Spot Problems Early Siding and Keep Your Home Protected
Your siding might not get as much attention as your landscaping, but it’s doing a lot of heavy lifting for your home. It protects your walls from moisture, pests, and extreme temperatures. It insulates your home and helps keep your energy bills manageable. And let’s be honest, when your siding looks good, your whole house looks good.
But like any exterior surface, siding takes a beating from the weather. Over time, even the toughest siding materials can crack, warp, or loosen. The best way to catch those issues before they become expensive repairs? A siding inspection.
At RoofPRO, we’ve been helping Maryland homeowners protect their homes for years. We put together this detailed siding inspection checklist to help you stay ahead of problems and keep your home in great condition.
When Should You Inspect Your Siding?
Most siding issues start small, so small, that the untrained eye may not notice them at first. But once water sneaks in or pests get a foothold, the damage can accelerate fast. That’s why we recommend inspecting your siding:
- Once a year, ideally in the spring or fall. These are perfect times to check for issues after winter’s freeze/thaw cycle or summer’s heat and humidity.
- After major storms, especially wind, hail, or heavy rain. Flying debris, pressure from high winds, and water intrusion can all lead to damage.
- Before major renovations or putting your home on the market. Nothing derails a home sale or remodel like hidden water damage.
- Anytime you notice signs like musty smells, higher energy bills, or visible siding movement or discoloration.
Make it part of your regular home maintenance routine. A 20-minute professional inspection could save you thousands.
RoofPRO’s Siding Inspection Checklist
Here’s a step-by-step guide to inspecting your siding like a pro:
Look for Visible Damage
Start with the obvious stuff. Walk around the house slowly and check every wall.
- Do you see any cracks, chips, or dents?
- Are any panels loose, missing, or pulling away from the house?
- Is the siding warped or buckling in spots?
Vinyl siding may warp from excessive heat or improper installation. Wood or fiber cement siding may crack from moisture or impact. Even small holes can be a big deal, they let water and insects in.
Pro Tip: Pay special attention to the bottom rows and areas under eaves, where damage often goes unnoticed.
Check for Moisture Problems
Maryland gets its fair share of moisture, whether it’s rain, humidity, or melting snow. That moisture can sneak behind siding and wreak havoc on your walls. Look for:
- Mold, mildew, or moss on the surface
- Water stains or streaks
- Soft, swollen, or spongy-feeling panels (don’t push too hard)
- Peeling paint on nearby trim (a clue that moisture is trapped)
Moisture issues can lead to rot, structural damage, and even interior leaks. If your siding feels soft in any spot, you may have hidden water damage underneath.
Inspect Seams and Caulking
Seams, joints, and caulking play a huge role in keeping water and air out.
- Check vertical seams, corners, and joints between siding panels.
- Look around windows and doors, are the caulk lines cracking, missing, or peeling?
- Do you see gaps where panels should meet or be sealed?
Caulking breaks down over time, especially with temperature swings. Re-caulking these spots can help prevent major repairs down the road.
Evaluate the Paint or Finish
Even siding that’s supposed to be “maintenance-free” can fade or wear out.
- Is the paint peeling, bubbling, or blistering?
- Does the surface feel chalky?
- Are there discolorations, rust stains, or strange streaks?
Color loss or finish issues aren’t just cosmetic, they often point to deeper problems with the siding material or waterproofing layer.
Watch for Signs of Pests
Woodpeckers, ants, termites, birds and other critters can turn your siding into their new homes. Especially if you have wood or composite materials. Look for:
- Small holes or chew marks
- Nesting debris tucked into gaps or corners
- Trails, tunnels, or sawdust (a red flag for termites or carpenter ants)
- Droppings or staining at the base of the siding
Pest damage is not always obvious right away, but it can be expensive to repair, and hard to stop once it starts.
Examine Trim, Flashing, and Transitions
The siding isn’t the only thing to check. Trim boards, soffits, and metal flashing all help keep water out. If water is getting in around these weak spots, it may be collecting behind the siding, where you can’t see it.
- Trim around windows and doors for rot, peeling paint, or warping
- Flashing (metal strips at joints and transitions) to make sure it’s secure and rust-free
- Seams between roof and siding, especially on dormers or second-story additions
Check the Bottom Edge and Foundation Line
Walk along the base of your home and check where the siding meets the foundation.
- Is the bottom row secure and intact?
- Are panels touching the soil or mulch? (They shouldn’t be)
- Do you see signs of splashback or erosion?
This is one of the most overlooked areas, and one of the first places moisture and pests cause damage.
When to Call a Professional Siding Contractor
Some issues you can patch up yourself, but others call for a trained eye and experience. Call RoofPRO if:
- You find moisture damage or wood rot
- The siding feels soft or bulges out
- You can’t safely inspect higher levels of your home
- You’re planning a siding replacement or want to improve energy efficiency
- You want an objective, professional opinion
At RoofPRO, we don’t believe in scare tactics. We give honest recommendations and walk you through all your options, from simple repairs to full replacements.
How RoofPRO Helps Maryland Homeowners
We’ve been serving Maryland communities for over 20 years. Our team knows what siding holds up best in our climate and what signs point to trouble. Here’s what you get with RoofPRO:
- Free or low-cost siding inspections with no pressure
- Detailed written reports and photo documentation
- Repair and replacement plans tailored to your budget
- Expert crews that treat your home with care and respect
- Access to top brands like James Hardie, CertainTeed, and LP SmartSide
Whether you have vinyl, wood, fiber cement, or engineered siding, we’ve worked on it, and we’ll help you get more life out of it.
FAQs About Siding Inspections
At least once per year in the spring or fall. Its also wise to get a professional inspection after any major weather events or when buying or selling your home.
Yes, as long as you stay on the ground or use a stable ladder. Don’t take risks, call RoofPRO for an expert opinion or for inspections on homes with multiple-stories or hard-to-reach areas.
Moisture intrusion and warping from temperature swings are very common. We also see mold growth and pest damage in shaded or wooded areas.
Vinyl siding can last 20–40 years. Fiber cement and engineered wood can go even longer with proper maintenance. But small issues can cut that lifespan short.
If the damage is from a covered event (like a storm or fallen tree), yes. But not all wear-and-tear is covered. RoofPRO can help document your claim if needed.
Let RoofPRO Inspect Your Siding and Protect Your Home
A quick inspection now can prevent bigger problems (and bills) later. If you spot something concerning, or you just want an expert opinion, RoofPRO is here to help. We’re local, experienced, and always happy to explain what we see and what we recommend.
Schedule your siding inspection today. Let’s keep your home looking sharp and standing strong, for years to come.