Your home exterior does much more than just look beautiful. It is the main protection against severe winds and rain, and against excessive heat and cold. In Texas, you have to deal with a lot of sunshine and bad storms year-round. This protection layer is natural and gradually erodes over time. The early signs of deterioration of exterior materials can quickly escalate into major structural deterioration and very costly repairs. Knowing exactly what to look for helps you protect your biggest investment and keep your daily living space safe and comfortable.
Visible Cracks and Severe Warping
The most obvious sign of exterior damage is physical deformity over time. Walk slowly around the house and look at the walls very carefully. When the outer shield shows deep cracks, splits or warped panels, it is no longer working properly. Older materials are easily warped by extremes of heat and storms. As these breaks take place, water can readily find its way behind the protection. If you notice these signs, it’s best to see professionals, such as Austin Pro Siding, to evaluate any structural damage before it gets worse and causes rot in your wall framing.
Peeling Paint and Indoor Wallpaper
One would suppose the exterior of the building is aging and applying a new paint is enough to solve the problem. But if your exterior paint needs frequent touchups every couple of years, there is probably a problem with the material underneath. The paint will bubble and peel when moisture gets under it. This moisture problem does not just stay outside. When you notice that wallpaper is peeling and paint is bubbling on your interior walls, your exterior walls have been breached 100 percent. This means the protective barrier is totally compromised and requires immediate professional replacement to stop further moisture intrusion.
Sudden Spikes in Energy Bills
The exterior walls have a huge impact on the insulation of your home! They help to keep the summer heat out and to retain the winter warmth. As materials age, they separate from the house and no longer provide effective insulation. Drafty walls can be the primary source if your electric heating or cooling costs have suddenly become higher than normal and without explanation. High-quality materials with modern energy-efficient qualities provide a tight thermal envelope which reduces energy use and maintains an optimum indoor environment.
Mold, Mildew and Fungus Growth
Fungus loves dark and damp environments. When you notice spots of green and black on the outside walls of your home, you have a moisture problem. Water is continually leaking into the material and not drying when there is active mold and mildew growth, but just a bit of dirt is fine. The problem of moisture may not have been fixed by the power washing, and will likely recur if left unaddressed. As time goes on, fungi continue to grow and slowly consume the wood and composite materials, eventually causing structural decay that undermines your house.
Dry Rot and Hidden Soft Spots
Sometimes the most severe damage is completely invisible to the naked eye. Dry rot develops under the surface and works its way through the structure of your walls. The easiest way to see if this hidden menace is in your home is to use a screwdriver to lightly tap the various areas of your home’s exterior. If this is soft, spongy, and/or rubs off easily, the inner core is all rotted. Soft spots refer to the areas where the material has completely lost its structural strength, and therefore it is no longer able to shield your property from outside elements.
Conclusion
Replacing the exterior of your house is a major project, but waiting too long makes the situation much worse. Damaged walls let water in and allow pests and toxic mold to take hold in your living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms and other rooms. By paying close attention to physical warping, indoor moisture damage, and rising energy costs, you can catch these problems early. Safeguard your property by having a professional inspection when you begin to see these signs. Quality materials can contribute tremendous curb appeal, increase the value of your home and ensure your home stays beautiful for many years.