A critical ingredient in your siding’s longevity is the regular maintenance you put into it. Learn the importance of siding maintenance and exactly what to do for the specific siding material that protects your home. From fiber cement to cedar siding, your home’s protective layer needs upkeep.
Siding maintenance may not be your favorite Saturday morning activity, but when your siding lasts decades and protects your home as it should, you’ll be glad you prioritized its upkeep.
Read on for tips on siding maintenance that will keep your home looking gorgeous and protect it for years!
4 Siding Maintenance Tips for Every Home
1. Trim your trees and bushes away from your siding.
Cut tree branches and bushes back so they don’t brush up against your siding and damage it. Remove any ivy that is climbing up your home exterior. Also, ensure there is a 6-inch distance between your mulch and your home’s foundation.
2. Keep sprinklers away from your exterior.
Don’t let your sprinklers water your siding, or they can cause it to age early, discolor, or mold.
3. Inspect your whole home exterior.
Each part of your exterior works together to safeguard your home from moisture, pests, and extreme temperatures. If one part of your exterior fails, the other parts will be impacted.
4. Don’t use a pressure washer.
When washing your exterior, resist the temptation to use a pressure washer because it could damage your siding and cause water to get behind it.
Siding Maintenance Guidelines for Your Home’s Specific Siding Material
Fiber Cement Siding
Made of cement, sand, and cellulose—fiber cement delivers decades of reliable protection for your home. Its durability and low maintenance are two characteristics that make it so appealing to homeowners. To give you the high performance it was designed to deliver for up to 50 years, do this:
- Inspect it – Twice each year, walk around your siding, and ensure there are no vulnerabilities such as deteriorating caulk. If caulking wears out, simply replace it with new caulk to keep your home well-sealed from the elements and pests.
- Wash it – Each spring and fall, grab your garden hose and rinse all the dirt off your fiber cement siding so it looks as good as new again. If there are areas that need more work, use mild detergent, water, and a medium bristle nylon brush. Work on the dirty area by gently applying the soapy mixture in the direction the planks on your home were installed. Rinse the area thoroughly.
- Paint it – If your home is covered in James Hardie’s ColorPlus Technology, you will only have to paint it every 15 years. That’s almost twice as long between paintings as other siding materials. For other fiber cement products, they may need to be repainted by the 10-year mark.
Cedar or Shake Siding
Cedar and shake siding are stylish, durable wood materials that can be painted, treated, or left untreated, depending on your desired aesthetic. They deliver excellent noise reduction, insulation, and longevity. They require higher maintenance than other siding materials, but the beauty they deliver makes them worth it! Here’s how to care for your cedar or shake siding:
- Inspect it – Every spring and fall and after any major storms, inspect your cedar or shake siding for signs of damage. Address any issues promptly to avoid bigger problems.
- Clean it – Clean your wood siding annually with soapy water and a soft bristle brush.
- Paint it – Wood siding should be sanded and painted or stained approximately every two to five years.
Vinyl Siding
Insulated vinyl siding is a homeowner’s favorite because it saves energy while beautifying your property’s exterior. People love its low maintenance. Here’s how to care for it:
- Inspect it – Every spring and fall, walk around your home and look for any warped or cracked siding. Vinyl panels can’t be repaired, so you must replace any damaged ones.
- Clean it – Don’t use bleach or harmful chemicals on your siding. Vinegar and water or dish soap and water work well for washing vinyl. Pick a cloudy day to clean your siding so the sun doesn’t evaporate your solution and cause water spots. Use a fine bristle brush and gently scrub one section of your exterior at a time. Rinse everything thoroughly.
- Paint it – One of the top things homeowners love about vinyl siding is that it never needs to be repainted! This will save you money and time!
Engineered Wood Siding
The durability and damage resistance of synthetic wood products makes this an attractive option for homeowners.
- Inspect it – Twice a year, walk around your house and examine your exterior from its foundation to its roof—including your gutters.
- Wash it – With your garden hose, a sponge, and mild detergent, remove dirt from your home siding twice a year. For mildew stains, make a solution of three parts water and one part vinegar. Apply it with a sponge, and then rinse it well.
- Paint it – Each year, check for any chipped or cracked paint. Touch up your paint to maintain the seal on your home against pests and moisture. LP SmartSide has a touch-up kit to make fixing imperfections that appear over the years quick and easy.
Gorgeous Siding Options for Your Home
Ready for a refreshing new look for your Dayton home? We know you want a beautiful, lasting home exterior. That’s why we help educate you on the value and benefits of our products and installation.
At American Way Exteriors We only use top-quality siding materials and ensure you get expert installation so you can rest at ease. Your new siding will protect your home and deliver eye-catching curb appeal you’ll love coming home to. Learn more about our siding options.
