Your home’s siding keeps your home attractive. Not only does it provide curb appeal, but it also provides protection from the elements. The key to long-lasting, beautiful, durable siding is proper maintenance. Maintaining minimal effort and attention go a long way, and it can also help your siding perform its best.
Different types of siding require different kinds of maintenance. Here are some tips to help keep your siding in top condition.
Wood Siding
Wood siding gives your home a nice natural look and is quite popular for homeowners, but it comes at a price. While wood looks great for your home, it is more vulnerable to weather, pests, and regular wear and tear. It will need its fair share of TLC.
Inspect every 6 months
Perform a visual inspection at least twice a year. Look for various signs of damage, such as termites and wood rot.
Re-treat every 2-5 years
Wood needs to be repainted or re-stained at least once every five years to ensure it stays protected. Maintaining wood means that if you use a clear sealant, you’ll need to reapply it every two years.
Clean annually
Use warm, soapy water and a soft-bristled brush to remove dirt and dust. Remove mildew with a solution of one part bleach to four parts water.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl is a reliable, cost-effective form of exterior siding that works well for starter homes and rental properties. Here’s how to maintain it:
Inspect regularly
While vinyl resists rot and pests, it can get warped or cracked. It can also trap moisture underneath it if it is improperly installed, loose, or damaged—which can be common in windy areas.
Wash annually
A garden hose is usually all you need to rinse dirt and dust from vinyl siding.
Keep damaging elements away
Vinyl can become damaged if it sustains repeated impact from heavy-duty items like lawnmowers. It can also melt from repeated exposure to heat from barbecues. Keep items like these several yards away from your siding.
Paint as needed
Vinyl’s color can fade over time. If you do decide to paint it, use high-quality exterior latex paint in a light color such as white or light grey. Darker colors will draw in the sun’s heat and cause warping.
Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement siding is made from a solid blend of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers and can be crafted to mimic wood, stone, or even brick. It’s long-lasting, attractive, and low maintenance. To care for it:
Inspect annually
Though fiber cement doesn’t suffer from damage from pests and extreme temperature changes, it still can suffer occasionally from the repeated impact of the elements. Signs of damage can include cracks in or around the siding, damaged paint, warping, and mildew.
Clean every 1-3 years
The strength of fiber cement siding means it can handle being power washed. If you don’t have a power washer, you can wipe down your siding with soapy water or rinse it with a hose.
Paint every 10-20 years
Fiber cement holds paint very well, but eventually, you may want to refresh its color. When you do choose to paint, be sure to use exterior-grade acrylic paint.
Steel Siding
Many homeowners like steel siding for its durability. It is a versatile choice too, available in a variety of styles, textures, and colors. To care for it:
Look for scratches
While steel resists damage from weather, if it is scratched or otherwise damaged, it can begin to rust.
Wash annually
Power washing is a great choice for steel siding, and you only need to do it once a year.
Paint if desired
Many homeowners don’t paint steel, but if you opt to do so, you’ll need to repaint whenever the paint job fades.
Siding maintenance is well worth the investment. By following these simple, straightforward techniques, you can ensure that your exterior siding maintains its attractive look and feel, and protects the structural integrity of your home.
For any siding related questions contact us today.
