’t have to go out and care for your siding every week, you should include ongoing care and siding maintenance throughout the year. This keeps your siding in the best condition possible and allows you to notice minor damages before they spread.

To avoid siding problems from the start, make sure that you work with a professional Omaha exterior company with the proper experience. When you choose HomeWise Roofing & Exteriors, you can feel comfortable knowing that we will be here for you today and tomorrow.