No siding lasts forever—in fact, vinyl siding has a lifespan of somewhere between 20 and 40 years. Your siding needs to be in good condition to protect the structural integrity of your house, insulate it from the weather, keep your utility costs down and, of course, look attractive. Keeping up with your vinyl siding cleaning in Calgary will help ensure that your siding lasts as long as possible, but how do you know when it’s time to bite the bullet and replace it entirely? Here are some signs to watch for:

• Damage, cracks or holes: This is one of the most obvious signs that it’s time to get your siding replaced. Weather conditions and high impacts can cause damage to your siding, including holes. If the siding is damaged in more than one place, it’s reaching the end of its lifespan or you’ve noticed pests entering your home at increased rates, you’ll need to replace it immediately. Compromised siding can also allow water and moisture inside, which damages your home’s structure.
• Fading and peeling: Fading and peeling siding is supremely unattractive, which is one reason in and of itself to get it replaced. Most vinyl siding is sun and peel resistant, but Calgary’s tough weather conditions can still do a number on your siding. The more damaged it becomes, the more likely you’ll see other signs like cracks, holes or warping.
• Mold, algae or other growth: No one wants to look at their house and think “it’s alive!” If you see mold, moss and algae on the side of your home, that’s a good sign that moisture is clinging to your siding more than it should be. Vinyl siding is water resistant, but sometimes, if the weather doesn’t dry one side of the house fast enough, you’ll start to see growth. Clean it regularly, and if the problem persists, it may be a sign of underlying water damage and cracks, which should be addressed right away.
• Rot or warping: Is your siding unusually soft, or is it showing signs of warp or rot? That’s a sure sign it’s time to replace the entire home’s siding, as it’s probably at the end of its lifespan, even if the damage is limited to one area. If you can pry up the siding at a joint and the material underneath is soft, call a siding contractor immediately. You can also check for dry rot by tapping on the siding with your knuckles or a screwdriver. If it sounds hollow, you’re probably dealing with dry rot.

Get help with vinyl siding maintenance in Calgary

Rhino Exteriors is Calgary’s premier vinyl siding provider. Our team takes pride in offering long-lasting vinyl siding, roofing and exterior maintenance and repair services. If your home’s exterior is looking lackluster, come to us to replace or repair your siding and roof. You’ll love the new look as well as saving money on your utility bills. Call us today to get an estimate and schedule an appointment for service.