How to Clean and Maintain Your Siding

Well maintained siding gives your home a cared-for look. It also reduces repair costs and the time needed for upkeep. Just like your car, your siding benefits from preventive maintenance, which can extend its lifespan by many years.

Here is an overview of how to clean and maintain your siding.

Annual Inspections

Every type of siding, whether it is made of wood, vinyl or aluminum, needs to be inspected at least once a year. Check for cracks, holes, worn spots and loose boards. Does it look faded, rusty or warped? Are some sections dirtier than others?

If you’ve had a major storm, especially high winds, inspect the siding as soon as you can. This can result is serious damage, which can cause cracks that let in moisture. These need to be repaired as quickly as possible to save your home from future problems, including mold, insects and rot.

The Importance of Cleaning

Siding should be cleaned twice a year, whatever it is made of. Normal wear and tear and the effects of weather and the environment can hasten deterioration. Cobwebs collect, dirt sticks to the surface and mildew can set in.

When you clean you siding, you are protecting your investment in your home. Replacing siding is expensive. It is always cheaper and less complicated to clean what you have.

Maintaining Your Vinyl Siding

The big advantage of vinyl siding is how low maintenance it is. Power washing it twice a year is all it needs. If you’re a do-it-your-selfer, this is an easy project.

Maintaining Your Wood Siding

Wood siding needs regular upkeep, beside twice a year cleaning. Every 5 years or so, the boards need to be treated. If you live in an area of weather extremes, it could need it every 2 to 3 years.

Maintaining Your Aluminum Siding

Metal siding needs cleaning every six months or so. One danger to look out for is rust. Scrape it off and add sealant. If your metal siding is painted, you will need to repaint the spots that are chipped or peeling.

If you have any questions about a steel siding for your home, call Lynnrich Siding today.