Whether your siding is recently installed by siding contractors or several decades old, it still needs to be maintained. Siding doesn’t last forever, and it’s one of the most important investments you can make for your home. It’s your home’s first layer of protection against the elements, so get the most out of it with the proper maintenance. General Maintenance While different siding types require their own care methods, all siding can be preserved with these general tips:
The cleaning methods for siding depends on the material. Below are maintenance tips for the two most common siding materials: vinyl and fiber cement. Vinyl Siding Maintenance Aim to wash your vinyl siding once a year with a garden hose, soft bristle brush, and mild detergent or a cleaning product formulated for siding. Start off with a rinse to remove loose dirt and debris, then move in with your brush and cleaning solution to gently scrub the panels. You might need an extension pole for out of reach siding, or if there aren’t any particularly dirty spots on the higher siding panels, you can opt for a pressure washer that can disperse solution then rinse it. Use a low pressure setting to avoid damaging the siding, and avoid spraying your garden hose or pressure washer upwards and under the siding. Any moisture that lingers between your home and the siding can cause mold and mildew. Fiber Cement Siding Maintenance Once or twice a year, hose down your fiber cement siding with a garden hose or power washer on a low pressure setting, then brush away loose dirt and debris with a soft bristle brush. Start from the top of the siding to avoid redistributing dirt as the water flows down. If you have tougher stains, you can remove them with a soft cloth soaked in mild detergent. Rub side to side in the direction of the panel. Don’t let the detergent dry on the panel because this might damage the paint, so make sure to do a thorough rinse. After your siding is rinsed and air dried, you can tend to cuts and scrapes with touchup paint per the instructions of your siding manufacturer. For example, James Hardie offers ColorPlus ® Touch-Up Kits for their fiber cement siding. For damage that is larger than the size of a dime, you’ll have better results with a new siding panel. Maintenance Delays Replacement The number one priority of siding to protect your home. Once your siding fails, your home will be markedly vulnerable to the elements and organic contaminants. Keep an eye out for irreparable damage, so when it’s time for siding contractors to replace a panel or entire wall of siding, you’ll be on top of protecting your home. Comments are closed.
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