When most homeowners consider the siding on their home they often think of the beauty and attractiveness it adds to their exterior. But siding is more than just a pretty face. It also performs the important function of protecting the interior walls from the outside elements. When water and snow create moisture behind it, the siding no longer offers the protection necessary to keep your home safe. Knowing why moisture occurs and how you can better prevent it will keep these troublesome problems under control.
How do I know if my home has a moisture problem?
The signs of moisture-penetration can be subtle and hard to see. You may begin to notice what looks like dirt on the interior of the home especially near the windows. An experienced contractor can also perform on a moisture test on most homes. For vinyl siding, this test can be performed non-invasively with minimal interruption to the home’s exterior.
Why is there moisture behind my siding?
For homes with vinyl siding, many homeowners are under the false assumption that vinyl is waterproof. Although vinyl does a great job of keeping water out, it does not offer a complete waterproof design. To further protect the home, a waterproof barrier should be installed between the siding and the home. This is often referred to as a house wrap. Although popular today, house wrap wasn’t a standard practice until the early 2000’s.
What kinds of problems can excess moisture lead to?
Moisture behind your siding is never a good thing. Although troublesome from the start, it leads to only more costly damages the longer it goes unnoticed. Here are common problems associated with moisture behind siding:
- Rotting sheathing
- Mold growth
- Damage to foundation walls
- Insect infestations
How can I prevent moisture problems in the future?
Many moisture problems stem from poor installation practices. When completing a siding renovation choose only a local contractor with proven experience such as Custom Installations. If new siding isn’t in your immediate future, you want to make sure you swiftly address any damaged areas. This may include installing new siding, repairing interior walls and replacing sheathing. If you home is lacking “house wrap” or some type of moisture barrier material between the siding and the interior, your home remains vulnerable to moisture issues.
When siding replacement is necessary, contact the team at Custom Installations. We offer quality siding installations for homeowners throughout the Chicagoland and Metro Milwaukee area. Whether you need just a single section replaced or require a complete siding overhaul, our team of experienced contractors is ready to help. Contact us today.