Ever notice a musty odor, or ugly stains on your home exterior? If so, your siding may be to blame. Moisture-damaged siding doesn’t just mess with your house—it costs you time and money to fix.
Siding acts as a protective layer for your home—but it’s not invincible! So, if you’re wondering if you have decay lurking beneath your siding, it’s time to get armed with the facts so you can prevent further damage! Let’s take a closer look at how identifying wood rot under your siding (and dealing with it!) can ensure your home retains its integrity.
How to Spot Signs of Wood Rot
Each spring and fall, walk around your home’s perimeter and assess your siding. Bring a screwdriver with you so if you spot a warped panel, you can poke the area under it to see if it feels soft or spongy. If it does, there’s a strong possibility that the under-layer is rotting and should be repaired or replaced quickly.
Here are some other telltale signs to watch for.
Discoloration
Noticed discolored siding in various spots around your exterior? When wood rot lurks beneath your home’s protective layer, it can cause unsightly changes in paint or stain colors. This hinders your curb appeal and makes it clear that your exterior needs maintenance or repairs. Wood may appear darker or stained where it is rotting. Paying attention to your siding’s color when you inspect it is a basic step in staying ahead of wood rot issues. If you notice discoloration, contact a reputable siding professional to have it inspected and repaired.
Mold and Musty Odors
Wondering about a musty odor that just popped up? Wood rot creates the perfect opportunity for unhealthy mold and mildew to thrive. So, if you detect a musty odor or a moldy stain, don’t ignore it! These are hints that your home needs attention. Tackling wood rot early will save you hassles, so it’s worth figuring out the source of mold and must.
Insect Infestation
Concerned about critters trying to make your home theirs? Unfortunately, termites and carpenter ants find damp, decaying wood attractive. They burrow into the wood and speed up the rotting process. If you spot pests around your exterior, have your siding evaluated by a pro (like us!) to ensure it isn’t compromised.
Energy Loss
Tired of those skyrocketing utility bills? We get it. Wood rot isn’t the only possibility when it comes to rising utility bills. But if you’ve ruled out window and roof issues, it’s wise to have your siding professionally evaluated to see if moisture is causing problems that are lowering your home’s energy efficiency.
Peeling Paint
Is your siding’s paint bubbling, cracking, or peeling off? This is an early sign of wood rot. When paint peels, it leaves your home vulnerable to the elements. If exterior paint is compromised, water may sneak under your siding and cause hidden wood rot. If you spot this problem, have your siding evaluated by a pro.
Visible Decay
Do you notice areas where your siding is crumbling or missing? Have you spotted additional signs of decay on your exterior? These may indicate wood rot and should be evaluated by a contractor.
Common Causes of Wood Rot Beneath Your Siding
When you know the causes of wood rot and take proactive measures to prevent them, you can protect the integrity and value of your home (and skip the headache that comes with siding issues!). So, what causes wood rot in the first places?
Moisture Infiltration
The primary cause of wood rot is water penetration. Water from melted snow, rain, and even humidity can sneak in through the smallest cracks in your siding, creating wood rot that deteriorates your home.
Risks of ignoring it: When rot thrives due to moisture penetration, your home’s structure may become compromised, leaving you with costly repairs.
Improper Ventilation
Proper ventilation allows moisture to exit from the spaces between your siding and underlying wood. Your home needs to “breathe” and if it doesn’t, wood rot can flourish.
Risks of ignoring it: Wood rot will have the perfect opportunity to develop.
Poor Installation of Siding
If your current siding was installed incorrectly, cracks and gaps may develop. This sets the stage for water to invade, leading to the gradual decline of the wood under your siding.
Risks of ignoring it: When siding isn’t installed properly, water infiltration issues may result.
Clogged Gutters
If your gutters are clogged with debris like leaves or twigs, they may overflow onto your siding and cause problems. Gutters and downspouts are designed to channel water away from your home, and when they fail to usher water away from your exterior—due to a lack of maintenance, clogs, or damage—all that trapped water has to go somewhere! It can compromise your siding and eventually create the perfect conditions for wood rot to grow under the surface.
Risks of ignoring it: Siding damage caused by clogged gutters can open the door to wood rot.
Exterior Damage
Do you have visible cracks or gaps in your siding boards? You may have wood rot below them as a result. Don’t risk the trouble wood rot can cause! Have the situation evaluated by a professional.
Risks of ignoring it: If you disregard wood rot, it will only get worse.
Get the Solutions You Need to Fortify Your Home’s Protective Layer
You can avoid these major causes of wood rot under your siding by staying up to date on your exterior’s maintenance and addressing any issues promptly. If you suspect you have wood rot lurking below your siding, or if your siding is damaged, old, or simply needs an update, we’re here to help.
At Keeter Roofing & Remodeling, we have provided thousands of homeowners with beautiful home renovations. Don’t miss out on the solutions we offer! Check out our siding replacement services and be on your way to enjoying a home with less maintenance and greater beauty.
