Your siding keeps your house looking its best, providing defence against the elements and pests, and helping define its style. The idea of replacing it all may seem daunting. Fortunately, it’s a project that, if done right, typically only needs to be done once. Think it might be time? Here are the signs to look for.
- You’re Spending a Lot On Maintenance
When the maintenance on your siding seems to always be creeping up on you, it may be time to make the investment in new siding, so you can save more in the long run. Plus, when the maintenance starts to pile up, you can risk damage to the structure of your house by avoiding it. When it starts getting to that point, replacing siding altogether may be your best move. - Your Siding Is Loose or Has Fallen
If you have any siding loose or missing, that means your house underneath is missing much-needed protection from the weather, and potentially pests too. When this starts happening more, associated repairs might end up being more costly than a full-scale replacement. - You’ve Had Pest Damage
Damage from pests such as termites and woodpeckers can be costly. If your siding or structure beneath is frequently seeing damage from pests, it may be time to consider a different material of siding. Tackle pest problems before they start by replacing your siding with a material like James Hardie’s fibre cement options. - The Colour Is Fading
How is the colour of your house standing up over time? If your siding, or its paint job, is fading more quickly than you bargained for, it’s a good time to think about siding materials that can maintain their shade over time, and potentially don’t have to be painted at all. Explore your options: engineered wood can not only stand up to the sun’s rays, but help you avoid some of the other issues that start to crop up with traditional painted siding. - Your Siding Is Cracking, Buckling or Warping
When this type of siding damage happens here and there, it’s easy enough to restore your home’s curb appeal by replacing individual pieces of siding. But if you see structural issues with siding cropping up in larger areas, or all over the house, your money may be better spent in doing a whole-house replacement. It’ll ensure the structure beneath stays protected. - You Have Problems With Wood Rot
Siding is your house’s first defence against wind, rain, snow and sun, so it’s battling the elements as much as your roof. If you have wood siding, check for signs of soft or crumbling wood. This can mean wood rot, which is a problem best addressed as soon as you notice it. Ensure the damage hasn’t spread to the structure beneath, and if so, this may be a good time to make the necessary repairs, and replace the siding. - Your Siding Just Isn’t Looking Its Best
Certain types of siding can bubble, blister, or have other unappealing damage to their material, or to the paint on top. If your investment in fixing these cosmetic repairs is starting to dominate your time, it may be worth considering swapping the siding for a more durable material. Vinyl is less resistant to heat and other extreme weather, which means its appearance can worsen over time. And wood can be high-maintenance when it comes to keeping it—and its paint job—looking its best. Explore James Hardie’s fibre cement products with ColorPlus® Technology for options that can last you many years longer than typical painted siding.
So Is It Time to Replace?
How long you can expect your siding to last depends on a few factors, including its material, your climate, and how much exposure your individual house gets to sun, wind and other elements. Your best bet is to inspect your siding every year to look for any signs of damage like the ones mentioned above. Tackle problems as soon as you notice them. But if the maintenance is starting to become hard to manage, it’s probably time to consider a fresh option that can not only honour your house’s style, but give you many more hassle-free years than some of the traditional siding options.
Learn more about the performance and durability James Hardie siding can offer, and discover the design and colour choices available for your house.
Take the Next Step
If you’re ready to replace your siding, it’s time to get in touch with a professional to help make it a reality. Visit James Hardie’s guide on how to choose a contractor for guidance on finding a team that’s best suited to you and your project.