Siding

The most obvious sign of damaged siding is what’s visible to the naked eye. If you notice warped or cracked boards around your home’s exterior, you may be in need of siding replacement. Damage confined to one wall or section could be easily replaced, but if there are spots of damage around several areas, the entire siding job should be updated.

Under normal conditions, the paint on composite siding should last an average of 15 to 20 years. If you find yourself having to paint more often — every five to seven years, for instance — it could be a sign of underlying issues with the siding itself

Dry rot is a type of fungus that can infect and infiltrate wood, often caused by moisture seeping into the interior structure of the home. If your siding is not doing enough to protect against outdoor moisture, it could lead to serious structural problems. Sometimes you can spot dry rot directly; other times, it may be hidden beneath the faulty siding. Test for dry rot by tapping on the siding with a solid material to reveal weak or moldy spots.