What Could Happen if You Don't Replace the Siding on Your House?

Replacing siding that has been damaged or has fallen off your house is not the most exciting home maintenance job. But if you fail to replace siding, you run the risk of damage to other parts of your house. By failing to replace siding, you also decrease the value of your home, which can be detrimental when you attempt to sell it.

Other Siding Pieces

One of the first consequences that you will experience if you fail to fix pieces of damaged or lost siding is that other portions of siding will begin to fall off or get damaged. This is because of the way siding pieces lock together. When siding pieces are locked together correctly, they support one another, preventing them from falling off your house and protecting them from wear and tear.

Water Damage

When your house has damaged or missing siding, water tends to slip between the remaining siding and the house. This water between the house and siding can cause many problems down the road. Water is supposed to be taken away from the house exterior, not remain against it.

Property Value

Failing to replace siding when you are selling your home can be detrimental to your efforts. A home that has damaged siding decreases in property value, because prospective buyers will assume they will have to pay for new siding. As a result, siding that needs to be replaced also can be a deal-breaker with potential buyers who do not want to go through the hassle of repairs.

Appearance

If you fail to replace the siding on your house, you run the risk of your home's exterior appearing unkept. Over time, you also run the risk of your property becoming an eyesore in your neighborhood. On the flip side, replacing siding can give a house an updated appearance, adding to the appeal and value of your home.

Replacing Damaged, Missing Siding

Replacing pieces of damaged or missing siding is a weekend job that can be done by most homeowners. Your first chore is to find the exact siding to match what is already on your house. Siding that is not an exact match in terms of color, size and style will not fit into the old siding and will look out of place on your house. After finding the siding, installing it typically involves measuring and cutting the siding, then fitting it to the old siding and affixing it to your house. You also need the right tools to complete the job, which depends on the type and brand of your siding.

New Siding

Putting new siding on a home is a major home improvement project. After deciding to go ahead with new siding, you need to set a budget and determine the type and color that you want and can afford. Shopping around for siding and installation is another step in the process. The old siding must be removed, which adds to the cost of the project. You need to decide whether to hire someone to do the project or do it yourself. In either case, it's best to shop around for siding and labor, and get estimates. If you choose to replace the siding yourself, you need the right tools to do the job.