An easy way to improve the look of your home is to replace its old siding. However, increased curb appeal isn’t the only benefit you’ll get from upgrading your siding. With the right material and professional installation, new siding will also improve your home’s energy efficiency. That’s why the Boise contractor at Pacific Home & Patio would like to provide you with the following signs it may be time for a siding replacement along with its energy efficiency benefits.
Signs It’s Time for New Siding in Boise, Idaho
Not sure if you should repair or replace your home’s siding? If you’re trying to decide what’s best, below are five signs that it’s probably best to replace it.
Bubbling & Blistering
When you look at the older homes in your neighborhood, you might spot a few with blistered or bubbled siding. These homes stand out because they don’t look very nice. While vinyl siding of the past didn’t hold up very well over the years, today’s vinyl siding is much stronger and more durable, making it extremely resistant to the elements and temperature fluctuations. Old vinyl siding that’s decades-old simply can’t withstand the hot sun or cold winter temperatures. If the siding on your home is blistered or bubbling, it’s probably time to upgrade and have it replaced.
Dents, Chips & Cracks
In some scenarios, severe weather can lead to hail damage. Strong winds can blow hail and other debris into your vinyl siding, resulting in dents, chips, and cracks. While a few dents are normal, they generally won’t lead to water damage. However, the underlying structure of your home can become compromised if your siding is chipped or cracked. That’s why it’s essential to inspect your home regularly and keep an eye out for any dents, chips, and cracks in your siding.
Bird & Animal Damage
Even if you live in the city, there’s a good chance nature’s critters have found their way into parts of your home. One main point of entry is under your siding. These include birds, squirrels, and mice seeking shelter from the cold winter weather. If you have old siding, replacing it with updated, modern siding will protect your home from invasive pests and damage.
Warping & Rippling
Over time, the siding of your home can warp and ripple. Not only does this hurt curb appeal, but it can also provide an entry point for water. In some cases, siding that’s been improperly installed can result in unsightly warping and rippling. In other cases, siding can eventually sag over time. The experienced contractors at Pacific Home & Patio can help you determine if your siding needs to be repaired or replaced.
Energy Efficiency Benefits
Provides Greater Insulation
The siding of your home serves as an attractive yet tough barrier that protects against the harsh outdoor elements. It also ensures that the temperatures outside don’t affect your indoor spaces. With a new siding replacement, you won’t have to worry about any unsightly gaps, cracks, or other openings that can put your home’s indoor environment at risk and allow treated air to leak out. This provides a warm home during the winter and a cool home during the summer.
Prevents Energy Loss
With new siding, you’ll keep energy costs down to a worry-free level. If you put off replacing your old siding, the openings in damaged siding can create hot or cold spots inside your home. This thermal gap can cause your heating and cooling system to work overtime just to maintain a comfortable and consistent temperature. This can lead to expensive energy bills that are considerably higher than what you would normally pay. With new siding, you can expect to save considerable money since the treated air you pay for remains inside your home instead of leaking out.
Additional Ways to Boost Energy Efficiency
Use Fans Wisely
While fans don’t lower the temperature inside your home, they do help circulate the air to help you feel cooler. Instead of lowering the temperature inside your home to a cooler degree, try using fans to help circulate the cool air while lowering how much energy you use.
Keep Blinds Closed
Blinds help to dampen or block out the hot UV rays of the sun while keeping your home cool in the process. A wide variety of light-blocking blinds are available that are perfect for maintaining natural light while reducing excess heat inside your home.
Install Energy-Efficient Windows
Replacing old, drafty windows with new energy-efficient windows not only adds beauty and durability to your home but they also save you money each month on expensive utility bills. Installing new, high-quality windows is an easy way to increase energy efficiency, and Pacific Home & Patio can provide you with a wide variety of colors, styles, and configuration options to meet your home’s unique needs.
Maintain Large Appliances
To maintain a comfortable temperature inside your home, try to avoid using your oven or other heat-producing appliance during the heat of the day. Ideally, fridges and freezers should be kept at 37-40˚F to optimize efficiency and cut down on overworking appliances to help lower utility bills.
Pacific Home & Patio
Whether you need new siding, roofing, or windows, Pacific Home & Patio provides a wide variety of home improvement services. We’ll make sure your home is beautiful and more energy-efficient with your superior vinyl siding products. We’ve proudly served Boise, Idaho, and the surrounding Treasure Valley areas for over 50+ years. Contact our office today by filling out our online form or give us a call at (208) 376-0000.