3 Early Signs Your Siding May Be Hiding Rot
Your siding does more than just enhance the appearance of your home. It's the first thing that keeps the outside world out of your home. Rain, humidity, and even small cracks can let water in, and if you don't take action, that water can cause rot underneath. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that thousands of homeowners file insurance claims each year due to water damage and siding damage.
That implies that disregarding the early warning signs could cost you more than simply how your house looks from the street. Let's review the three most common signs that your siding may be harboring decay.
Soft or Spongy Boards When Pressed
How your siding feels when you push on it lightly is one of the first signs that anything is wrong. Walk around your house and lightly press on places that look worn out. If the siding feels mushy, spongy, or gives way when you touch it, it's a good indication that water has infiltrated it.
The siding should feel solid all year round. A soft board means that the wood fibers underneath are starting to break down. The National Association of Home Builders says that moisture-related degradation is one of the top five reasons homeowners need to replace their siding. This shows how important it is to spot this warning early.
Discoloration or Stains That Keep Spreading
Changes in hue are another sign. You might be looking at more than just surface dirt if you see black streaks, uneven spots, or stains that spread after it rains. If the color remains the same for a long time, it could indicate that water is accumulating behind the siding.
Over time, the trapped moisture provides the perfect environment for mold and rot to grow. These stains don't go away easily, unlike a quick splash from a sprinkler. They go deeper and spread out, especially at seams and joints. If you don't fix a little spot, it can quickly spread to huge areas of siding, which will cost you a lot more to fix.
Warping or Bubbling Along the Surface
Rot doesn't always stay buried; occasionally, it shows itself in the way the siding looks. Water damage can often weaken the structure, which is why your boards may look bent, bowed, or have bubbles in some locations. If siding can't keep its shape anymore, it signifies that moisture has made it less stable.
Not only does warped siding look unappealing, but it also allows extra water to enter, which accelerates the rot process. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau's housing survey, replacing siding is one of the most common repairs to the outside of a house, with water getting in being one of the main reasons.
Conclusion
Siding rot doesn't happen all at once, but it doesn't usually go away on its own. You can stop the damage from spreading to the framework of your home if you pay attention to signs like soft boards, spreading stains, and warping. If you don't fix rot, it can cause mold to grow, make your property less valuable, and cost a lot of money to fix.
The good news is that you can act fast to secure your home if you find these problems early. If you pay attention, you may make your siding last longer and protect your home from damage that isn't obvious.
To learn more about protecting your siding or to get expert help, contact Dependable Contracting Services.
