No matter which type of Central NJ residential siding you have on your home, it will require some degree of maintenance and eventually need to be replaced. Breaks and cracks in your Central NJ residential siding are a problem that should be addressed before it impacts other parts of your home. If a leak does occur, the time may have already passed to address it without paying for costly fixes. There are a handful of indications that can help you determine whether you are in need of new Central NJ residential siding or at least some repairs. By regularly inspecting your home’s siding for the following signs, you can get a better idea of the condition of your it.
Signs You Need New Central NJ Residential Siding
- Dry Rot: Dry rot can be found when tapping on your siding with the rubber handle of a tool. The key is to detect these problems before they’re noticeable by the naked eye. The fungi that cause dry rot start below the siding’s surface, eventually eating away the body of it until only the top layer remains intact. It’s very possible for siding to look fine on the outside while the bulk of the material has rotten. Siding pieces suffering from decay should be replaced immediately because extensive dry rot requires an entire Central NJ residential siding replacement.
- Having to Keep Repainting Your Home: If you find yourself having to add a new coating of paint to your siding every 5 or so years, it’s likely a sign that something is wrong. Quality siding will maintain its shape and color for at the very least eight to ten years. Pealing, cracking, or chipping, pealing is a sign that it might be time to look into a replacement.
- Warped or Rotted Siding: It pays to do frequent visual inspections of all areas of your Central NJ residential siding. With a screwdriver or something similar, poke under siding that appears warped to learn whether or not the under layer is still solid. If the under layer feels soft or it has started to rot, you have found a definite sign that your siding must be replaced.
- Increased Heating or Cooling Bills: There are many reasons for sudden higher energy bills, and the first inspection should take place on your roof or in your attic. If you can rule out those two places, check your siding next. Low grade wall insulation together with bad siding could be the cause for excessive cooling and heating costs. Check the seems to see if they could be letting hot or cool air out of your house.
- Loose or Cracked Siding: 1-2 loose or cracked boards after a storm is likely not a huge issue because they are easily replaceable. If you choose to do so, it’s very important to verify that no layers underneath are broken or cracked. If larger sections show signs of being loose or cracking, there might be a more severe problem that would require the work of a professional contractor. Regardless of how extensive the damage is, broken, loose, or cracked pieces must be removed from your home and replaced. This prevents water from seeping behind the damaged pieces.
- Loose Wallpaper or Peeling Paint Inside Your Home: While not immediately obvious, loose wallpaper and peeling paint are both signs that your siding could be faulty. With poor siding, moisture can seep underneath the outer layer, where it percolates your wallboard.
- Holes: Even the smallest holes should be cause for concern. Typically, holes in your siding will be the result of insects. Insects that have gotten passed your siding are enough to make a person squirm, but add to that the damage from the holes, which allow moisture to get in.
- Mildew or Mold: Any growth on Central NJ residential siding, particularly near the seams, might be sign that water is passing through and being held in the wall. The effect of this pooling is mildew or mold. Growth on its own isn’t worth being alarmed, but it does warrant deeper investigation.
- Bubbling: Bubbles under your siding are a near guarantee that water is being trapped behind the siding, which is a really big problem. Siding is supposed to keep moisture away from your interior walls.
- Severe Fading: All siding must eventually be replaced, and most types are built to hold their color for only as long as their rating. Fading is a sign that the siding’s waterproofing has run its course.
Choosing a Central NJ Residential Siding Contractor
Now, if you’ve noticed any of the above issues, it’s time to contact a Central NJ residential siding contractor to repair or replace your siding. Unfortunately, not all companies are equal and some may do a poor job or even scam you! That’s why we’ve provided you with some tips to help you choose the right Central NJ residential siding contractor.
- Research and ask for referrals around your community: When looking for siding contractors, make sure you check their background and previous projects first. You can ask former customers about their experience with the contractor. You can also check reliable websites such as Angie’s List and Better Business Bureau for customer reviews.
- Always look for license and insurance: Working with a licensed contractor minimizes risk during the replacement or repair process. If anything wrong happens, the insurance will cover any liability.
- Meet with contractors before the project starts: Talking with professionals firsthand can help answer your questions about the siding project process. They should be able to clearly explain every step of the way.
- Search for contractors in the area: A local Central NJ residential siding contractor who has been in the business for years will have a good reputation in the community. You can rely on them to provide quality services because they will not thrive in the business if they perform inferior work.
Looking for an Excellent Central NJ Residential Siding Contractor?
Elite Exteriors GC LLC has been serving New Jersey since 2005. We work closely with our clients to customize the services we provide based on their specific needs and circumstances. We’re proud to go the extra mile whenever and wherever we’re needed. Our company is fully insured, and registered as a Home Improvement Contractor with The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. Service towns in the Union County, NJ area include Westfield, Scotch Plains, Clark, Mountainside, Berkeley Heights, Springfield, and many more. Call us today at (908)447-5612 or visit the website.
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