Why You Shouldn't Wait Too Long to Replace Your Roof and Siding

Did you know that many insurance companies consider roofs 20 years or older to be uninsurable? On the other hand, replacing your roof can reduce your insurance premiums and save you money on costly repairs.

In this article, we’ll discuss what happens when your roof shingles have aged out, when extreme weather occurs, and when to replace your siding. Replacing your siding not only saves you a lot of money but also improves your home's curb appeal and safety for its residents.

When Does My Roof Need To Be Replaced?

Asphalt shingle roofs last 15-30 years, with an average of 20 years. If your roof is considered aged, it has been through excessive changing weather conditions:

• wind

• rain

• sleet

• snow

• high temperatures

• freezing temperatures

• constant ultraviolet (UV) light

Once the shingles are missing, weather elements can easily penetrate your home, making it vulnerable. A leaky roof can:

• Ruin the ceiling, floors, walls, insulation, and your belongings

• Cause mold growth that creates unhealthy living conditions

• Risk your home’s structural integrity

Old roofs can cause even more problems:

• They can become an eyesore.

• An expired roof makes your home less valuable and desirable.

• Energy efficiency decreases. Because old roofs don’t provide the proper level of insulation or ventilation, your utility costs will increase.

• Aged roofs are more prone to collapse, posing a safety hazard because debris can fall into your home and injure residents.

• Between the energy loss and the frequent repairs an old roof would need, you’ll be paying more than the cost of replacing your roof.

How Does Bad Weather Impact Your Roof?

We all know that West Michigan weather can be harsh, with its lake-effect snow squalls, Summer hail, Spring windstorms,  and heavy Autumn rain. It’s ideal to get a roof inspection every 2 years or after a major weather event, since weather can do a number on your roof. Here’s how:

• Ice dams and accumulated snow add significant weight and trigger freeze-thaw cycles that lift shingles and create gaps.

• UV light bakes the shingles, making them brittle.

• Hail removes shingle granules, shortening your roof's lifespan.

• Loose shingles allow wind-blown rain to reach attic insulation, a situation that frequently results in water damage and mold accumulation.

Signs of Roof Failure

If you recognize these signs of roof failure, don’t ignore them:

• Curling or cracked shingles: Usually caused by heat stress or ice damage, broken shingles allow water to penetrate under the roof layers.

• Granules in the gutter: This indicates that your shingles are eroding more quickly.

• Ceiling discoloration and water stains: Can be symptoms of a slow attic leak that has bypassed your roof decking.

• Mold or mildew (black spots) on the attic wood: This indicates flashing or ventilation failure.

• Chimney and skylight leaks: These leaks are likely due to cracked flashing or improper sealing, as they usually occur around roof penetrations first.

  
  

How To Check For Roof Damage After A Storm

After a storm, it’s essential to complete this checklist within 48 hours:

• Check for missing shingles, broken branches, and debris from the ground.

• Take photos of any obvious damage, especially near gutters, vents, the chimney, and skylights.

• Look for leaks, discoloration in the attic, and moisture on the ceilings.

• Schedule a roof inspection to see if a full roof repair or replacement is necessary.

• Contact your home insurance to understand your coverage.

Does a New Roof Reduce Homeowners’ Insurance?

Some insurance companies offer discounts to clients who get a roof replacement because it reduces liability. You can see a 10-20% or more reduction in homeowners' insurance premiums as long as your new roof is properly certified, wind-rated, and impact-resistant. Voluntary replacements are likely to reduce premiums because your insurer can see that you’re taking initiative to prevent future claims.

Insurance companies don’t want to be involved with large, avoidable damage claims. So, if you have an old roof, they may cancel your policy or require you to replace your roof before continuing coverage.

Is It Worth Replacing Siding On a House?

There are some situations where you have to replace your siding, such as when it expires or deteriorates. Most siding lasts for 20-40 years, but installation quality, pests, and the climate can significantly shorten its lifespan.

Knowing the material of your siding helps you understand when to replace it:

• Vinyl lasts for 20-40 years.

• Wood lasts for 20-40 years with consistent maintenance.

• Fiber cement can last up to 50 years.

• Engineered wood has a lifespan of 20-30 years.

• Aluminum’s lifespan is 30-50 years.

These factors may cause your siding to fail before its expected expiration date:

• Harsh climates: Intense sun exposure, high humidity, and repetitive freeze-thaw cycles accelerate deterioration.

• Moisture exposure: Poor drainage, inadequate overhangs, and dense landscaping against the walls push moisture against the siding year-round, reducing the siding's lifespan.

• Pests: Woodpeckers, carpenter ants, and termites target damaged and aged siding. After they find the entry point, damage will spread faster than it appears on the surface.

• Poor installation: This is one of the most common reasons why homeowners need a siding replacement. The quality of your siding material doesn’t matter; if someone installed it without proper nailing patterns, flashing, or house wrap, it will fail prematurely.

While a repair is fine for isolated damage, widespread, recurring problems call for a replacement. Choose a replacement over a repair if:

• Damage covers at least 20% of your siding.

• The siding material is at the end of its expected lifespan.

• There is structural damage beneath the siding.

• You’re planning on selling your house and need an inspection.

• Moisture has seeped behind the panels in multiple spots.

Signs That It’s Time for a Siding Replacement

The most urgent signs that you need a siding replacement are rot, warping, and pest intrusions. Let’s get more in-depth about the signs that you need a replacement:

• Rot, soft spots, or spongy panels: Press firmly on the panels, especially near the doors, handles, and ground. According to Energy Home Improvements, if any spot feels soft, spongy, or crumbles under pressure, that means that “moisture has already penetrated the surface layer.” Plus, if you tap the siding firmly with the handle of a screwdriver and hear a hollow sound, there is dry rot beneath the panels, usually more damage than you can see.

• Warping or buckling: Warping signals that moisture has been trapped behind the panels for a long time. Once the panels are misshapen, no one can resecure them effectively. You must replace them.

• Cracking, holes, and missing panels: Widespread cracking and multiple missing panels indicate age-related siding failure or impact damage. The gaps will let water, cold air, and pests enter the wall cavity.

• Pest intrusions: If you see insect activity, woodpecker holes, or sawdust trails, inspect your siding thoroughly. The damage usually extends several feet past what is visible.

• Peeling, fading, or bubbling: Siding that can’t hold paint is losing its protective coating, leaving your siding material directly exposed to moisture. This can look like bubbling, blistering, or severe fading.

• Mold or mildew: Fortunately, you can sometimes clean surface mold, but if it recurs or appears in the seams between the panels, there is probably trapped moisture. The moisture will continue to accumulate until you replace your siding.

• Signs of interior damage: Peeling wallpaper, water stains, and soft drywall all indicate that your siding isn’t keeping out moisture and has been accumulating for a long time. This is urgent!

• Gaps or separating seams: In these cases, water, air, and pests can enter the wall cavity directly. Once seam failure begins, it usually accelerates, making this another urgent matter.

• Constant maintenance: You may be at a point where replacing the siding costs less than ongoing repairs.

House Siding and Insurance

When it comes to your siding, insurance considers three factors:

1. Material durability, like fire and impact-resistance

2. Maintenance and condition - Cracks, warping, and rot will not be your friend. They increase the likelihood of insurance claims so that they can raise your premiums.

3. Location/weather risk - Insurers will note if you live in a storm-prone area.

Furthermore, both old and deteriorating siding are warning signs for insurance companies, which can lead them to raise your rates. In contrast, durable, well-installed siding can lower your insurance premiums. Most standard policies cover hail, wind, fire, and vandalism-related damage, but they don’t cover gradual deterioration or wear and tear.

After upgrading your siding, remember to update your policy so the coverage reflects your new siding.

What Type of Siding Is Best for My House?

Energy-efficient, impact-resistant, and storm-rated siding are likely to help you save money on homeowners’ insurance.

• Energy-efficient siding: It can reduce heating and cooling costs and increase durability. If you have it, your insurer may recognize your home to be better protected against environmental damage, which may result in premium reductions. Furthermore, C&W Roofing, Siding, & Window Co. explains that energy-efficient siding can:

  • “improve insulation and reduce moisture buildup”

  • ”enhance resistant to temperature extremes”

  • improve your home’s overall structural integrity

• Impact-resistant and storm-rated siding: These are the types of siding you should upgrade to if you live in an area prone to severe storms, wind, or hail. They’re made to withstand flying debris and high winds. Your home will be less likely to sustain damage, which may help you qualify for premium reductions.

Siding Maintenance Tips

No matter the quality or material of your siding, you can’t neglect it. Insurers assess maintenance history, so here are four steps to maintain your siding:

1. Regular inspections: Walk around your house in Spring and Fall to check for loose panels, cracking, warping, and holes, especially near the eaves, corners, and gutters.

2. Prompt repairs: Address “small” issues immediately before they worsen. For example, a minor crack can lead to water damage that threatens your home's structure.

3. Cleaning and upkeep: Provide proper ventilation behind the siding and regularly wash away mold, mildew, debris, and dirt. These tasks reduce moisture buildup and extend the lifespan of your siding.

4. Documentation: Keep records of all maintenance, inspections, and repairs for your insurer to review as proof that you keep your house well-maintained. This can lead to premium reductions or smooth claim processing.

   
   

Exterior House Siding Material Recommendations

If you’re replacing your siding for insurance benefits, you really should consider the material of siding that you’re upgrading to. Here are the best options:

• Fiber cement resists fire, rot, pests, and extreme weather-related damage. It has long-term value and aesthetic appeal, so it may reduce insurance premiums.

• Composite siding resists impact, moisture, and fire. It’s durable and belongs to the contemporary style. It’s an investment in curb appeal and insurance savings.

• Vinyl is popular and cost-effective. While old or low-quality vinyl tends to be more vulnerable to extreme weather, modern, high-performance vinyl offers greater durability and reduces maintenance needs. Insurers take those positive attributes into account when assessing risk.

Brick, wood, stone, and other materials may protect your home, but when it comes to insurance advantages, aesthetic appeal, and long-term durability, fiber cement, composite siding, and vinyl are the top contenders.

Hire a Roof and Siding Company Near You For Replacements.

If you want to save money on utility bills, insurance, and repairs, replace your old roof and siding. Otherwise, you will lose money faster and faster. So, whether your roof or siding is at the end of its lifespan or you’re making frequent repairs, call Town Corners Exteriors in West Michigan at 616-772-9700 or fill out our contact form for an inspection or an estimate. Then, we can get on to fixing your roof and siding!

We have a wide range of services: roofing, siding, windows, doors, and outdoor living.

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