While good siding may be expensive to install, it protects your home’s exterior against exposure to the elements while offering a unified visual appeal.
Good maintenance for your existing wood siding will extend its durability and further protect the home. And when it comes to applying a cost-effective maintenance regimen, regular inspection is always the right way to go.
● Visual inspection
It’s recommended to visually inspect your siding every 6 months. Doing so will help you detect signs of damage so you can take action before they develop and become more costly to repair.
From regular visual inspection to cleaning, here are some best practices for protecting your wood siding and, of course, your home’s exterior.
● Repaint when due
Notably, exterior painting acts not only as an additional protective layer but also increases the resale value of your home. However, this protective layer will deteriorate and fade over time as it’s subjected to the elements. So you’d need to apply a fresh coat now and then.
How to paint your siding depends on the type, whether concrete, vinyl, steel, or otherwise. It’s always best to hire experienced exterior house painters for your siding as they will ensure the job is done right the first time. From the type of materials used to best practices, a pro painter makes sure the paint job has a flawless finish and lasts long.
They may also offer warranties so you don’t have to waste money when something bad happens soon after the project is completed.
● Clean occasionally
Cleaning your siding will help remove dust and other materials that may mar the visual appeal of your siding. In addition, you would also be curbing mold and mildew growth that have already started sprouting.
Regular Inspection, painting, and cleaning are key to maintaining your home’s siding. However, each type of siding requires a different approach.
Let’s briefly highlight them.
1. Wood siding
Inspection: Wood is cost-effective and offers an incredible visual appeal. However, it’s prone to rot and termite infestation. Inspect at least twice a year for these forms of damage.
Painting: Wood needs to be repainted at least once every 5 years. If you’ve used a clear sealant, it’s best to reapply it after two years.
Cleaning: You can wash wood paint with soapy water and a brush with soft bristles. Remove mildew with a bleach solution.
2. Vinyl siding
Inspection: Vinyl is known to resist rot and pest infestation. However, it easily gets warped or cracked from exposure to direct heat (such as a barbeque site) and other physical impacts. Loose areas can also trap moisture underneath. Therefore, regular inspection is paramount. Also, avoid contact between the lawnmower and your vinyl siding.
Painting: unpainted vinyl will fade over time. If you must paint, go for white or gray latex-based paint. Darker colors cause warping within as they capture the sun’s heat.
Cleaning: You don’t have to scrub with soapy water. A garden hose works perfectly well on vinyl.
3. Fiber cement siding
Inspection: inspect fiber cement siding annually for cracks, warping, and mildew.
Painting: For optimal protection, repaint fiber cement siding every 10-15 years with exterior acrylic paint.
Cleaning: Having high strength, fiber cement siding can withstand power washing. Additionally, you can also wash with soapy water, although this may take longer. Wash fiber cement siding every 1-3 years.
Wrapping up
Protecting your home’s siding doesn’t have to be difficult. Inspect, do the needful on time, call the professionals when required, and your curb appeal will remain a pride to behold indefinitely.
Thanks to fillopainting.com for consulting on this post.
