From the very cold and snowy winters to the warm, humid summers, your home’s siding faces a constant battle to maintain its durability, aesthetics, and efficiency. Like all materials, there will be a time when it needs to be replaced. Knowing a few siding replacement indicators can help you know when it’s time to tackle this project.

At Lang Home Exteriors, we offer a range of siding materials, reliable installation, and repair solutions throughout Southwest Chicago. If you see these five signs, you may need house siding replacement, and we can help you.

As you complete exterior maintenance tasks, examine your home’s siding. If you notice any signs of deterioration or damage, consider replacement options.

Cracked siding isn’t uncommon, especially with vinyl siding. It’s often caused by weathering over time. However, if your siding is newer, it may be due to improper installation.

Don’t ignore crack damage. Cracks make the siding less efficient and speed up the deterioration process. Small (or big) cracks also let moisture in.

Another common problem with siding is warping, often with a noticeable wave. Sometimes, it’s possible to remove and reattach the siding if it’s just a piece that’s not installed properly. Numerous potential causes exist, from heat exposure to foundation settling.

You’ll usually need to remove and replace warped siding. Warping is common with older homes and vinyl siding, and it means the siding won’t be providing the desired level of protection.

Certain types of siding materials will expand and contract as the weather changes and will require very small gaps of about 3/16th of an inch. Anything more than that indicates the need to repair or replace your siding.

Weather changes or improper installation are the most common reasons for gapping. Those small openings will need to be addressed to minimize the risk of moisture infiltration.

Siding that fades and has discoloration is affected by environmental elements. Some siding materials are less likely to fade than others, but vinyl siding commonly fades with sun exposure. You may notice different sides of your home have different levels of discoloration and fading.

It’s not just a discoloration problem, though. This also indicates that the surface is oxidizing, often creating a chalk-like, faded appearance. While common, fading is an indication that your siding isn’t able to protect your home’s exterior as it did previously.

Moisture issues are a big factor when it comes to siding replacements. Any time there’s damage to the siding, it creates gaps that could lead to moisture infiltration. This may happen if there is animal damage to the siding, for example, and it is also very common with weather damage.

If a tree limb falls, strikes the siding, and alters its flush position on the outer wall of the home, moisture can get in. When that happens, there’s a high risk of mold development. If you see mold growth, darkening areas, or saturated surfaces, do not wait to address this mold issue.

No matter the types of siding materials you have, Illinois weather isn’t forgiving to this exterior layer of protection on your home. In fact, poor weather conditions can increase the signs of siding deterioration, reducing the overall lifespan of your siding materials.

Consider how different weather conditions impact various types of siding materials:

• Rain: Excessive rain can lead to discoloration and movement of siding panels, creating gaps.
• Wind: Intense windstorms can cause significant wind damage to siding, potentially pulling it off or dislodging it, especially if it’s older or improperly installed
• Hail: Even smaller hail can create indentations on the siding. Those small divots damage the overall aesthetic while also creating small gaps that can worsen over time.
• Snow: Snow can also wear siding faster, creating the same risks as rain but coupling the risk of ice forming and melting between panels.

Keep in mind that if you have any signs of storm damage, like the following, you shouldn’t wait to seek help from our technicians:

• Dents in the siding
• Breakage of siding components
• Chips or cracks forming
• Panels that come off or are loose

Investing in storm-resistant siding options is wise in Illinois. They provide better, all-weather protection for your home, reducing the frequency of repairs and improving siding longevity.

When choosing from the various types of siding it helps to have a good idea of which materials can handle the local conditions a bit better. Use this siding material comparison as a starting point for choosing new siding for your home:

Though a popular option 20 years ago and prior, it’s simply not ideal to install aluminum anymore. Aluminum siding issues are numerous, including the ease at which it can dent, fade, and dislodge, exposing your home to risks. It’s harder to maintain and simply does not last.

Wood siding can be attractive, but there are risks involving rot, termite damage, and, in some cases, high maintenance demands. You may be able to prevent wood siding problems by choosing the right products for the environment and treating the wood siding. Still, this adds to the workload.

Vinyl siding durability is a concern in Illinois. While it is a lower-cost product that is resistant to weather and pests, it’s prone to cracking in extreme temperatures that we sometimes get in this area. It also is likely to fade and discolor over time.

If you look at the pros and cons of fiber cement siding and engineered wood, you’ll notice significant opportunities. Each costs a bit more to install, and there may be rare occurrences of cracking. However, both are far more durable and continue to look great over time. That often makes these durable options the ideal choice.

As you consider the various types of siding products, don’t overlook the pests that live around your home and how they cause damage risks. Pests like the following are detrimental to siding because they will burrow into it and, in some cases, dislodge panels:

• Termites
• Rodents
• Birds

If you have wood siding, this risk of it being compromised is much higher than other types of materials. Small openings behind any siding that’s improperly installed create hiding spots and weather protection for pests. That will lead to faster damage and deterioration.
Signs of animal damage to your siding include:

• Bite or chew marks, often towards the bottom of the siding
• Small holes
• Areas where the siding is pulled up and off the side of the home

To prevent or reduce the risk of animals damaging siding, cut away all tree branches and limbs from the home. If you have grass or high vegetation around the exterior of your home, that creates a habitat for critters to hide and live. It also makes it easier for them to make their way into your home through holes in the siding.
Seal off all areas along the siding to make getting under it much more challenging. If you have an ongoing problem, reach out to a pest control specialist.

Siding is a durable material designed to handle most outdoor conditions. However, the environment plays a significant role in the way siding looks and lasts.

• UV rays: A very common problem and one that’s hard to prevent, UV rays naturally cause the exterior surface to fade. Areas with more sunlight exposure are likely to fade faster.
• Pollution: Pollution in the air and rain can act like a type of acid, slowly damaging the exterior surface.
• Weather: Storms, freezing and thawing of rain and snow, and wind all impact your siding over time, causing it to dislodge and loosen or suffer damage from breakdown.

Some materials are less vulnerable to discoloration, fading, and overall damage. For example, vinyl siding is a budget-friendly option, but it’s likely to fade over time. Extreme weather in Illinois can also lead to cracks in vinyl. By comparison, fiber cement siding is far more durable and less likely to suffer damage after intense weather events in Illinois.

If your siding has discoloration, and you’ve cleaned it with mild detergent already, it may be time to replace it. Depending on the type of siding, you may be able to refinish it. For example, good-quality wood siding can be sanded, patched, and painted. That’s a lot of work, but it can be worth it if the siding is in otherwise good condition.

As you take into consideration the options available, consider these areas particularly important to storm damage resistance:

• Fiber cement (James Hardie) and engineered wood siding (LP Smartside) tend to be ideal choices. Their durability lends to less risk in most weather events.
• Seek out impact-resistant vinyl siding (Mastic) if you are looking for the benefits vinyl offers. Not all vinyl is created equal.
• Read siding warranties. A product with a long warranty that protects against weather damage is a notable advantage.

2024 saw thousands of homes in Orland Park and the surrounding areas require new roofs due to an impactful hail storm in the Spring. Knowing what your insurance policy covers can help you confidently navigate the repair or replacement process and ensure you get the necessary support and funding to restore your home. Here’s a detailed look at when insurance will and won’t cover hail damage repairs:

At Lang Home Exteriors, we make siding selection and installation as easy as possible. Set up some time to discuss your home’s siding needs. Our team will come to your Southwest Chicago area home to offer a variety of materials and solutions. If you see the signs that it’s time to replace the siding on your home, let us get to work on it.