As summer draws to an end and the weather starts to cool, as property owners we reluctantly turn our attention to the maintenance of our homes. Like an oil change or a check-up at the doctor, prevention is better than cure, and this is true when it comes to replacing our guttering and siding.
Failure to deal with problems with siding can potentially lead to damage to our homes and blocked or faulty guttering can lead to many problems downstream, such as water penetration and subsequent property damage. Here we explore what happens when the time comes to replace our gutters and siding, and the most efficient way to sequence this work.
What is the difference between guttering and siding?
First, let’s get back to basics. To understand how guttering and siding affect our home we must understand what they are. Siding, also referred to as cladding, is the exterior panelling that is found on many homes, especially common in the USA where wood is often the preferred building material. Brick or masonry homes are unlikely to have functional siding. Siding plays a key role in weatherproofing our homes, as well as offering a layer of fire protection, as it is often made of fire-proof materials and attached via fireproof insulation.
Guttering is the system whereby rainwater is allowed to flow from your home safely, without damaging the property. It begins at roof level and drains water away from the house, in order to prevent it from penetrating and potentially damaging the foundations.
Like all components of a house, neither siding nor guttering will last forever, and the elements will take their toll on both. Typically, both products will be made from vinyl or PVC these days and will eventually need replacing.
How do I know if my siding and guttering need replacing?
Failure to replace siding can lead to damage to your property. When you notice visible changes to the exterior siding, this can indicate a problem. Siding is designed to move with the changes and movement of wooden properties in many cases, but this movement can also be the cause of damage. In more humid southern states especially where wood is more prone to swelling and warping, siding can shift and move and therefore has a shorter lifespan.
If you notice your siding is starting to change shape, warp or peel, then this can indicate a loss of effectiveness. If the outside of the siding is no longer water resistant, then neither is your property, which means it is no longer weatherproofing your home effectively and water damage can set in. To address such issues and ensure the longevity and protection of your property, consider professional siding replacement services. These services can not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home but also fortify it against the elements, ultimately increasing its overall durability and value.
For gutters look out for leaks in heavy rainfall. If you notice a stream of water coming out where it shouldn’t be, it could mean a leak in your gutter. Problems with guttering can also present inside the home – if you notice sudden damp inside your home, on the plaster at the joint of the ceiling and the wall, there is a chance that the guttering is either blocked or damaged and water is leaking through. If water is not being discharged from your roof safely, it can also pool close to the home and ultimately affect the foundations of the house, which can be a long and expensive problem to solve.
Which should I replace first?
So, if you think your siding and guttering may need replacement, which should come first?
The simple answer is if you are replacing both you should begin with the siding. This is because the two are attached to each other, and if you replaced the guttering first, you would have to remove the new guttering to later replace the siding. Ultimately if you can replace both at around the same time, this is the easiest solution. The reality is, that both are potentially hazardous jobs that involve work at height, and it would be typical to use a contractor who can carry out a meticulously planned gutter installation.
A change in weather is often the perfect time to do a quick inspection and ensure your siding and gutters are in good condition for the winter months. Humidity in the summer can cause faults in materials, and winter weather can expose these. Contact the experts at Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning to schedule all your repairs and maintenance work today.
We hope you found this blog post on Guttering Vs Siding – When should I replace them and which comes first? useful. Be sure to check out our post on Roof Gutters – The Dangers of Not Cleaning Your Gutters for more great tips!
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