You saved for years to get the new siding your house needed, so let’s talk about a few ways to protect your new investment.
By maintaining the proper care of your new siding you will extend the life of your home siding and keep it looking new.
Regular maintenance is also key to ensure that your siding is performing well at insulating your home and keeping the moisture out.
Do Regular Inspections
Every so often go outside and inspect your siding, pay closer attention to where the siding meets doors, windows and the roof. Keep a look out for dents or gaps, and look closely at areas that might be susceptible to damage from trees or long hours of direct sun.
Illinois has a cold climate, which means your siding could show signs of ice damage. Examine your siding under your eaves for stains from water, this would be a classic example of ice damage. You may be able to prevent this condition by sealing gaps around your ducts or pipes in the attic and putting in insulation.
As a general rule of thumb, stay on top of minor problems to avoid high expenses down the road.
Related: Preventing Mold from Growing on your Windows
Cleaning your Siding
A quick rinse with your garden hose can go a long way. It keeps your siding free from debris and tree sap. Don’t spray at an angle, this prevents water from getting up underneath the siding panels. Using a soft bristled brush can help to remove any stubborn stains.
Thinking of pressure washing your siding? Keep in mind that some types of siding can be damaged by the high pressure, and it’s often best to hire a professional.
Tips for cleaning specific types of siding
- Vinyl – Vinyl is relatively maintenance free, and the type of siding that most homeowners prefer. If you have vinyl, it is important to clean it by power washing at least once a year. If dirt and grime sit on the siding for too long it will start to set in. When cleaning, avoid using any harsh chemicals, like ammonia or bleach.
- Metal – Once metal siding is installed it’s relatively maintenance free. This siding should get a thorough cleaning every so often just to keep it clean and good looking. Metal siding can be cleaned simply with a hose or pressure washer.
- Wood-Although wood is a favorite material when its comes to siding construction, it has the highest degree of maintenance. It’s recommended to wash wooden siding with only a hose and not a pressure washer. Using to much water pressure can cause the sealant or paint to come off. And it’s advised to paint wooden siding once every year to make it last longer.
Related: 10 Helpful Fall Cleaning Tasks [A Checklist for Busy People]
Questions about siding? Or thinking you need siding replaced?
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Phone: (630) 717-0007
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