Siding is an essential part of your home’s exterior, so it only makes sense to keep an eye on conditions that may shorten its service life. In this blog, siding and gutter installation contractor Pechacek’s General Contracting shares the top culprits behind siding problems.
Moisture — One of the reasons why you need to keep your siding painted or waterproofed is to prevent moisture damage. Untreated wood is vulnerable to moisture intrusion, as well as related problems such as warping, dry rot and algae growth. Consider switching to vinyl, composite or fiber cement siding if your area happens to be humid for most of the year.
Neglect — As with most exterior components, siding requires regular inspections and maintenance. Many homeowners tend to forget such requirements or were not informed by their contractor. Others neglect keeping up with their home exterior requirements, and wouldn’t remember until it’s too late. A siding and roofing contractor may offer scheduled maintenance agreements, which you should sign up for if you need to keep up with your home’s exterior maintenance requirements.
Installation Errors — If you (or your home’s previous owner) happened to hire an inexperienced siding installer, it would show in the first few years after installation. This is why you should take your time in finding the right siding contractor: check for proper licenses and manufacturer certifications, and ask for a copy of their insurance certificates. Call references and ask them about the quality of the siding contractor’s work. Contractors who offer workmanship warranties should be able to correct installation errors relatively free of cost.
UV Rays — Many of today’s siding products are designed to withstand degradation caused by UV rays, but they’re not all the same. Eventually, exterior components such as siding succumb to damage caused by UV rays, which is why it’s important to choose products that are guaranteed for UV resistance. The lower maintenance requirements make the cost difference worth it.
Pechacek’s General Contracting is your leading provider of siding and roof repair services. Give us a call at (715) 502-2006 and (715) 425-9801. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Hudson and River Falls, WI.