Because of Montana’s unique climate, homes are especially at risk of sustaining moisture damage. Homes are constantly subjected to the exterior elements due to heavy snow, long winter seasons, freeze-thaw cycles, and rainfall in the spring. Poorly installed siding, old siding, or damaged siding on the exterior of the home allows water to penetrate the siding and seep into the walls of the home.
This moisture, hidden in the walls, can lead to severe problems in the home—stains, mold, rot, and even damage to the home’s internal structure. That is why the Best Siding Contractor MT is needed, as they are the most qualified to prevent possible long-term damage and to protect the home’s health and value.
Moisture Problems Caused By Bad Siding
1. Cracks, Gaps, and Loose Panels
Montana snow melts, refreezes, then works into the smallest of cracks.
Loose or gapped siding panels allow for:
- Melted snow and rain to infiltrate,
Water to travel behind the siding,
Moisture to reach the insulation, wall cavities, and framing.
Moisture is trapped, and mold and rot can start to form inside the walls of the home, which is ignored by the homeowners.
Insufficient House Wrap or Vapor Barriers
Moisture can travel into the walls of your home if the previous installer cut corners by not placing enough house wrap, using low-quality, or unsatisfactory the house wrap properly.
A proper smog barrier is essential in Montana, as the climate experiences extreme temperature fluctuations.
Improper Sealing Around Windows and Doors
The small openings around doors and windows are common leakage sites. If the installation is done poorly or if there is no insulation or if no flashing tape is used, this can lead to water infiltration.
The signs of this can be:
- Drafts
Soft or swollen window sills
Stains around the trim
The leaks can lead to mold growth, wall rot, and expensive repairs.
Signs of Interior Moisture & Mold in Montana Homes
Visible Indicators
Be on the lookout for clear indicators of water infiltration inside the home.
Examples include the following:
- Walls and ceilings with water stains
Paint that is peeling or drywall that is bubbling
Walls or baseboards that are warped
Corner joints that are discolored
These signs suggest that moisture has existed for quite some time.
Hidden Risks
Not all moisture damage leaves signs that are apparent.
Some signs are quite tricky:
- Damp, musty odors
Condensation that appears routinely on windows
Damage allergies or more frequent asthmatic symptoms
If you witness these signs, you are encouraged to schedule a professional inspection by the Best Siding Contractor in MT.
Health and Structural Risks of Mold
The presence of indoor mold can become a serious health and structural issue, and though it is problematic, it is not merely an aesthetic nuisance.
The Health Risks Mold Carries
Mold can cause the following health issues:
- Allergies and hole inflammation
Coughing, breathless, and having trouble with the lungs
Asthma attacks
Fatigue and headaches
Children and the elderly, along with those who have asthma, are most adversely impacted by this.
Risks of Structural Damages
Mold develops in damp and closed spaces, such as interior wall cavities, and can damage over an extended period of time:
- Wood structural members
Insulation
Sub-flooring
Drywall, along with any molding.
Not resolving the issue of mold can put the honesty and safety of your house at risk and lead to pricey repair work.
Moisture Damage: How Correct Siding Can Help
Selecting the Correct Material
The weather in Montana makes it critical to select strong, resilient siding.
The best options are:
- Fiber cement: Extremely durable and resistant to snow and freeze-thaw cycles.
- Vinyl siding: Moisture-resistant and low-cost, making it a good value.
- Treated wood siding: Looks appealing but has to be correctly sealed and maintained.
Based on your home’s exposure and location, your contractor should recommend materials.
Experienced Professionals Siding Installation
The Best Siding Contractor MT provides:
- Panel lock and tight overlaps
Moisture barriers and house wrap are used correctly
Flashing on windows and doors
Water to be routed and drained with natural pathways.
From siding that protects your home for decades to siding that names the price up front but fails in a few seasons, the difference is in professional installation.
Emergency & Repair Options for Damaged Siding
Siding damage can occur suddenly after storms in Montana. Visible, interior water spots, cracks, or loose paneling require immediate response.
Repair vs Replacement
- If isolated damage, such as minor cracks or loosened panels, is present, repairs can be done.
- If there is moisture behind the siding or signs of mold, replacement must be done.
What Homeowners Can Do?
Homeowners can do the following until professionals arrive:
- Use exterior tape/plastic to cover damaged areas.
Remove snow stock on siding
Decrease humidity levels in the interior of the home.
Taking action can help avoid more significant water exposure.
Maintenance Tips to Keep Siding and Walls Dry
Taking care of your investment by performing maintenance tasks keeps the siding from deteriorating and lengthens the siding’s life.
Routine Homeowner Tips
- Check siding during your home maintenance inspections in the spring and fall.
Reapply insulation on the windows and trim, if needed.
Proactively manage the siding by clearing walls of debris (dirt, leaves, and snow).
Make sure that landscaping (especially thick shrubs and plants) is kept back from the siding.
Seasonal Weather Tips for Montana
- Winter: To avoid ice dams, remove snow that has built up against the siding.
Spring: Check for gaps and warping in the siding that could occur from freeze-thaw cycles.
Moisture: Moisture getting into your home is a result of inconsistently staying on top of moisture-sealing siding.
Conclusion:
Poor quality siding results in more than an unappealing appearance. It results in interior moisture, mold, and other harm to the structure, resulting in expensive future repair. Montana’s siding climate is exceptionally cruel and should only be installed and maintained by professionals with the right climate siding expertise.
If the interior and moisture of your home, the overall health, and the soundness of the structure are important to you, the Mountain’s Best Siding Contractor is available for a complete inspection, quality repair, or full siding replacement. Proactive future damage avoidance for your siding is a small investment today.