How To Make Your Siding Last As Long As Possible

You’ve just replaced the siding on your home or completed building your new home. Now, your mind has moved towards how to protect it as best as you possibly can.

Look no further than our top tips for maximizing the longevity of your new wood or vinyl siding!

Siding is constantly exposed to the elements – rain, snow, sleet, wind, sun – and, so, both wood and vinyl siding do require some care to keep them in tip-top shape.

Wood:

·       The biggest focus should be on keeping the wood dry, because wet wood will rot. A great way to do this is to make sure it is properly sealed (with paint, stain or clear sealer) every 2-5 years. Also, make keep an eye on filling over caulking that has split or else moisture will be able to seep in.

·       Because it has a higher risk of moisture damage, have your wood siding inspected for mold regularly.

·       Wash stains annually, keeping an eye out for dirt, mildew, and rust. Most stains should come off by softly scrubbing with soapy water, but sometimes a heavier duty cleaner is needed (and can be found at most hardware or home improvement stores).

Vinyl:

·       Your first inclination may be to use a power washer if your siding gets dirty. However, steer clear of this heavy pressure and opt for the garden hose instead.

·       You may be tempted to paint your vinyl siding a few years in to give your home a facelift. Resist this urge. Vinyl is not made to be painted over, and the paint will likely soon peel and crack.

·       If you notice a gap in your siding, do not automatically assume caulking is the answer. Vinyl siding needs to be able to move independently to the side of the home so that it can expand and contract naturally. Consult a professional if you have concerns about leaking rather than defaulting to a quick fix.

If you have any questions or would like our team’s advice through inspection of your siding, please give us a call! We’d love to chat.