There are many reasons why it's essential to keep your siding in good condition, and timely siding repair is one. If you allow your siding to become damaged or neglected, you'll see your home's value decrease, making the property less desirable to potential buyers. In addition, if you allow the damage to go unchecked, it can lead to more severe issues down the road like mold or rot that could compromise the structural integrity of your home.
A homeowner’s biggest fear when thinking about their home is that they will have to replace their siding on short notice, whether because of its age or due to damage from Mother Nature. It’s important to know that timely siding repair can keep the cost of siding replacement down and help you enjoy the beauty of your home for years to come.
1. Saves you money
The longer you wait to have your siding repaired, the worse it can become. This increases repair costs and means that you'll likely need a more extensive (and therefore costly) project.
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that replacing your siding every 8-15 years can save homeowners up to 30% on their utility bills! With today’s high energy prices, any savings are welcome.
Plus, good maintenance and timely repairs will extend the life of your home and its roof.
If you want to keep money in your pocket and avoid costly repairs down the road, make sure you schedule regular maintenance with our team at EcoSideSeattle.com!
2. It’s a quick fix
If you notice damage to your siding that looks like it could spread, or if there's a problem with a door, window, fence post, or anything else on your property that requires attention right away, making sure to repair it as soon as possible will help prevent any further problems.
Delaying repairs can end up costing more in time and money later on.
In addition, minor issues left unaddressed may snowball into bigger ones over time. Plus, when you have a crack in your siding, insects might be able to get inside—which can lead to other issues such as mold growth.
3. Keeps your home energy-efficient
Most siding materials are energy-efficient, helping to reduce your energy costs. If you're looking to improve your home's overall efficiency, replacing siding and upgrading insulation can help.
Keep in mind that even though it may be more expensive upfront, high-quality siding materials tend to last longer than low-end ones. You could save money over time if you invest in quality products now.
As a general rule of thumb, avoid vinyl siding—it may seem like a good idea because it's so affordable, but it doesn't hold up well over time and tends to sag or crack prematurely.
They’re one of those no-brainer upgrades in home improvement, and they pay off big time. Not only do you benefit from reduced energy bills year after year, but your property will also gain in value if you sell it in a few years.
It's pretty much a win-win all around. So don't wait any longer to replace that old, drafty window with something new.
The sooner you start, the sooner you can save money on your utility bills—and reap some financial rewards when it comes time to sell.
4. Keeps You Cool in the Summer and Warm in the Winter
A home's siding is one of its most important parts because it protects your house and keeps you comfortable inside. Most people know that homeowners should be vigilant about weatherproofing during cold winter months. Still, you may not realize that spring and summer are significant threats to your home as well.
Siding helps protect your home from exterior elements. It keeps you cool in summer and warm in winter, which in turn will help reduce your energy bill and make you more comfortable.
It also provides soundproofing, making it a great choice if you have a lot of noise coming from outdoors or adjacent homes.
After all, if your home's siding starts leaking air in any season, it will cause damage. You don't want to wait until fall rolls around again—that could mean missing out on valuable time when you could have been repairing or replacing your siding.
To keep your home warm during cold winters and cool during hot summers, consider updating your siding material every 5-10 years.
5. Prevents Mold, Mildew, and Rot
Strong winds and storm damage can wreak havoc on your siding. That’s why it’s so important to have your siding, windows, and roof inspected at least once a year and repaired if necessary.
In addition to protecting against damages from storms and winds, timely siding repair is also an effective way to protect your home from mold, insects, rot, mildew, and rust—all of which cause more costly damage over time.
One of siding's biggest jobs is to protect your home from rain, snow, and other elements that may cause moisture buildup. If your siding needs repair—or worse, it needs to be replaced altogether—this will open up a direct pathway for water infiltration.
Over time, even small amounts of water can lead to dangerous mold and mildew infestations and rotting wood underneath.
Maintaining your siding is one of the most important things you can do to ensure a healthy living environment in your home.
Beyond preventing moisture intrusion, good siding should also include several layers of protection against heat loss. Older homes used materials like asbestos shingles or vinyl sheets (these were common in 70s-era construction), which let heat escape faster than they did when installed.
6. Extend the Life of Your Roof
The lifespan of your roof will largely depend on its material. Still, it's essential to know when repairs or replacements are necessary.
A quick way to test your roof’s longevity is by performing a simple walk-around: look for any damaged shingles or signs of exposed or peeling roofing materials. If you notice any of these signs, schedule a professional inspection and repair service immediately—the last thing you want to do is wait until it’s too late.
In addition to extending your roof's life, timely siding repair can also save you money in the long run. Neglecting minor issues can result in more expensive problems down the road.
Additionally, regular maintenance helps ensure that more significant issues don't develop in areas where moisture may accumulate (e.g., around vents or chimneys). Don't let siding issues go unnoticed for too long—you might be surprised at how quickly little problems can become big ones!
7. Protect Against Damage from Storms and Winds
If you have old, damaged, or structurally compromised siding, it could be susceptible to damage from storms and winds. If you live in an area that experiences high winds or heavy rainstorms, timely siding repair can help prevent some of these types of damages from occurring.
Your home may need newer and more impact-resistant siding if you live in a climate like Seattle, where inclement weather occurs frequently.
Once water has penetrated your siding, it can cause structural damage to your home’s frame. This will require replacement or repair of some of your framing material, which will get expensive quickly if you let it go too long.
A repair to your siding early on can prevent further water incursion, thus preventing costly repairs later.
Conclusion
Weather-resistant siding serves as the first line of defense against the elements. It helps your home maintain its beauty for years to come. Unfortunately, siding that has not been maintained or repaired correctly can start to show serious signs of wear before you know it, putting your family at risk of serious health concerns and increasing your property's risk of damage from extreme weather like hurricanes and flooding.
Contact EcoSide for Siding Replacement or Repair
Considering siding repair or replacement this spring? EcoSide has been making siding simple across the Seattle area since 2009 and would be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate. Call (206) 235-1275 or visit EcoSideSeattle.com to get started. Or use our handy Siding Calculator to estimate how much a complete siding replacement could cost for your home.
