10 Signs Your Home Needs New Siding

Is your home’s exterior starting to look a little worn out? New siding might be the solution you need. In

Overview

Is your home’s exterior starting to look a little worn out? New siding might be the solution you need.

In this blog post, our siding experts from Powell Exteriors KC will go over the top 10 signs that indicate it’s time to replace your siding. From visible damage to increased energy bills, we’ll cover everything you need to know to keep your home in top shape.

1. Visible Cracks and Gaps

One of the most obvious signs that your home needs new siding is visible cracks and gaps. Over time, humid weather conditions and general wear and tear can cause your siding to crack or pull away from the house.

This makes it easier for moisture and pests to enter your home, potentially causing damage and decreasing its overall structural integrity. If you notice any cracks or gaps in your siding, address these issues as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

2. Warping or Buckling

Warping or buckling in your siding can occur due to prolonged exposure to moisture, extreme temperature fluctuations, or improper installation.

Over time, siding materials such as wood can absorb water, causing them to swell and distort. Similarly, vinyl siding can expand and contract with temperature changes, leading to warping if not installed with proper movement allowances.

Signs of warping or buckling include uneven surfaces, bulges, or boards pulling away from the home. This will detract from your home’s curb appeal and, if left unaddressed, can lead to structural issues.

3. Fading and Discoloration

Exposure to the sun’s UV rays and various weather conditions can cause your siding to fade and discolor over time. Continuous sunlight breaks down the pigments in the siding material, leading to a washed-out appearance.

This fading will cause your home to look dull and unappealing, affecting its overall aesthetic. Discolored siding might also indicate underlying issues, such as moisture penetration or material decay.

4. Frequent Need for Painting

Needing to repaint your siding more frequently than every 5-10 years could indicate underlying issues. Generally, a high-quality paint job should last within this timeframe, depending on weather conditions and maintenance practices.

Frequent repainting may suggest that your siding is failing to hold the paint due to moisture penetration, material decay, or poor surface preparation. It could also indicate that the siding itself is nearing the end of its lifespan and may need repairs or replacement.

5. Peeling Paint or Wallpaper Inside

When siding fails to protect your building effectively, moisture can penetrate the exterior and seep into the walls. This trapped moisture compromises the interior surfaces, leading to peeling paint or wallpaper.

Over time, moisture accumulation can disrupt the adhesion of paint or wallpaper to the walls, causing them to blister, peel, and deteriorate. This can result in expensive interior repairs if not addressed promptly.

6. Insect Infestation

Damaged or deteriorated siding creates openings for insects to enter and infest your home. Carpenter ants, termites, and other pests are attracted to decaying wood and can cause significant structural damage if left untreated.

Regularly inspecting your siding and addressing any issues promptly is crucial in preventing insect infestations. If you notice any signs of pest activity, such as small holes or tunnels in the siding, contact an exterminator immediately.

7. Mold and Mildew Growth

Moisture trapped behind damaged or improperly installed siding can lead to mold and mildew growth. These fungi thrive in damp environments and can cause health issues.

Mold and mildew can also result in structural damage to your home over time if not properly remediated. Regularly inspecting and maintaining your siding is necessary to prevent moisture buildup and minimize the risk of mold and mildew growth.

8. Dry Rot

Dry rot is a type of fungal decay that affects wood when there is a lack of moisture, hence the name. Despite its name, dry rot requires some moisture to start, typically from condensation or leaks. The fungus infiltrates the wood and diminishes its strength, causing the material to become brittle and crumbly.

This decay can severely compromise the structural integrity of your home, leading to significant and costly repairs. As dry rot spreads, it can affect key structural elements such as beams and joists, making it a serious issue that demands immediate attention and remediation to protect your home’s stability.

9. Bubbling or Blistering

Bubbling or blistering in siding often results from trapped moisture or extreme heat exposure. These issues can cause the siding material to expand and form unsightly bubbles. To identify bubbling or blistering, inspect your siding for raised areas or irregular spots.

Correcting these issues typically involves pinpointing the source of moisture intrusion or excessive heat and addressing it promptly. Ventilation improvements, sealing gaps, or adding protective barriers can mitigate these problems.

In some cases, replacing the affected siding may be necessary to ensure the long-term health and appearance of your home.

10. Increased Energy Bills

The condition of your siding has a direct impact on your home’s energy efficiency. Deteriorating siding can lead to drafts and air leaks, which cause your heating and cooling systems to work harder to maintain a consistent indoor temperature.

Signs that your siding might be affecting your utility bills include noticeable drafts near walls, fluctuating interior temperatures, and an unexplained spike in energy costs.

To mitigate these issues, consider inspecting your siding for cracks, gaps, or warping and address any problems promptly. Properly maintained siding can significantly enhance insulation and reduce your overall energy expenses.

Work With a Professional Siding Contractor to Keep Your Home in Top Condition

By understanding common siding problems and taking proactive steps to address them, you can protect your home from costly damage and ensure it remains safe and comfortable.

To ensure the best results, work with Powell Exteriors KC for all your siding needs. Our siding professionals can help you choose the right materials, provide expert installation and repairs, and offer ongoing maintenance services to keep your home in tip-top shape.

Nick Warren

00:44 18 Apr 25

I wish I could give Powell Exteriors 10 stars. Dave came out to the house and listened to what we wanted. He came up with ideas that fit into our budget. We called him several times with modifications and he was quick to return our call and get us the information we needed. We chose to go with their quote even though they were not the cheapest. Dave just made us comfortable with his knowledge, timely responses and the products they could offer. The crew was AMAZING. They showed up around the same time every morning and worked all day. When it was quitting time they stacked all their tools and the supplies neatly and cleaned up after themselves. They even swept the concrete. I have never seen a crew so clean. We tried to stay out of their way but they were polite anytime we had a question. They even came out and painted one of the downspouts to match the house. That was above and beyond. Give them a call you will not be disappointed.

Sean Lanyon

14:22 15 Apr 25

The crew came in and worked hard, safely and professionally. Our exterior looks amazing and the detailing is perfect. I definitely recommend Powell Exteriors

Sheryl Riley

13:53 12 Apr 25

Just had a roof put on and they did an excellent job. The roofers were very friendly and couldn't ask for a better experience. They did a great job cleaning up after the job was complete.

Patrick Madden

16:22 07 Apr 25

I'm extremely grateful for Powell Roofing! They were very helpful in many ways and great to work with. They were responsive, affordable, went the extra mile in every effort with insurance and with us in providing the best solution for our needs. Installment was done right and beautiful. Clean up was thorough. Definitely recommend them!

Jeanne Kimball

14:45 26 Mar 25

I don't know what I would have done without the help from Dave in repairing the storm damage to the front of my house! His crew did an outstanding job! I would highly recommend Powell Exteriors! They deserve more then 5 stars, 10 stars from me!

Rudy Quiason

22:46 24 Mar 25

Chris is very helpful and suggested items that only need to be replaced. The project was quickly completed. The crew installers are very good and very professional. Yes, I would recommend Powell Exteriors.

Jay Fain

20:11 24 Mar 25

I am very pleased with Powell Exterior KC. As a wounded disabled veteran they did a superb job building me an accessible ramp and porch for easier and convenient access to my house. I highly recommend them if you are looking for someone to build you what you need.

Travis Ebert

23:11 03 Mar 25

James Snider

04:21 23 Feb 25

Powell Exteriors is the best in every way. They're kind and have a very keen business sense. I would recommend Powell Exteriors KC to absolutely anyone. If you've ever heard "you get what you pay for".... you certainly get piece of mind and commitment from Powell knowing you won't have a single issue with anything. Their business model is to make the customer happy. Your vision will become reality for your home!

Mary McClay

22:45 19 Feb 25

Powell Exteriors did a great job on my deck. It was very nice having the same person to ask questions to during the process. I highly recommend this company.

Sebastian Wentz

15:11 14 Feb 25

Back in November My wife and I had our windows replaced. We are so thrilled with the job that Powell Exteriors KC did, The windows hold out the cold very well and we have already seen savings in our utilities. We can't thank these guys enough for the amazing work! The crew who did the work was awesome, friendly, and really knew what to do. Great job for the installers they were the best! I work form home and the team was very courteous and informed me when it was going to get loud. Communication was a 10 out of 10 The Overall quality of the install 10 out of 10 The overall value 10 out of 10. From the owner coming in and working out our quote to the final clean up of the job we were always given honest information and the best quality customer service. We try to always use locally owned businesses and this is why, Perfect job all the way around. We highly recommend Powell Exteriors KC!!

Gary Naugle

21:40 07 Feb 25

From concept study and design to the finished product this was a great experience. We got exactly what we wanted and are anxious to finishing and furnishing in the spring. Beautiful product at a great price.

Dennis Henn

22:43 03 Sep 24

We love our new patio cover Powell Exteriors KC installed. It came totally protected for shipping to us. Cory was our salesperson who was very great at explaining what would be done & the timeframe to install it. Our installers were Kenny & Silver who were very professional, knowledgeable & courteous. They were all great to work with & will allow us to enjoy our patio rain or shine for years to come. I highly recommend Powell Exteriors KC.

Barb Kemmis

22:54 15 Jul 24

Powell Exteriors completely replaced all the old windows in our house, which is a tricky 2-story. These photos show just a few of the quality windows they installed. We were impressed from the beginning with the strong business ethic when Dave, the co-owner completed our bid, then when Chris followed up with excellent communication about when to expect each step from delivery to installation, then with Jimmy & crew who efficiently and professionally installed each window with care. We love our woodwork, and there was not a scratch in the process as you can see. Small problems came up, as is normal with any home repair project, and they were handled kindly & professionally. With confidence, we completely recommend this company for your exterior project.