You may not think about the siding on your home very often, but performing proper siding maintenance can go a long way toward the longevity of your home’s exterior. Siding that is well maintained and cared for can last as decades! Here is what you need to know about siding maintenance to ensure your home’s siding withstands the test of time.
How to Maintain Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is the most low-maintenance siding on the market, making it the top choice for replacement siding. Regardless of the siding material, there are still some things you can do as a homeowner to help it last as long as possible:
1. Inspect Regularly
Take the time at least once a year to walk the perimeter of your home and inspect your vinyl siding for possible signs of damage. Following extreme weather (as every Kansas City homeowners know, it’s not uncommon!), it’s also important to take a thorough look at your siding and check for hail damage or other storm-related damage to your siding.
2. Rinse it Off Annually
Vinyl siding is very easy to clean because it is resistant to a lot of dirt and staining. To clear off any dirt and debris build-up, spray your siding with a garden hose once a year. If you notice any particularly stubborn stains on your siding, take a look at these common causes of dirty siding to figure out how to deal with them. Pro tip: avoid power washing, which can do more harm than good!
3. Avoid Damaging Practices
While vinyl siding is very durable, it can get warped or damaged if you aren’t careful. Keep heavy-duty tools and machinery like lawnmowers away from your siding so you don’t accidentally damage it, and keep grills away from your exterior walls since repeated exposure to extreme heat could cause your siding to melt. Otherwise, practice good exterior home maintenance, like keeping your gutters clean and in good repair and trimming landscaping from the sides of your home.
How to Maintain Non-Vinyl Siding
If your siding is wood or fiber cement instead of vinyl, you will need to put a little more effort into maintenance to help it last as long as possible. Here is what you need to know about maintaining non-vinyl siding materials:
How to Maintain Wood Siding
- Inspect every six months, especially checking for signs of wood rot, termite damage, and loose boards.
- Re-treat the wood every five years by either repainting or re-staining. Any chipping paint needs to be removed first, and then painted again. Clear sealant needs to be reapplied every two years.
- Clean annually with warm, soapy water and a soft-bristled brush to remove dirt and dust. For mildew, make a solution of one part bleach and four parts water to remove it.
How to Maintain Fiber Cement Siding
- Inspect annually for cracks, damaged paint, warping, and mildew.
- Inspect and replace caulking as needed to reduce the risk of water penetration.
- Clean every one to three years by power washing or using soapy water and a hose.
- Repaint every 10-20 years with exterior-grade acrylic paint. Fiber cement is more prone to fading than vinyl siding.
Why Vinyl Siding is Better for Siding Replacement
Regardless of your current siding material, when it comes time for a siding replacement, the best way to reduce siding maintenance is by making the change to vinyl siding! Vinyl siding has many benefits such as being more affordable and easier to install than other siding materials, but its most significant advantage is that it is the lowest maintenance siding option!
Vinyl siding is water resistant, pest-resistant, and comes in a variety of colors and wood-like or stone-like appearances, giving you any aesthetic look you desire with a near maintenance-free existence. Vinyl siding is also an excellent choice if you’re looking for ways to improve your home’s value, thanks to its perfect union of durability with beautiful curb appeal, not to mention a top-notch return on investment.
Get Replacement Vinyl Siding from Your Friends at Rolox!
At Rolox Home Service, we offer a broad spectrum of vinyl replacement siding colors, finishes, and styles to match any home aesthetic. With our financing options, we can work with most budgets to bring you the siding replacement experience you deserve and leave your home looking better than ever before.
If you’re interested in learning more about vinyl siding installation with Rolox, schedule an appointment today to get a free, no-obligation quote on siding replacement.
