When your home’s siding begins to deteriorate, it does more than harm curb appeal—it can also expose your home to water damage, mold, and energy inefficiency. Knowing when to replace siding can save Virginia Beach homeowners thousands in repairs and keep their property protected. In this post, WT Anderson’s trusted siding and roofing professionals break down the telltale signs of siding failure and what to do next.

How Long Does Siding Typically Last?

Most siding materials have long life spans:

• Vinyl siding: 20–40 years
• Fiber cement (Hardie Board): 30–50 years
• Wood siding: 20–30 years with maintenance

But even the best materials wear out sooner in coastal environments like Virginia Beach, where humidity, salt, and storms accelerate aging.

What Are the Warning Signs You Need New Siding?

1. Cracks, Warping, or Bubbling

Visible physical damage is one of the clearest signs that your siding is failing. Warped boards, bubbling surfaces, or deep cracks allow moisture to seep in and lead to rot or mold.

2. Faded or Peeling Paint

When siding loses its color or paint peels often, it’s a sign the material is breaking down. Constant repainting is not only costly—it usually means it’s time to replace.

3. Increased Energy Bills

Old or damaged siding can reduce your home's insulation and raise heating and cooling costs. If your energy bills keep climbing, poor siding may be to blame.

4. Mold, Mildew, or Water Stains

Look for discoloration, soft spots, or visible mold around seams and edges. This may indicate water infiltration behind the panels, which can lead to serious structural damage.

5. Rot or Pest Damage

Termites, ants, and moisture can destroy wood or poorly maintained siding. If you notice rot or pest trails, your siding’s integrity is compromised.

6. Loose or Missing Panels

Loose, rattling, or missing siding panels can no longer protect your home effectively. Wind-driven rain and pests can get behind the surface.

7. It’s Just Old

If your siding is over 20–30 years old, it's time for an inspection. Even without visible damage, aging siding may lack modern features like UV resistance, moisture barriers, and insulation.

What Happens If You Don’t Replace Failing Siding?

Delaying replacement can result in:

• Hidden mold and rot in walls
• Decreased home value
• Higher energy bills
• Insurance claim denials
• Costly structural repairs

Virginia Beach weather is especially hard on aging siding—ignoring the signs can lead to bigger problems fast.

When Is the Best Time to Replace Siding in Virginia Beach?

Spring and fall are ideal times, offering mild weather for fast, smooth installation. However, emergency replacements can be done year-round by professional crews.

Trust WT Anderson for Honest Siding Assessments

If you’re unsure about the state of your siding, schedule an on-site evaluation with WT Anderson’s siding experts. We’ll assess your home and provide honest recommendations tailored to Virginia Beach’s unique climate challenges.

Ready to protect your home and boost curb appeal?

Contact us today for a free on-site siding evaluation

Learn more about our siding services https://www.wtandersoncorp.com/siding

Sources:

James Hardie: Signs You Need to Replace Siding – https://www.jameshardie.com/blog/signs-you-need-to-replace-siding

Energy.gov: Improving Home Energy Efficiency – https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/design/energy-efficient-home-design