Since weather forecasters tell us we are moving into a cold, snowy winter, it's a good idea to evaluate your home's siding to see if it needs help before the harsh weather sets in.  Siding is your home's "skin," and if it is deteriorated or damaged, that means that your home's structure and even its interior could be at risk for suffering damage as well. 
  • Loose siding of any type provides a point of entry for both small animals and insects.  As the weather turns colder, insects and small rodents such as mice or squirrels are looking for a warmer place to live. Loose siding could give them just the open door they need to get into your home's outer walls.  Once there, gnawing can produce further structure damage, as well as damage to wiring, insulation, etc. 
  • Loose or missing siding can be a source of heat loss and possibly a cold spot in the interior of your home.  This means you'll be paying more for heating than you should.
  • Damaged siding can let in (and trap) moisture, causing rot, mold, and other problems. 
Some siding damage or deterioration is merely cosmetic, but you don't want to assume that's the case.  The St.Paul and Minneapolis home exterior remodeling experts at Quarve Contracting, Inc.  can help you evaluate your siding and suggest solutions.   If you have damaged siding, don't wait for winter's cold to let you know you have problems.  Check for problem areas now.  You're most likely to find damage at seams and corners or around doors or windows.  But there are other potential problems, including some of the following: Wood:  Wood siding is subject to warping, rotting, and cracking.  If it's been painted or stained, the finish needs to be frequently reapplied to seal out moisture and prevent further deterioration.  If your wood siding is badly cracked or you're tired of repeated refinishing, consider having it replaced with a low-maintenance product such as vinyl siding.  Aluminum:  Aluminum siding is susceptible to dents from such diverse things as hail or baskebtalls.  It may seem a dent just mars the appearance, but dented siding can cause gaps where the pieces overlap or meet.  If your home is subject to frequent impacts, you may want to consider such extremely durable and impact-resistant siding such as seamless steel or James Hardie fiber cement siding.  Vinyl:   Vinyl siding is highly prone to cracking in the cold temperaturescommon to theTwin Cities. 

Deteriorated or missing caulk can also mean problems.  One permanent solution to continual recaulking is to replace your siding with seamless steel siding - since there are no seams, no caulking is needed.  And steel siding is impervious to damage from insects, rodents, and moisture.  It also stands up well to impact and extreme weather.    Quarve Contracting specializes in seamless steel siding installation, and for nearly three decades they've been helping St. Paul and Minneapolis area homeowners protect their homes from the weather.  Call Quarve today for a free consultation.