With so many different materials, styles, and colors to choose from, siding is one way to infuse some of your personality into the exterior of your home and immediately boost your home’s curb appeal. But siding does much more than that. It protects your house against moisture, wind, UV rays, and other environmental factors. To keep siding looking beautiful and your house in great shape, regular siding maintenance is essential. Routine maintenance and visual inspections can help detect problems before they start like water damage, mold growth, pest infestations, and other deteriorations.
Depending on the material your siding is constructed from, there are different types of maintenance you should perform. But for all types—wood, vinyl, or fiber cement—here are the basics:
Annual cleaning. Wet the siding with a solution of water and mild detergent, and then gently scrub dirt, grime, and pollutants with a soft-bristle brush or sponge. Rinse thoroughly and let the siding air dry. Be sure to avoid spraying water upward under the siding panels. While pressure washing can be effective for certain siding materials, it should always be done with caution. High-pressure water can damage siding if not used correctly.
Visual inspection. Regularly inspect your siding for signs of damage. If you have vinyl siding, check for cracks, warping, or discoloration. If you have wood siding, check for cracks, splits, and rot. If you have fiber cement siding, check for cracks or chips.
Preventative Measures. Trim trees or shrubs that are planted too close to your house, which can scratch your siding if the branches rub against the surface.
Seasonal Maintenance. With each season, take some steps to get ahead of any siding challenges that may occur. In winter, clear snow or ice from siding to help prevent water damage. In spring, check gutters and downspouts to ensure that they are clear of debris and functioning properly. In summer, inspect and eliminate signs of carpenter bees or other insect infestations. In fall, remove leaves and other debris from your gutters and downspouts that could affect your siding.
Extra layer of protection. Repainting your siding with quality, long-lasting paint not only refreshes its appearance, but it also gives your siding an extra layer of protection.
Minor repairs. Making timely repairs is important to avoid significant issues in the future. While you may choose DIY filling in cracks with caulk, it’s best to seek out assistance from siding professionals like The Shingle Master for any repairs or replacement needs.
How The Shingle Master Can Help with Your Siding Needs
We aren’t just roofing experts! The Shingle Master experience means you also get the highest-quality siding repair, replacements, and materials from a trustworthy, reputable, insured, and licensed professional.
