Steel siding is virtually maintenance free, but it attracts grime, dirt and pollen as much as paint or brick will. Siding can get damaged. Here are three tips to keep your siding looking like new.
Keep Potential Dangers Away From Your Home
Baseballs, basketballs and soccer balls hitting the side of your home can cause the siding to crack. If you can move the soccer goal or basketball hoop, it can protect your siding. When you’re mowing, be mindful about rocks being thrown from the mower. Don’t let your kids lean their bikes against your siding. Keep the grill away your siding. If you have trees close to your home, keep them trimmed so the branches don’t damage your siding.
Clean Your Siding Once a Year
Before you use any cleaning products on your siding, read the labels. Don’t use any product that contains an organic solvent, such as chlorine bleach, furniture polish or nail polish remover. Check with the siding manufacturer to see what products are safe to use. Most manufacturers recommend using a soft brush or cloth to clean the siding. Be wary about using a power washer. Again, check the manufacturer’s recommendations for limitations on pressure before washing.
You can find a soft-brush that attaches to your hose to make cleaning the siding easier. If you use soap, make sure to rinse the residue completely so that it doesn’t leave marks on the siding. A good cleaning solution is 30 percent vinegar to 70 percent water. This solution will also work on your windows. Start at the top of your home and work down.
Inspect Your Siding Regularly
Insecticides and herbicides can cause your siding to become discolored. Storms can make siding come loose and cause cracks in the siding. Small cracks and breaks expose your home to moisture. Inspect your siding at the beginning of spring and the end of fall to make repairs quickly and prevent major damage to your home’s infrastructure.
Spend a Few Hours Annually to Prevent Future Problems
The time and effort you spend taking care of your siding each year will pay off because your siding will last for years to come.
