7 Signs Your Siding Needs Replacing on Vancouver Island
Written by the Ascend Siding and Exteriors team · Last updated
Soft or rotting boards
Press on the lower boards near decks, downspouts and the ground. Soft spots usually mean water has been getting behind the siding for a while.
Moss, mildew and dark streaks
Some moss is normal on the Island, but streaks that come back right after cleaning point to walls that never fully dry.
Cracked, warped or loose panels
Gaps let wind-driven rain in. A few damaged boards can be repaired; widespread warping usually means replacement.
Peeling or fading paint every few years
If you are repainting more often than every 5 to 7 years, a pre-finished product like fibre cement can save money over time.
Rising heating bills
Old siding with no insulation or air barrier lets heat escape. A re-side is a good time to upgrade the wall membrane.
Bubbling or blistering
Bubbles under the finish mean moisture is trapped in the wall — a sign to investigate sooner rather than later.
Your home has no rainscreen
Homes built before rainscreens became common on the coast are more prone to hidden rot. Adding one during a re-side protects your framing for decades.
Repair or replace?
If damage is limited to one or two walls, repair is often the smart choice. If problems show up on every side, replacement usually costs less over the long run. A free on-site inspection is the easiest way to know for sure.