The siding or wall cladding is the material attached to the exterior side of a house, and acts as a protector. Siding options for the home include vinyl, fibre cement and wooden shakes and can not only affect the way a house looks, but the health of it.
Damaged siding that is deteriorating or falling apart will most likely negatively affect the curb appeal of a house. But more importantly, living with damaged siding means the house is under structural duress, affecting your windows, insulation and sheathing. The exterior of your home is more than just an image, it is actually a major component in protecting the inside of a home and keeping it healthy.
The siding of a house is an underrated hero. It performs a majorly critical role in keeping the wind and rain at bay and protecting the interior of a house from moisture. However, failing siding will result in moisture exposure and damage your home. It’ll be quite obvious too. Signs of failing sidings include cracked vinyl, bending cladding, or siding that’s straying away from the walls of a house. From the interior, you’ll notice peeling paint, sagging wall papers or stains on the wall from moisture. Rotting siding will cause major issues to your home, so it’s best to regularly inspect it.
Rotting siding is a clear indication of mould and mildew built up in the home. When moisture enters and pools in siding, with the right environment, it can easily spread and grow in a house. Mould growth can be extremely detrimental to health and not to mention, appearance. Inhaling mould causes lung problems and can even result in chronic asthma.
Siding acts as the final protective barrier, insulating your home from the exteriors. It keeps the interiors dry and safe, but also plays a role in the energy efficiency of a home too. If your siding is in poor health, with damages, cracks and holes, it will allow drafts to come through the house. This will result in the energy efficiency of a home lowering as you’ll need to use more power to stabilise a comfortable temperature.
However, good quality siding will also work to shade your home and deflect heat during the warmer months. In winter it keeps your house warm, and in summer cool. It really does work all year round to prevent energy loss.
Depending on the area in which you live, there are a few options for siding for a home. Vertec Roofing Contractors suggest carefully selecting the material you choose for your siding with the elements in which your home faces in mind. Vinyl siding is great for energy efficiency as it seals well, but if you live in an area prone to high winds, it can be easily damaged by objects in the exteriors. In some cases, insulated aluminium might be the choice for your home.
All in all, it’s pretty clear siding is an important facet to every home. The problem is, damaged and deteriorated siding will not only decrease the value of a property, but also decrease the health of the home. Regular inspections of sidings can help prevent any problems from arising and keeping a need for replacement at bay.