How to Inspect Your Home’s Siding for Damage

The Complete Guide for Atlanta and Metro Area Homeowners

At Reynolds Home and Property Solutions of Georgia, we’ve seen first-hand how crucial well-maintained siding is to the health and value of your home.Siding isn’t just about curb appeal — it plays a major role in:

• Protecting your home from moisture

• Insulating against Atlanta’s variable climate

• Maintaining your property’s structural integrity

If siding damage is left unchecked, it can lead to expensive repairs — not just for the siding itself, but for underlying walls, insulation, and even your foundation.

This in-depth guide will teach you how to inspect your home’s siding for damage, what warning signs to watch for, and how to handle issues when they arise, especially if you live in Atlanta, Marietta, Alpharetta, Smyrna, Roswell, Kennesaw, or Sandy Springs.

Table of Contents

1. Why Siding Inspections Matter in the Atlanta Area

2. Common Types of Siding in Georgia Homes

3. How Often Should You Inspect Your Siding?

4. Tools You’ll Need for a DIY Siding Inspection

5. Step-by-Step Guide to Inspecting Your Siding

6. Signs of Siding Damage You Shouldn’t Ignore

7. Specific Issues Atlanta Homeowners Should Watch For

8. When to Call a Professional Home Inspector

9. Protect Your Home’s Value with Reynolds Home and Property Solutions

10. Final Thoughts: Stay Proactive, Save Money

Why Siding Inspections Matter in the Atlanta Area

Atlanta’s climate poses unique challenges for siding durability:

• High humidity accelerates wood rot and mold growth.

• Heavy rainfall and storms batter exterior surfaces.

• Hot summers cause materials to expand and contract, creating cracks and gaps.

• Occasional winter freezes can worsen minor damage quickly.

Homes in areas like Marietta, Roswell, Alpharetta, Smyrna, and Kennesaw are especially vulnerable due to aging housing stock and Georgia’s soil shifting foundation supports.

Routine siding inspections can save Atlanta homeowners thousands of dollars by catching small issues before they escalate into major structural damage.

Common Types of Siding in Georgia Homes

Before inspecting your siding, it's important to know what material you're working with. Common siding types around Atlanta include:

1. Vinyl Siding

• Most popular for its affordability and durability

• Vulnerable to cracking under impact or extreme cold

2. Fiber Cement Siding (like HardiePlank®)

• Common in upscale homes across Sandy Springs and Roswell

• Resistant to fire, rot, and pests but can crack with settling or impact

3. Wood Siding

• Adds natural beauty (often found in historic districts like Marietta and Decatur)

• High maintenance; susceptible to rot, termites, and warping

4. Brick Veneer

• Popular across the Atlanta suburbs

• Low maintenance but mortar joints and weep holes must be inspected

5. Stucco

• Common in Mediterranean or Southwestern-style homes

• Prone to cracking and water absorption if improperly installed

Each material comes with its own inspection checklist and damage patterns you should be familiar with.

How Often Should You Inspect Your Siding?

For Atlanta-area homes, we recommend:

• DIY visual inspections twice a year (Spring and Fall)

• Professional inspections every 2–3 years, or after major weather events

If your home is more than 20 years old or has a history of siding problems, inspections should be even more frequent.

Tools You’ll Need for a DIY Siding Inspection

Before you start, gather:

• A sturdy ladder

• Flashlight

• Screwdriver (for probing soft spots)

• Camera or phone (to document issues)

• Binoculars (for high areas)

• Notepad or inspection checklist

Step-by-Step Guide to Inspecting Your Siding

Step 1: Walk the Perimeter

Walk slowly around your home, taking note of:

• Color fading

• Warping or buckling

• Holes or cracks

• Missing panels or sections

Step 2: Check for Moisture Damage

Look for:

• Dark spots

• Streaking stains

• Soft or spongy areas when pressed with a screwdriver

• Bubbling or blistering paint

Step 3: Examine Seams and Joints

At corners, window edges, doors, and rooflines:

• Are there gaps?

• Is the caulking intact or cracked?

• Is trim pulling away from the structure?

Step 4: Inspect High-Risk Areas

Focus on places prone to water exposure:

• Under roof eaves

• Around decks and patios

• Beneath gutters and downspouts

Step 5: Inspect Underneath

Use a flashlight to check:

• Behind shrubs and bushes (where moisture may hide)

• Near the foundation for signs of splash-back or rot

Step 6: Look for Signs of Pests

Signs of insect or rodent activity include:

• Small bore holes

• Sawdust trails

• Nesting materials

These can indicate deeper hidden damage to the siding and framing.

Signs of Siding Damage You Shouldn’t Ignore

If you see any of the following during your inspection, call a professional immediately:

• Soft, spongy wood (serious rot)

• Large cracks or missing sections

• Bulging or warped panels (moisture infiltration)

• Persistent mildew or mold stains

• Crumbled or missing mortar in brick siding

• Extensive fading or chalky residue (UV degradation)

Ignoring these warning signs can lead to:

• Severe water damage

• Mold contamination

• Foundation shifting

• Major structural repairs

Specific Issues Atlanta Homeowners Should Watch For

Because of our local climate and construction patterns, Atlanta homes face particular siding challenges:

1. Sun Exposure

South and west-facing walls in homes across Marietta, Roswell, and Alpharetta experience intense UV damage, causing vinyl to fade or crack.

2. Moisture Intrusion

High humidity and storms mean homes in Smyrna and Kennesaw often suffer hidden moisture damage, leading to:

• Mold growth

• Internal wall rot

• Pest infestations

3. Soil Movement

Expansive Georgia red clay shifts with moisture changes, causing foundation settlement and siding cracks — a major issue in East Cobb and Sandy Springs.

When to Call a Professional Home Inspector

If you notice significant siding damage, the safest course of action is to schedule a professional home inspection.

At Reynolds Home and Property Solutions, we offer:

• Thermal imaging to detect hidden moisture behind siding

• Drone inspections for hard-to-reach areas

• Foundation and framing assessments

• Recommendations for repair, replacement, or reinforcement

Atlanta homeowners should call us after:

• Severe storms or hurricanes

• Major home renovations

• Buying or selling a home

• Annual maintenance if your siding is over 15 years old

Protect Your Home’s Value with Reynolds Home and Property Solutions

Your siding is the first line of defense for your home. By staying proactive with regular inspections and professional evaluations, you can:

• Avoid costly repairs

• Extend your siding’s life by years

• Boost curb appeal and resale value

• Improve energy efficiency

Reynolds Home and Property Solutions of Georgia serves Atlanta, Marietta, Alpharetta, Smyrna, Kennesaw, Roswell, Sandy Springs, and beyond with thorough, expert siding inspections.

🔗 Schedule a Siding Inspection Now and protect your biggest investment!

Final Thoughts: Stay Proactive, Save Money

Inspecting your siding isn’t just about appearances — it’s about protecting your home’s health, energy efficiency, and value. By learning how to spot the early signs of damage and knowing when to bring in the experts, Atlanta homeowners can avoid thousands of dollars in repairs and enjoy peace of mind.

Ready to ensure your siding — and your entire home — is in top shape?

👉 Book a Home Inspection Today with Reynolds Home and Property Solutions!

Serving Atlanta, Marietta, Roswell, Alpharetta, Smyrna, Sandy Springs, Kennesaw, and surrounding Georgia suburbs.