Have you looked at the outside of your house lately–carefully, that is? Have you been wondering off and on how to know when to replace vinyl siding? Well, maybe that time is now. Vinyl siding lasts a long time; in fact, many people will live in their homes for decades without even thinking about replacing the siding, even though they’ve probably done other “major” replacements, such as the furnace or the roof.

So, what are the signs you really should pay attention to? And what will this sort of project cost? Keep reading and we’ll answer these questions and more.

Knowing When to Replace Vinyl Siding

You might have guessed already that your siding needs to be replaced just based on hunches. You’ve tried washing it and it still looks drab… your house just doesn’t look that good anymore.

“Over the years, manufacturers have improved the quality of vinyl products to the extent that they are now hard to distinguish from their metal and wooden counterparts. “So if it’s time for replacing vinyl siding on your home, you can feel confident that, when the job is complete, it will look much, much better. Here are the major signs of vinyl siding degradation homeowners should pay attention to:

2. There is Evidence of Moisture Inside the House

Moisture in the vinyl siding of any underlying wood siding can also be manifested inside the house–which is a sure sign of a problem.

Sometimes this is evidenced by peeling interior paint, meaning that moisture has gotten into the plaster or drywall. Worse yet, the moisture might have led to the formation of mold in the walls.

If any of this has happened, definitely check the siding for spots of mold or the rot discussed above. Replacing the siding might prevent further damage to the inside. Your contractor can advise you further once they’ve removed more of the siding.

5. There Are Holes in the Siding

We hate to say it, but these are often caused by small animals or insects seeking food or shelter inside the walls of your home. House-eating insects include carpenter ants, carpenter bees, beetles, and various species of termites.

Another type of house-eater is rodents: mice, rats, and squirrels especially. They will gnaw through just about anything to get to food sources. Plus, birds and other animals can cause gutter damage that leads to siding problems.

Selecting the Replacement Siding

Chances are the siding you would be getting rid of is several decades old by now. So the processes and materials used in replacing siding on houses has gotten a lot more sophisticated.

You’ll be pleased with the many varieties of vinyl and other siding types that have come along.

 

Common Types of Siding Today

According to home expert Bob Vila’s website, “today’s vinyl siding is weather- and insect-proof, fade-resistant, and virtually indestructible under normal circumstances. It also remains one of the cheapest materials to install.”

Other modern siding options include:

• Wood
• Brick
• Fiber-Cement
• Stucco
• Stone and stone veneer
• Aluminum

You will need to discuss each type with a siding expert to determine what is best for your budget, the climate where you live, your personal tastes, and other factors.

 

How Much Does Replacing Vinyl Siding Cost?

If you’re wondering what it might cost to replace the siding on your house professionally, this depends on several factors, some of which can’t be estimated until the project is underway or even completed.

The average U.S. price for installing vinyl siding on a 1,500 sq.ft.home  is $7,222. This is for standard grade vinyl siding at $2.78 per sq.ft. The cost upgrade for insulated siding is $1,139 or $0.76 per sq.ft.

The disposal cost for old siding is $25 per cubic yard or $500. So the total cost of materials is $5,814. With labor cost to remove old siding and install new siding (including insulation), the total project cost is estimated to come to $8,433.

Of course, this doesn’t include anything unexpected such as mold, rot, or animal damage–any of which could add considerably to the total project cost.

 

And Now for Your Decision

Take the time you need, but don’t take too long. If you’re wondering when to replace vinyl siding, and your siding meets the criteria described here for needing replacement, the time has come.

Replacing vinyl siding that has grown old and worn, though, should give you some relief. And you should be excited about choosing what you want to replace it with.

Whatever that turns out to be, give it the care it needs so that you won’t have to replace that siding anytime soon.

If you live in one of our service areas, get in touch with us soon about your vinyl or other house siding concerns. We’ll be very happy to help!