There are few things more frustrating than the sight of your home or business with dingy, cracked siding. It's a sign that something is wrong, and it affects your home's curb appeal. But what many people don't realize is that they can stop this problem before it starts by getting new siding to replace their old, damaged one. That way, they never have to worry about it again. But how do you know when you need new siding? Here are five signs that might indicate that your house needs some work done to its exterior.

1. Cracks and Dents

One of the first signs that you need new siding is that your old one has gotten cracks and dents on it. While this may not seem like a huge deal, these cracks and dents can allow water and other elements to get into your home's walls, which can do some serious damage to both its interior and exterior.

2. Your Home is Undergoing Major Renovations

If you are doing extensive renovations to your home, it's time for new siding. That's because every renovation will cause damage to the current siding. You should always wait until these renovations are complete before installing any new siding. If you don't, there will be gaps between your siding, allowing water to get in, causing more damage.

3. You Want to Increase Curb Appeal

Curb appeal is important for making a good first impression on guests and buyers. Installing new siding can add value to your home and increase its curb appeal. This is one of the best reasons to have it installed, because not only will it make your house look great, but also give it better insulation.

4. You Don't Like the Appearance of Your Current Siding

If you are sick and tired of looking at your old faded siding, then this is another sign that you need to have new, better-quality siding installed on your home. Your siding is the first thing people see when they approach your house, so you want to make sure it looks great.

5. It's Not Doing Its Job

Not only does siding protect your home from the elements, but it also offers insulation. If your current siding is doing neither of these things properly, then it might mean that you need new siding.

Most siding is meant to withstand winds of up to 110 mph (per The Spruce). If it is stripped, however, vinyl siding is easier to install than other types of siding. It is also resistant to rot, mildew, and other types of degradation. However, it is not the only option. Contact your local siding contractor to find out more about your options.