Your home’s siding is incredibly important to the overall integrity of your home. Not only does it protect you from the elements, it also keeps pests out, keeps heating and cooling in, and adds curb appeal.

And like all things, your siding needs to be maintained and will likely need to be replaced at some point. How can you tell if it might be time to replace your siding? Below are some of the signs to look for:

Cracked, warped or rotting siding

This one probably seems obvious, but it’s worth mentioning anyway because just a few cracks could still be really problematic. If you find siding cracks, warping and rotting, take deeper look to see what’s going on. Poke under the siding to see how solid the layer beneath is. If it is soft or you discover more rotting, it’s probably time to get an estimate.

Bubbles under the siding surface

If you see bubbling under the surface of your siding it’s very likely that water has gotten trapped. Siding is meant to keep moisture away from your home, and if it’s been able to penetrate the siding, it’s probably time to replace.

Mold or other fungus growth

If you find mold, mildew or fungus growing on or under the siding is another sign that water is penetrating the siding. While all fungus growth isn’t cause for concern, it’s worth your attention and further inspection.

High heating or cooling bills

If you’ve been experiencing really high heating and cooling bills, bad siding could be a factor. You should certainly check if your roof or bad attic insulation is causing an issue (see our articles on Ice Dams for more). But, siding is supposed to help a home retain heat and cold, so if your energy costs are through the roof, check your siding for damage.

Needing to paint siding frequently

A good paint job should last anywhere from 8 to 10 years by most experts’ estimations. If you find yourself needing to paint siding more frequently – say every 3 to 5 years – it may be time for replacement.

Faded siding

All siding has a life expectancy and is formulated to hold color for as long as the advertised or rated by the manufacturer. Severely faded siding should be a sign that the waterproofing element has run its course. This does not mean the siding is completely useless, but it’s just one of the things to watch for.

Peeling or blistering paint inside your home

Peeling or blistering paint on interior walls is a sign of moisture, and a good indicator that your siding may be faulty. As mentioned above, your siding is meant to keep water out. But, bad siding could allow that water to penetrated and seep into the wallboards.

While replacing your home’s siding may not be at the top of your to-do list, if you’re experiencing some of the issues above it is probably time.