Does My Siding Need Repairs or Replacement?

• Cracks:
  Spotting cracks early can save you from costly repairs down the road. Look from every angle – straight on and at a slight angle. Some cracks become visible when the light strikes the siding from a different angle. Keep a lookout for hairline cracks; these appear faint and thin. Some may run in a horizontal or vertical direction along the material. Small cracks let moisture get behind the siding. This can cause wood rot and structural damage. Make sure to address any larger breaks or splits. This is more noticeable and often indicates hail damage, debris, and strong winds. They have a wider opening and/or broken edges in the panels.
• Gaps:
  Gaps in siding may look tiny, but they show that something isn’t sealing or fitting. Knowing how to spot them early can prevent water intrusion, pest entry, and energy loss. — You can start by looking at the seams where the two panels meet; there is usually a clean, tight connection. If an opening exists—no matter how small—we consider it a gap. Make sure to also check the ends of each panel, such as corner posts, window trim, door frames, and j-channels. These areas should fit tightly with no visible separation. Another way you can check for any gaps is by checking with gentle pressure. Lightly press near the gap. If the siding moves easily, feels soft, or shifts up and down, it may have moisture and structural problems.
• Holes:
  It's easy to miss holes in siding, but ignoring them can be very risky. Even the smallest hole can allow pests, water, and outdoor air to enter your home. Check for small round openings. These may show hail damage or be from insects like woodpeckers or carpenter bees. Wind-blown debris, like old nails from past jobs, can cause uneven tears in panels. This exposes the underlying material and leads to more damage over time. Feel the siding with your hand. You can sense the small or large holes more easily than you can see them, especially if the material is textured. Check for holes in your home by looking for drafty walls, cold or hot spots, and bubbling paint or wallpaper. These signs show that outside issues are affecting your home.

Warping is when your panels start to bend, lose their original flat shape, and even twist. The boards may bow outward or appear wavy instead of straight and even. Warping often happens for several reasons. It can be due to too much heat or sun exposure.

Other causes include:

• Failing materials
• Old age
• Bad installation
• Poor ventilation behind the siding.

Warped siding can't seal your home well. This lets water, air, and pests get in. As a result, you may face higher energy bills, rot, and insulation damage.

Buckling happens when panels ripple, lift, or push up. This usually occurs due to pressure or improper spacing. Instead of a smooth row, the panels appear swollen or lifted. Buckling usually happens due to temperature changes. These changes cause expansion and contraction. Other factors are heat, sun exposure, structural changes, and moisture behind the material. If the panels are buckling, it is possible that someone installed them incorrectly.

This can lead to poor performance. When the panels shift, gaps can form. This allows water to seep behind the panel. As a result, there’s a higher risk of mold, structural damage, and wood rot.

Loose panels occur when pieces of the siding material begin to detach from the home. Check for visible gaps between the panels and the wall. Listen for rattling noises during windy weather. Look for edges that appear loose or lack full connection. They may shift and rattle in the wind while appearing to pull away from the wall. Loose panels often happen due to strong winds, storm damage, or poor installation. They can also result from temperature changes that cause expansion and contraction. Additionally, nails and fasteners may loosen over time. Loose panels can let in water, pests, and outdoor air. If ignored, they can cause rot and lead to higher energy bills.

Missing panels are a very high indicator that you may need new siding. The material is completely detached. This reveals the sheathing or insulation, making a weak spot on the home's exterior. Impact damage, severe storms, strong winds, old siding, or neglect of loose panels can cause it. Missing panels leave your home vulnerable and unprotected. Moisture can seep in rapidly without that barrier. This increases the risk of mold, rot, and structural damage.

If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs, now is the right time to take a closer look. At Select Exteriors and Roofing, we pride ourselves on our siding inspections. We offer clear recommendations and quality repairs or replacements tailored to your home. Your home is a key investment, so protecting it should not be stressful. Our team is here to ensure you feel confident, informed, and supported every step of the way.

Contact us at (573) 303-5000 to schedule your siding inspection at NO cost.

Let us help you keep your home strong, secure, and looking its best!