Five Signs That You Need to Replace Your Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is highly durable and low maintenance, but it doesn't last forever. The following can help you know when it is time to replace your vinyl siding.
1. Warping
If subjected to extreme heat, vinyl can melt or warp. The most common cause of warping is placing a grill too close to the siding, either while cooking or by storing a hot grill up against the house. Warping can also occur from high temperatures and direct sun exposure, although this is much less likely. When siding melts or warped the only option is to have it replaced, as there is no way to repair the damage.
2. Severe Stains
Vinyl siding is stain resistant but it isn't stain-proof. Mold and mildew are common causes of stains. Although the mold and mildew itself can be washed off, sometimes the stains are much more permanent. The best solution is to clean the siding often so that stains don't develop. Once you have stains, replacement of the affected siding panels is often the easiest way to solve the issue.
3. Holes
Although durable, vinyl siding isn't impervious to all damage. Hail is a common cause of holes in vinyl siding, but any time of direct blunt trauma can cause a hole to be punched through vinyl siding panels. Although there are methods for patching holes in the vinyl, the repair isn't invisible. If appearance matters, then the siding or at least the damaged panel must be replaced. Another issue is that you don't want moisture to seep behind the vinyl through any poorly patched holes, since this can lead to rot and moisture damage.
4. Loose Panels
Damage to panels and fasteners can lead to loose panels. Wind and storm damage is the usual culprit when panels come loose. If the panels aren't damaged then the fasteners can be replaced, otherwise, you will need to install replacement panels when the damage is more severe than a broken fastener.
5. Color Issues
One great thing about vinyl siding is that it doesn't need to be repainted. While this will save you a ton of money and time in regular maintenance, eventually the color may not be what you want any longer. When this happens, it may be time to update to new siding in a color you like. When it comes to vinyl, it's best to opt for neutral colors so that you don't have to worry about it becoming outdated any time soon.
Contact a siding service in your area to learn more about your options.