Birds are a beautiful and delightful part of nature. But when it comes to your home’s siding, they can cause significant damage. Read on to understand why birds target siding, the types of damage they can cause, and how this damage can affect your home.
Why Birds Cause Damage
Birds like woodpeckers and sparrows find siding an attractive spot for nesting. Woodpeckers are known to peck at siding to create holes for their nests. Additionally, they may drill holes in siding to store food. They usually choose wood or composite siding for this purpose.
Pecking is also a territorial behavior, communicating to other birds that an area is already occupied. It can also indicate the presence of insect infestations. If your siding has an insect infestation, birds may peck at it in search of food. This is particularly problematic with wood siding as it can harbor a variety of insects.
Types of Damage Birds Can Cause
The type of damage birds cause to siding can vary depending on the bird and the siding material. Woodpeckers are notorious for drilling holes into wood, vinyl, and sometimes even fiber cement siding. While these holes can vary in size, they often lead to cracks, especially in older or weakened siding.
In addition to physical damage, nesting birds can lead to other problems. Bird droppings can stain siding materials like vinyl or aluminum. These stains can be hard to remove and may result in permanent discoloration. Pecking can also cause warping or splitting in wooden siding, leading to further deterioration and potential water damage.
How Bird Damage Affects a Home
For homeowners, the consequences of siding damage caused by birds can be consequential. The most immediate cause for concern is the potential for water infiltration. Holes and cracks in siding can allow water to seep into the walls of your home, leading to issues like mold growth, rot, and even structural damage. Over time, this can result in very costly repairs and even compromise the integrity of your home’s structure.
Holes and cracks can also compromise the energy efficiency of a home. Siding is an important part of a home’s exterior insulation, and air conditioning and heating have to work harder to account for its damage. This can lead to higher energy bills, which in today’s economy can rapidly outbalance the cost of just fixing the initial problem.
The impact of bird damage on your home’s beauty can also be considerable. Holes, stains, and damaged siding detract from a home’s curb appeal, making it a less pleasant place to live and lowering its market value. Visible siding damage is a red flag for potential buyers, who may be concerned about the need for repairs.
Keeping your siding in good shape is essential for protecting your home’s exterior and maintaining its value. Homestead Exteriors is your expert in siding maintenance and repair. Contact us to take preventative measures and repair damage to your siding, and ensure your home remains both your castle and your nest egg.
