When it comes to protecting your home, the roof and siding are two of the most important elements. If you are renovating your home, the siding may not necessarily be the most exciting component to think about, but it is incredibly important. Siding has a long lifespan if it is well taken care of. There are a few different issues that can cause the lifespan of your siding to be reduced. Keep reading to find out what some of these issues are and how you can prevent them.
Pests
Wood siding is the type of siding that is most vulnerable to a variety of pests, such as carpenter bees, woodpeckers, and termites. Termites, and even powder post beetles, tunnel their way through your wood siding, reducing the amount of protection that your siding can provide. To ensure your wood siding remains well intact and able to continue offering protection for your home, you should use insecticides. This will keep pests from being attracted to the siding and surrounding areas.
Moisture
Exterior siding is specifically designed to ensure that moisture remains outside of the home. If siding is damaged, however, it is unable to do this, and because of this, moisture becomes an issue. Signs of moisture include the siding buckling and warping. The best way to prevent moisture damage to your home's siding is to ensure that it has been properly installed, including having the proper underlayment, such as house wrap, sheeting, flashing, and caulking. Don't forget to also caulk around your windows, doors, etc. All of these measures help create a barrier that prevents moisture from getting behind the siding.
Poor Maintenance
It isn't uncommon for siding to be marketed as low maintenance; however, this does not mean that you can have it installed and completely forget about it forever. Your siding needs to undergo routine inspections, particularly after a harsh storm comes through town. Over a period of time, issues with your siding will build up and you will find yourself in an emergent situation. However, if you work with a siding professional on a regular basis, small problems can be detected early and repaired before they get out of control. Ideally, you should have an inspection once a year as well as after severe storms.
If you notice that there is something wrong with your siding, contact a residential siding professional. If your siding has not had an inspection in a while, or ever, get one scheduled today.
Roof problems can go from minor to really scary in no time at all. One day you have a little leak, and the next you're left with major water damage in your attic. But it does not have to be this way. Well-informed homeowners know how to recognize roof leaks, and they know the importance of regular maintenance for roof longevity.
How do you become one of those well-informed homeowners? By visiting our website, of course! Here, we have articles about common roofing problems, hiring a roofer, choosing a good roof, and even DIY repairs. Every home has a roof, and every homeowner should know the basics about roofing.