As your home’s first line of defense against the elements, siding is built to last…or, should be built to last.
Like other parts of your home – such as your roof – siding eventually wears out or becomes damaged and needs to be replaced. But what is the lifespan of siding? The answer depends on several factors.
1. Determining the Lifespan of Your Siding
The first step in figuring out the lifespan of your siding is to know how old it is. Having a record of installation is the easiest way to tell, but you may not remember, or maybe you’ve recently moved into a house with siding of undetermined age.
*Knowing when the siding was installed on your home is essential for many reasons. For one, siding installed 10 to 20 years ago – or more – isn’t of the same quality as today’s siding.
Vinyl siding, for instance, was first used in home construction and remodeling in the 1950s but its quality improved over the years, especially regarding durability and weather resistance.
2. Siding Material and its Lifespan
The longevity of siding also varies by its material. Quality vinyl siding may last several decades, depending on its quality and the climate.
Wood siding may last from 15 to 40 years but requires a lot of maintenance. Aluminum siding may last up to 30 years with basic maintenance (and you’ll probably have to repaint it at some point).
Cedar siding, meanwhile, often come with 25-year warranties but does require regular maintenance.
Fiber cement siding, developed by James Hardie Inc. in the 1980s, is a durable material, which can last up to 50 years. It requires very little maintenance after installation.
3. The Condition of the Siding
The condition of your home’s siding is a reliable indicator of whether it needs replacing. Here are some warning signs:
*Rot – Rot which spreads across a wide area of your siding often means it’s time for a replacement.
*Cracks/gaps – Holes and cracks can jeopardize the structural integrity of your home.
*Moisture and mold – Signs of moisture and mold inside your home are sometimes an indicator of damaged siding.
In some cases, your siding may just need a good coat of paint rather than extensive repair work or replacement. But extensive damage makes it harder and harder to repair.
Call VanWeelden Co. if your Des Moines-area home needs new siding. We specialize in James Hardie fiber cement siding.
