4 Steps to a Quick Siding Inspection

 

The siding is akin to the skin of the human body; it’s the protective outer layer that shields the home against elements. A good quality siding, once installed, should last you a lifetime, but still needs to be well cared for if it’s going to protect your home for years to come.

 

The key to a well-maintained siding is regular inspection. Ideally, a thorough inspection should be done at least once a year by an expert siding contractor in Lubbock TX and surrounding areas. But because annual inspections are too far in between, it’s best to perform quick checks on your siding every now and then to catch problems before they turn into larger issues down the line.

 

Follow these steps when doing a quick inspection of your siding:

 

 Step #1. Start with the obvious. Check for physical damage.

 

The thing about vinyl siding is that it takes rather noticeable damage from a number things, including hailstorms and occasional stray basketballs. Look out for chips and nicks – no matter how minor they are, they make your house looked bruised anyway and you want to avoid that.

 

If you own wood siding, check for peeling paint. Paint is not just for making the siding look pretty; it’s there to protect wood surfaces from rotting and decaying.

 

Step#2. Inspect areas that are most exposed to water.

 

Water infiltration is a problem for both wood and vinyl siding. Vinyl siding itself is not watertight, which is why it is always installed with a water-resistive barrier underneath. It’s this protective layer that prevents rain or melted snow from seeping into the walls of your home.

 

There are no clear signs of water infiltration on vinyl siding (not until it’s too late to save it, at least), but the panels can easily be pulled apart if you need to check underneath. This does not normally damage the siding, since it can be put back together, but it’s best to leave this to professionals. Do not attempt to do it on your own.

 

As for wood siding, water intrusion usually means there’s wood rotting there somewhere. To check for rotting wood, begin with areas that see a lot of water and moisture. These areas are exposed to mold, moss, and mildew, and are more vulnerable to rotting.

 

Step#3. Find failing caulks.

 

Caulking is meant to seal the gaps in your home, preventing conditioned air from leaking out. Check around the windows, vents, and trims to see if there are any dried out or split caulking.

 

Step#4. Even when you’re doing just a quick check on your siding, always write down your findings.

 

Use them to initiate repairs or mention them to your contractor before they perform their thorough inspection. Discuss with them the possibility of replacing your siding if large areas have been damaged beyond repair.

 

When it’s time to install a new siding for your home, turn only to your expert siding contractor in Midland TX and surrounding areas – Jones & Associates.

 

We specialize in installing high quality steel siding, an excellent choice to replace old and failing wood or vinyl siding. Steel provides excellent protection against rain, hail, snow, and ice, with an added benefit of giving your home ample insulation to keep you comfortably warm in the winter and cool throughout summer. It’s also virtually maintenance-free.

 

At Jones & Associates, we make sure your siding doesn’t disappoint every time you give it an inspection. Call us today to schedule your free in-home consultation and learn more about what a steel siding can do for your home.

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