Common Siding Damage

Siding is an important element to all homes. It not only gives visual appearance to the house, but it also protects the structural elements from damage. Inspecting your siding regularly is recommended to ensure a problem free environment. When you inspect your siding, be sure you keep a look out for the common damages that could occur.

Cracks

Cracks in masonry walls may not be anything of concern. Usually cracks in the walls means that the house has settled. To be sure this is the only problem, place strong tape over the cracks. Keep and eye on the tape for a few months and see if there is any tearing or twisting. If there is, you may have bigger issues on your plate than settling.

Caulk Deterioration

Caulk is a great substance for sealing cracks and windows. However, it tends to crack, dry, and deteriorate over time. Keep an eye out for this. When it happens, simply strip the old caulk from the siding and apply new. It is very cheap and extremely simple.

Termite or Dry Rot damage

The words termite and dry rot send shivers down the backs of homeowners. These two things can structurally ruin any house. To catch termite and dry rot damage early, regularly inspect the wood siding. Every once in a while, use a knife and probe the siding for spongy areas. Make sure to pay close attention to wood siding that is nearest to the ground. This area is usually the first area affected.

Mildew

Houses that are located in warm, humid climates can be the victim of mildew. Mildew is easily avoided by regularly cleaning your siding. Use clean water and a car-wash brush to scrub down the most vulnerable areas. If left untreated, mildew can cause rotting in wood.

Peeling Paint

Paint is not only meant for vanity. Yes, you want your house to look good, but paint also provides a protective barrier from the weather. If you see peeling paint, make sure you repaint the area as soon as the weather permits. This may mean you paint an entire wall, or simply a patch of siding.

You would be surprised at how much damage and money you could save your house by doing a simple siding inspection each year. The quicker you catch a problem, the easier and cheaper it will be to fix. Finding common siding problems right away will make your job easier in the future.