Is It Bad To Leave Your Siding Damaged

Rusty nails can signify moisture damage over time and can leave streaks down your siding.

Is it bad to leave your siding damaged. A high powered pressure washer can also dent aluminum and vinyl siding. Ideally siding should be installed using stainless steel nails. The main purpose of home siding is to protect the exterior walls. Consumer reports details the things you should never clean with vinegar.

Siding acts a first layer of defense against the elements so leaving any hole or crack exposes your home s outer shell to water wind and pests according to tom ingram of coastal windows exteriors in beverly massachusetts water trapped between the panels and the home could also lead to mold or rot over time. Diluted to about 5 percent acidity distilled white vinegar is hailed as a natural non toxic cleaning marvel. Siding also works to help your home look its best while maintaining its insulating properties. Wood siding sometimes falls prey to insect damage.

Your homeowners insurance policy covers the matching siding on your home if damage is caused by a peril listed in your policy common events include wind hail fire and tornado. Siding is designed to be durable and long lasting but it can become damaged in some circumstances. The damaged board or shake is the only part that must be replaced and the job goes fairly quickly. For example if wind or hail damages one side of your home or if a tornado blows through and tears siding from part of your home you ll be covered for the damage.

From there water can damage insulation electrical wiring and can spur mold growth. Basically if you ve had the same siding for 15 years and it s lost its color and has rotted and only one part of your home is damaged they ll put in new siding there but not anywhere else. Companies often only offer replacements for certain siding materials most often vinyl and metal. The siding is the first line of defense between the interior of your home and all the outside elements.

Replace the old board with a new one of the same size and shape. When you notice a bad spot in your home s siding repair it as soon as you can. Of course if any nails are completely missing your siding is in danger of falling off or blowing away in a strong wind storm. While it s possible to wash wood siding correctly there s also a good chance that water will find its way up and under the exterior surface if you use high pressure.

Also a crack or hole in the siding could expand if left unchecked turning. Depending on the material your siding is made from that damage may take different forms. Siding can be damaged in any number of ways.