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Bad-looking siding on a home significantly impacts its curb appeal, but it can also have negative effects on your home’s integrity. If you notice any of these things happening with your siding, it’s a huge red flag that you shouldn’t ignore. From warping to mold, getting a jump on repairing your siding could potentially save you thousands. Here are five signs that your siding is ultimately failing.
1. Cracks, Warping, or Holes
Let’s talk about the more obvious signs that your siding is failing. Cracks, warping, or holes frequently happen due to weather exposure or long-term wear. When the siding is compromised in this way, it is no longer protecting your home. Water and pests can easily slide between your house and warped siding (or in cracks and holes). It’s best to get these issues addressed as soon as possible.
2. Fading or Discoloration
While some fading over time is natural, extreme color loss signals deeper problems. UV rays break down the material over time, and severely faded siding may no longer provide effective protection. Discoloration could also be caused by moisture issues or mold growth underneath. In many cases, fading is an early sign that it has reached the end of its life.
3. Higher Energy Bills
If your heating and cooling costs have risen without a clear cause, failing siding might be to blame. Siding plays a critical role in insulating your home and keeping indoor temperatures stable. When it starts to deteriorate, your HVAC system has to work harder to maintain comfort. Drafts near walls or fluctuating room temperatures are signs your siding is letting air escape. Poor insulation from failing siding means money wasted month after month.
4. Interior Wall Damage
Many people are surprised to learn that siding issues can cause damage inside their homes. If you’re noticing peeling paint, loose wallpaper, or bubbling on your interior walls, water could be sneaking in through damaged siding. Mold and mildew growth indoors is another red flag that moisture is penetrating from outside. These signs often appear before the exterior damage becomes fully visible.
5. Rot, Mold, or Mildew on the Exterior
Rotting or moldy siding isn’t just an eyesore—it’s a serious issue. When moisture becomes trapped in or behind your siding, it creates the perfect environment for fungi to grow. Wood siding is especially vulnerable, but even vinyl can suffer when the underlayment gets wet. Black spots, green patches, or a musty smell around the siding are all clues. Once mold sets in, it can spread quickly and compromise the structural integrity of your walls.
Don’t Wait—Replace Before It Costs You More
You’re probably not checking your siding every day, but it guards your home against pests, water damage, and more. Looking out for these five signs of failure can help prevent some serious issues (and save you a ton of money). Whether you notice physical wear, higher bills, or any of these other signs, your siding is talking to you! Listen and take action.
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Drew Blankenship is a former Porsche technician who writes and develops content full-time. He lives in North Carolina, where he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. While Drew no longer gets his hands dirty modifying Porsches, he still loves motorsport and avidly watches Formula 1.
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