Why Winter is the Time to Check Your Siding
When the morning frost starts clinging to the grass in the Grants Mill area, many homeowners in Leeds start thinking about their heating bills. While you might be looking at your furnace or checking for drafts around the doors, your siding is actually your home’s first line of defense against the elements.
As a project manager with over 20 years in the field, I’ve seen how Alabama’s mild but wet winters can expose hidden weaknesses in an exterior. If your siding is failing, it isn't just an aesthetic issue; it’s a threat to the structural integrity of your entire house.
Early winter is the perfect time to perform a walk-around inspection. Identifying problems now allows you to plan for a Siding Installation before the heavy spring storms arrive.
Physical Damage You Can't Ignore
The most obvious sign that you need help is visible physical damage. Walk around your perimeter and look for boards that are warping, buckling, or pulling away from the house. If you see cracks or holes, even small ones, moisture is already getting behind the panels.
I always tell my clients that siding is part of a "Whole Home System." Just like a Roof Inspection might reveal issues with your shingles, damaged siding often points to problems with how your home sheds water.
- Warping: If the siding no longer lays flat, the underlying structure may be shifting or rotting.
- Bubbling: This is a sure sign that water is trapped inside the siding material.
- Dry Rot: Use a screwdriver to gently poke any areas that look discolored; if it’s soft, the wood is compromised.
Rising Utility Costs and Interior Clues
Sometimes the signs of failing siding are found inside your home. If you’ve noticed your energy bills spiking during our Leeds winters, your siding and insulation might be to blame. Siding acts as an extra layer of protection that keeps your climate-controlled air where it belongs.
If you notice peeling paint or sagging wallpaper inside your house, don't just patch the drywall. This often indicates that moisture is seeping through the exterior wall. In many cases, we find that a combination of new siding and Window Replacement is the most effective way to seal the home's envelope.
Don't forget to look at your gutters while you're at it. If your Gutter Installation is failing, it can dump water directly behind your siding, causing it to fail prematurely.
Preparing for Alabama's Unpredictable Weather
We know that Leeds weather can change in a heartbeat. From sudden ice storms to humid summer heat, your home takes a beating year-round. Investing in a professional Siding Installation in Leeds ensures that your property is ready for whatever the Alabama sky throws at it.
If you've noticed any of these red flags, it's better to act sooner rather than later. Small leaks today can turn into expensive structural repairs by next season. At Patriot Roofing & Builders, we treat every home like it’s our own, focusing on safety and long-term durability.
If you’re ready to protect your investment, give us a call at (205) 919-4494. You can also see our recent transformations and project updates on our Facebook page. We are here to help you navigate your renovation with practical, honest advice.