Depending on the type of siding materials used, the siding on your home or business can last between a decade or several decades. However, it will require proper maintenance regardless of which materials are chosen, and those maintenance costs can get out of control if you’re not careful or consistent. Sometimes common sense outweighs the cost factor, and it’s simply time for a replacement. But how can you tell if or when it’s time to replace siding? 

Heating or Cooling Bills Are Out of Control

Utility bills fluctuate regularly, and sometimes they can get out of control because of unforeseen issues that have nothing to do with the customer’s end. However, if your home or business can’t seem to maintain comfortable seasonal temperatures indoors and that’s affecting your electric and gas prices, chances are there are some structural concerns. The quick fix may be as simple as replacing your siding. 

Maintenance Or Matching Has Become Too Much 

Owning a home is a worthy venture, and it can save money in the long run over renting. However, with maintenance needs, there’s a lot of truth to the cliche, “When it rains, it pours”. UV rays and weather can take a serious toll on the color and condition of your siding, and there may be a time you can no longer match it with replacement materials. If your siding continuously requires maintenance or if those maintenance costs are getting out of control, it may be time to replace that siding once and for all. 

There’s Obvious External Damage 

Structural and external issues such as rodents or insects can cause obvious visual damage to your siding. Once you see holes or tears in the material, there’s a good chance something has burrowed inside it. The perpetrators can be mice, chipmunks, or other small critters using your home to hatch and protect their young or store their food stash for the season. But you could also have termites and other insects that reproduce by the mound or by the thousands. Rather than trying to repair the extensive damage, it may be easier and less expensive to just replace your siding.  

Your Home Is Rotting Or Decaying 

Mold of any kind in or outside of your home can be a disgusting, toxic mess. While all types of mold can release toxins and cause health issues, most professionals are primarily concerned with black mold. There’s some discrepancy between how dangerous the darker molds are, but they stain more and lead to uglier and more obvious signs of damage. Extensive water causes mold on siding or other building structures, lack of proper ventilation, and water damage. And it always needs to be removed by a professional or treated when it’s discovered. Mold and water damage can also lead to extensive decay of the siding or the materials beneath it. Contact us to discuss your concerns and options with a competent and experienced siding contractor in Michigan.