Top 5 Frightening Signs Your Austin Home Needs New Siding (And What to Do About It)

​Living in Austin, Texas, means sunshine, storms, BBQ, and a whole lot of character. We’ve got tacos for breakfast, music on every corner, and weather that can’t decide if it’s summer or surprise hailstorm. But while we’re soaking up the good vibes, our homes are out there taking the hits — especially the siding. This is why homeowners in Central Texas should consider new siding.

If your home’s exterior is starting to look like it’s been through a few too many ACL Festivals, it might be trying to tell you something.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the top five signs your siding needs replacing, how it affects your home, and what materials we recommend for standing strong against Central Texas weather. We’ll also answer some of the most common homeowner questions, like how much does siding replacement cost in Austin and which siding lasts the longest?

​🧱 1. Cracks, Warping, or Rotting: The Visual Red Flags

Let’s start with what you can see. If your siding has:

• Cracks or holes

• Bulging or warping boards

• Bubbling beneath the surface

• Rotting, soft spots

…you’re dealing with more than just an ugly exterior. Cracked or warped siding is like leaving your front door half open during a thunderstorm — water, bugs, and air can sneak right in.

Rot and moisture damage can lead to:

• Interior wall damage

• Mold and mildew growth

• Compromised insulation

• Long-term structural issues

🌧️ Austin Pro Tip: After a good Texas thunderstorm (especially one of those sideways-rain ones), take a walk around your house and check for soft spots, discoloration, or boards pulling away. Those are signs your siding is saying, “Help!”

🌬️ 2. Higher Energy Bills? Your Siding Might Be to Blame

So your electric bill is looking like a second mortgage? It might not be your HVAC’s fault — it could be your siding. Damaged or outdated siding is like wearing a holey sweater in winter. It just doesn’t keep the air where it belongs.

In a climate like Austin’s, where we flirt with triple digits for months, poor siding means:

• Your A/C works harder

• Your energy bills skyrocket

• Your comfort level plummets

🏡 Insider Tip: Investing in energy-efficient siding like James Hardie fiber cement or insulated vinyl can immediately improve thermal regulation. That means a cooler home and lower bills — even in July.

​🐜 3. Pest Invasion (a.k.a. Unwelcome Roommates)

Termites, ants, and even squirrels love old siding. If your siding is damaged or pulling away from the wall, it’s a literal open door for critters.

Look for:

• Gnawed corners or edges

• Mud tubes (especially termites)

• Unusual tapping or rustling sounds in the walls

• Nesting materials or droppings near your foundation

Once pests get in, it’s not just gross — they can wreck insulation, wires, and even the structural bones of your home. And no one wants to be the house on the block known for its termite colony.

🎨 4. Faded Color and Peeling Paint: More Than Just an Eyesore

In a city known for bright murals and bold personality, faded siding is a total bummer. But fading isn’t just cosmetic — it means your siding is deteriorating, which is even more reason to consider new siding.

Austin sees intense sun exposure, and if your siding’s protective layer has worn down, you’ll start seeing:

• Chalking or discoloration

• Peeling paint (especially if painted wood)

• Frequent repainting needs

🎯 Design Bonus: New siding (like James Hardie with ColorPlus® Technology) offers long-lasting, fade-resistant color options. That means less maintenance and killer curb appeal.

🏚️ 5. Your Home Just Looks… Tired

Sometimes, the biggest sign you need new siding is the vibe. If your home’s exterior looks stuck in 1998, it might be time for a facelift.

Upgrading your siding can:

• Boost curb appeal

• Increase your home’s resale value

• Complement other upgrades (windows, roofing, paint)

In a market as hot as Austin, first impressions matter. And yes — new siding replacement routinely ranks in the top home improvements for ROI.

🧰 Best Siding Options for Austin Homes

At Imperium Exteriors, we don’t just install siding — we custom-match it to your home’s needs, aesthetic, and Austin’s wild weather. Here’s what we recommend:

✅ James Hardie Fiber Cement

• Fire-resistant and rot-proof

• Termite-proof and durable

• Great for hot, humid climates

• Long-lasting color baked in

✅ LP SmartSide Engineered Wood

• High-impact resistance

• Real wood texture

• Treated to resist fungal decay and insects

✅ Insulated Vinyl Siding

• Great for energy efficiency

• Budget-friendly and low-maintenance

• Modern colors and textures available

💸 How Much Does Siding Replacement Cost in Austin?

Let’s talk numbers.

Siding Replacement in Austin typically ranges:

• Vinyl: $12,000–$18,000+

• Fiber Cement (James Hardie): $15,000–$25,000+

• Engineered Wood (LP SmartSide): $14,000–$22,000+

Factors include:

• Square footage

• Existing damage or removal

• Labor and material choice

💡 Financing options available! Ask us how you can upgrade now and pay later.

📆 When Should You Replace Siding?

While we install siding year-round, the best times are:

• Spring: Before peak summer heat

• Fall: Mild weather makes installation easier

That said, if your siding is failing now — don’t wait. Damage gets worse (and more expensive) the longer you delay.

🏆 Why Imperium Exteriors is Austin’s #1 Siding Replacement Contractor

We’re not just another contractor. We’re neighbors. We live here, raise our families here, and take pride in keeping Central Texas homes beautiful and protected.

When you choose Imperium Exteriors, you get:

• Free, no-pressure siding inspections

• Local experts who understand Austin’s climate

• Premium materials like James Hardie, LP SmartSide, and more

• Skilled crews with precision installation

• Lifetime workmanship warranty

We serve Austin, Georgetown, Round Rock, Lakeway, and beyond.

🚀 Ready to Refresh Your Home?

Whether your siding is showing its age or you’re ready for a full home makeover, we’ve got your back.

📞 Call us at (737) 376-5800
🌐 Or visit www.imperiumexteriors.com to schedule your free siding assessment today!

Let’s keep Austin beautiful — one home at a time.

🧠 Bonus FAQ Section

How long does siding last in Austin?

• Fiber Cement: 30–50 years

• Engineered Wood: 20–30 years

• Vinyl: 15–25 years

Can I mix siding styles for a custom look?
Yes! Board and batten, lap siding, and accent trims can give your home serious curb appeal.

Do I need to replace siding and windows together?
Not always — but doing both can save time and labor costs while maximizing energy efficiency.