How to Spot Siding Damage Before It Becomes a Major Problem
You probably don’t spend much time thinking about your siding until something goes wrong. But like most parts of your home’s exterior, minor issues can quickly become big, expensive problems if they go unnoticed.
Whether you live in Myrtle Beach, Mount Pleasant, or anywhere along the South Carolina coast, your siding is your home’s first defense against wind, moisture, and sun. Keeping an eye out for damage isn’t just about curb appeal; it’s about protecting the structure of your home from the inside out.
5 Signs It’s Time for a Siding Replacement
Here’s how to spot warning signs early and know when to take action.
1. Warping, Bulging, or Gaps in the Panels
If your siding looks uneven or is starting to pull away from the house, it’s not just cosmetic damage. This is often a sign of trapped moisture or poor ventilation. Left unchecked, it can lead to rot, mold, and even structural damage.
What to look for:
Wavy or swollen panels
Visible gaps where siding meets corners or trim
Loose boards that shift in the wind
2. Cracks, Chips, or Holes
Small cracks along your home’s exterior can invite moisture or pests, especially in high-humidity regions like the Lowcountry. Siding damage is often more noticeable after hail or a strong storm, so make it a habit to inspect panels after severe weather.
What to look for:
Jagged cracks near the base of your siding
Holes or impact dents
Chipped paint or finish that exposes raw material
3. Fading or Discoloration
Siding that’s dramatically faded may no longer protect your home as well as it should. Sun damage can weaken the material over time, especially with vinyl siding.
What to look for:
Uneven color changes across the home
Chalky residue when you run your hand along the panel
Siding that looks washed out or brittle
4. Mold, Mildew, or Musty Smells
Mold on the outside of your siding is a clear sign of excess moisture. But if you’re noticing musty smells indoors, that could mean water is getting in behind the siding, causing more serious issues like wall rot or insulation damage.
What to look for:
Green or black streaks on siding
Persistent damp smell inside, especially after rain
Soft spots on interior walls near exterior siding
5. Increased Energy Bills
Siding protects your walls and acts as insulation. If your heating or cooling costs have jumped recently, and you haven’t made changes inside, your siding may be allowing air to leak in or out.
What to look for:
Drafty rooms near exterior walls
Peeling caulk or gaps around window trim
Sudden spikes in your utility bills
What to Do If You Spot Siding Damage
If you’ve noticed any of these signs, don’t panic—but don’t ignore them, either. A quick inspection from a local siding professional can help determine whether it’s a quick fix or time to start considering a siding replacement.
At Contract Exteriors, we specialize in James Hardie and vinyl siding installations that are built to last, even in South Carolina’s coastal climate. Whether you’re looking for peace of mind or planning a complete exterior upgrade, our team is here to help you make smart decisions for your home.
Schedule your appointment today and catch issues before they become major repairs.
Outstanding Reviews
Brooks was my contractor on the project. He was awesome! He was there with me every step of the way! Eugenia was very helpful in the office and assisted me in getting the HOA approval. Jason explained the warranty process and even brought me a cake!
Everyone we came in contact with was very cooperative and easy to work with. It was a pleasant experience from the first online chat. They listened to us and helped solve any issues we were concerned about
Wow, this company goes above and beyond. From the very first reach out to the very last interaction once the job was completed. Everything was done first class. The quality of work, the constant communication and level of service was like nothing I’ve ever experienced with any contractor. I priced out a couple different contractors compared to contractor exteriors and I will tell you I would have paid more just to have this experience with them. I had Jonathan as my project manager and he was exceptional.
Very happy with our new Timbetech front porch deck and steps with AZEK facia and risers. Everyone at CE was responsive and very professional explaining every step in detail! We have several homeowners in our community who have already asked for contact info info. Jonathan is a very good project manager and ensured we were satisfied with the quality, cleanliness, and appearance of our new front porch! Thank you!
In choosing a company to replace our deck, we researched and decided to use Contract Exteriors. We definitely made the right choice. We are very pleased with the results. Special thanks to Brooks, our Project Manager, who kept us updated and informed everyday.
Contract Exteriors did a great job for me. The entire group was very responsive, and my deck project turned out fantastic. My project, as all projects, had some surprises that were handled professionally and promptly. Randy, Brooks, and the office staff were great throughout the process. They proactively kept me informed on the status of the project. I never had to call twice to get a question answered or ask for an accommodation.
We couldn't be happier with contract exteriors and the job they did. Our beach house looks brand new with the new Hardie board and white trim. EVERYONE was friendly, well mannered, professional, and was always ready to answer any questions that we had. Miguel and his crew did an excellent job. Brooks the project manager was wonderful, and also Chad who helped us from the very beginning, also the girls in the office. We would not hesitate to use them again.
This company did an amazing job on my siding project. From start to finish they were very professional, helpful, and on time. Eugenia clearly communicated the whole process to me before they even started the project and Brooks was always available to answer my questions. He even came and ensured the cleanup was perfect and finished up the exterior lighting. Even after the project was finished this company ensured communicated to ensure everything was perfect. Super pleased. Thank you!
Everything about this group was extremely professional. Renovations can be challenging but they carefully made sure that their products and our original structures fit together seamlessly. We are truly looking forward to our new elegant deck that will be essentially maintenance free for many, many years. We will definitely use this company for future projects.
Matt Kuzdrall made our whole experience of purchasing two new roofs for our buildings at the Children's Recovery Center so easy. Matt was professional and had all the answers to any questions we had. He has followed up since our new roofs have been installed to make sure everything is still great. Matt is awesome and I would recommend him to anyone I know looking for a new roof.
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