Your siding offers crucial protection for your home, as it stands up against various elements on a daily basis. But due to its long-term exposure to heat, wind, rain and other environmental conditions, the material will naturally deteriorate and become less efficient over time.
There are usually signs that will tell you when your siding is no longer in good condition, such as cracks and dry rot. Hail damage is also another good reason to replace your siding as soon as possible. However, if there is no immediate risk for your siding or home, you might want to wait and schedule your siding project at the most ideal time of the year.
Generally, for regions that experience mild winters, the best time to change your siding is around late fall or early winter. If you live in colder climates, it would be ideal to have your new siding installed before the freezing weather hits.
In this article, Peninsula Siding Company, Inc. discusses the advantages of having your siding installation project done in the fall. We also list a few common signs that your siding should be replaced immediately, regardless of the season.
Siding Replacement Challenges in the Summer
Hot weather can affect the result of your siding replacement project, especially if you are installing vinyl siding. Since vinyl is essentially made of plastic, exposure to high temperatures can have an impact on its quality. It can cause your vinyl siding to stretch and expand. So if you are nailing a plank of vinyl siding to your home during hot weather, you might discover later on in the winter that the plank has stretched and become longer. This change in size could possibly cause your siding to bump against your window casings, buckle and eventually fall off.
Siding Replacement Challenges During Winter
Installing new siding during a freeze or when temperatures are below 50 degrees poses certain challenges too. Cold weather can cause vinyl siding panels to contract, making it easy for installers to nail them on too tight during installation. Furthermore, freezing temperatures can make vinyl more brittle, so there could be a possibility that the material would crack and break apart when it is nailed to the wall.
Siding Replacement Challenges During Springtime
Spring is often considered a good time for home improvement projects. However, the season also brings rain showers that could cause not just delays in your project but moisture problems in your siding material. For instance, if your contractor needs to pause the work halfway through your project due to a sudden rainstorm, your home’s sheathing and walls could potentially be exposed to mold.
Benefits of Siding Replacement in the Fall
Despite the issues that one can encounter during spring or summer, many homeowners still prefer to have their siding replaced during these months. Because of this, it’s usually easier to book a siding contractor in the fall when the demand for siding replacement services isn’t too high. Furthermore, with fewer projects to do during fall, siding contractors may offer deals on labor in a bid to improve business during this time of the year. They will be able to focus more on your project and be able to respond to your queries more quickly. You can also expect that the installation will be finished sooner since fall usually has favorable weather conditions and is less prone to storms.
Siding materials also tend to go on sale during autumn, as siding contractors make way for new inventory that’ll arrive in the winter. Lastly, replacing your siding in the fall allows you to prepare your home for the winter season, making sure that your home will be a comfortable place despite the cold weather.
Signs That You Need to Replace Your Old Siding
Take note that some siding issues need to be addressed immediately, regardless of the season you’re in. In such cases, it would be best to act quickly and not to wait for fall anymore so that you can avoid more extensive damage.
Below are some common signs that your siding should be replaced soon:
Rot
Rot is common in wood siding because the material tends to absorb moisture, increasing the risk of moisture buildup. The presence of rot can certainly affect the appearance of your siding, making your home’s curb appeal less attractive. Apart from causing cosmetic damage, rot can also make your siding less effective in protecting your home against the elements.
Cracks
Cracks are a sure way for water to reach the underlayment of your siding. Do not delay replacing the affected panels so that you can avoid more serious damage. If the cracks are only present in a few areas of your siding, you can opt for a partial replacement and have only the affected panels changed. However, if the damage covers a significant area and can be found around your home, you should definitely replace your entire siding.
Blisters
Blisters or bubbling occurs when the siding has been exposed to excessive heat or moisture. Call up a siding contractor as soon as you notice these imperfections so that they can help you identify the main problem and replace the affected parts.
Hail Damage
Chipping, cracking and denting are common signs of hail damage. If you see any of these on your siding after a hailstorm, make sure to call a siding professional to inspect the damage and perform the replacement. You should also review your home insurance and call your insurance company to make sure if it will be able to cover your siding replacement expenses.
Peninsula Siding Company, Inc. is a full-service custom design, build and remodeling company. We have been specializing in custom new home construction and remodeling for several years, so you can count on us to deliver excellent workmanship. We also use quality materials like James Hardie siding products. With our expertise, you can rest assured that you’ll get value for your money. Call us at (650) 287-4208 or fill out our contact form to request a free quote.