Signs It Might Be Time to Replace the Trim or Siding on a House
Replacing the exterior siding or trim on a house is typically low on the list of renovation priorities. However, while some trims are simply cosmetic, others profoundly impact the home’s structure and internal condition. Even if trim repairs sound like a difficult or expensive job, it is often less costly to resolve the matter before additional damage can occur.
This article will list the most common signs and reasons to replace the exterior trim on the house.
Presence of rot
Humidity, warmth, and dramatic temperature variations cause wood trim to rot, despite using paint and sealant to protect against it. Over time, paint on the siding chips away, leaving the underlying wood exposed to the elements. The slightest exposure to water can cause rot, which may spread throughout the siding if not addressed in a timely manner.
If the siding has only minor patches of rot present, it’s entirely possible to repair the trim and repaint it to prevent further deterioration. However, an unattended rotting siding will need to be replaced eventually.
Paint doesn’t last long
Newly painted siding that starts to show signs of chipping and peeling paint might warrant a more thorough investigation. If the underlying wood has softened and warped, the paint will peel away from the surface and fall off. It usually accelerates once this process starts since softened wood can hold more water and begin to rot.
Flaking and peeling paint also occurs after improper siding installation or waiting too long between siding and painting. Siding needs to be done carefully and with proper techniques. A handy homeowner might follow all the steps required for a successful siding installation but do it poorly enough for results to show a few months later.
Indoor moisture
Not all siding serves a cosmetic-only purpose. In some cases, the siding is designed to be the primary barrier between the inside and outside air. If the siding develops cracks or deteriorates, it can leak outside air through the walls and draw moisture into the house. The excess water can present on the inside as damp or moldy patches and condensation on window panels. If the problem isn’t fixed quickly, both external and internal trims might require replacement, racking up service costs in the process.
Higher utility bills
If the siding doesn’t insulate well, the results may appear on the house’s utility bills. Heating and cooling are some of the most significant utility expenses for a home, and the siding is a sizable portion of the barrier between indoor and outdoor environments.
By replacing the trim, owners can use better insulating materials and inspect the house walls for damage to repair any cracks more thoroughly. During a trim replacement, technicians apply more insulation to raise the home’s overall R-value, improving the family living conditions and lowering utility costs simultaneously.
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