Signs Your Siding Has Water Damage and What to Do About It

Water infiltration, your siding’s silent enemy, can compromise its structural integrity if left unnoticed—creating the need for major repairs and time-consuming hassles. But if you learn to spot the signs your exterior is experiencing moisture intrusion, you can remedy the problem when it is small and manageable. 

Read on as we identify the signs that your house siding is being invaded with moisture, and learn what to do next so you can bypass major repairs and early siding replacement. 

How to Spot Moisture Damage on Your Siding

Rain, snow, and even a sprinkler positioned near your house can all contribute to moisture infiltration in your home’s protective layer. And over time, water can make its way into any vulnerable areas of your siding and cause costly trouble. 

You can bypass problems if you inspect your exterior each spring, fall, and after major storms to catch any moisture issues early on. 

1. Does your exterior paint look like it’s starting to peel? 

Your siding safeguards your home from the elements, and when its outer layer—its paint—gets compromised, siding becomes vulnerable to water damage. Don’t overlook the need for new paint. If you spot paint chips on the ground or peeling paint on your siding, deal with it promptly to avoid bigger problems. 

The fix: Peeling paint is the gateway to your siding. If your exterior paint fails, it is vital that you have it repainted promptly to avoid the need for major home exterior repairs. 

2. Do you see signs of mold growth on your siding? 

When wood rot is left unnoticed or unattended to, mold can develop—and grow rapidly. It’s easy to see because of its dark black, unattractive appearance. Mold grows more quickly on areas of your house that are damp and shaded, so take a good look at those areas as you inspect your exterior a few times a year. 

The fix: If you notice mold growing on your siding, particularly near its seams, water is likely penetrating your exterior. Contact a trusted siding contractor to inspect your property. 

3. Is your wood siding starting to rot?  

If you spot wood rot on your exterior, get to the bottom of the issue by finding the root cause of the rot. Gaps in siding can often form between window trim and your home siding. Peeling paint that is left for a prolonged time can also create the ideal conditions for wood siding to rot. Damaged flashing is another possible culprit in this equation. To stop the problem from progressing, find the specific cause of wood rot—and deal with it. 

The fix: If you inspect your siding and spot wood rot, contact a reputable siding contractor and have them take a look. 

4. Are your siding panels cracked?

If you just experienced a severe storm and your siding panels are damaged, missing, or cracked, water damage is now occurring every time it rains. 

The fix: Have your damaged siding panels replaced promptly to avoid any additional moisture problems and ensure your most significant investment is well protected. 

5. Does your siding look warped?

The way you can spot warped siding is to look for a disruption in the nice, even pattern it once had. Warped siding left untended will only warp more, creating additional water damage to your exterior. 

The fix: Contact a reputable siding contractor and have them replace your warped siding promptly to avoid additional issues. 

6. Is your window trim feeling soft?

The trim that surrounds your windows should be firm, not spongy. If you press on it and it moves, water has infiltrated your home. 

The fix: Your home is at risk of additional issues if you don’t have your siding and trim inspected as soon as possible by a trusted siding contractor. 

7. Are your windowsills cracked or deteriorating?

Take a look inside your house at your windowsills. When windowsills crack, moisture can make its way into the walls of your house. Unhealthy mold growth and wood rot can follow. 

The fix: Find the place water is infiltrating and hire a contractor to repair or replace the damaged area. 

How to Prevent Water Damage and Maintain Your Exterior’s Integrity

There are two main ingredients in the long-term success of your siding: 

1. Invest in high-quality siding material when you re-side your home.

Some siding materials are more water-resistant than others. For example, fiber cement is made of cement, sand, and cellulose. It resists water infiltration and has a track record of standing up to rain, high winds, snow, and severe weather. While it may be a more significant initial investment to cover your home in fiber cement, it is worth it due to the moisture resistance you will enjoy for decades. 

2. Vet a siding contractor with expertise in the installation of the siding material you desire. 

Your siding’s performance is only as good as its installation. Take time to find a reputable contractor you can trust to install your siding with precision. Check online reviews, Angi, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to verify customer satisfaction in a job well done. Get estimates from a few different companies and ensure the one you pick is licensed and insured. 

Safeguard Your Home from Damaging Moisture Intrusion with New Siding Installed by Our Expert Team

If you want to ensure your home is safeguarded from problems, it’s vital that an experienced contractor with a track record of success installs it. As a James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor, we follow their strict guidelines on the installation process to ensure your warranty is honored and you get the long-term high performance your new siding was made to deliver. 

Learn more about how our siding services can fortify your home against costly moisture damage, protect it from severe weather, and elevate its curb appeal. Choose from durable James Hardie siding, elegant Stone Veneer siding, or popular Mastic Vinyl siding.