Siding is designed to keep your home safe from the elements and weather. However, over time it can suffer damage from a variety of sources.
A few simple preventative measures can extend the life of your siding and save you from costly repairs in the future. These tips include cleaning, regular inspections, and addressing minor issues promptly. Learn More by calling us now.
Prevent Water Damage
As a homeowner, you can do a lot to prevent damage from forming on your home’s exterior. However, just because your siding is designed to endure the outdoor elements doesn’t mean that it won’t experience some wear and tear over time. Leaving minor issues unattended can lead to costly repairs, so it’s important to keep an eye out for signs that your siding needs some attention.
Whether you have vinyl, fiber cement, or wood siding, there are a few things that you can do to help prevent water damage. If you have vinyl siding, check that the seams between panels are tight and free from cracking or gaps. In addition, check for any warped or loose panels and replace them as soon as possible. Similarly, for wood siding, make sure that the trim around windows and doors is well-installed. If it’s not, moisture can get entrapped and cause mold or rot.
Your siding contractor can help prevent water damage by installing the proper flashing during the installation process. This is done to help direct water away from any areas where it might collect or travel, such as behind walls or around window frames and doors.
If your siding is painted, you can protect it by having a professional paint touch-up done every few years. This will ensure that all of the paint is evenly applied and helps to prevent the paint from fading over time.
When it comes to cleaning your siding, always be careful not to scratch or scuff the surface. Instead, try using a gentle cleaner or a damp cloth to gently remove dirt and grime. If you do use a stronger cleaning solution, test it on a small area first to ensure that it won’t damage or discolor your siding.
If your siding has been damaged by a severe storm or impact, it’s a good idea to contact a professional to have the damage repaired as quickly as possible. A repair done right away will prevent water damage and will also help to extend the lifespan of your siding.
Keep Your Home Clean
Whether your home’s siding is wood, vinyl, or fiber cement, it’s important to keep up with maintenance tasks. This helps prevent moisture penetration that can lead to mold growth, structural damage, and more and ensures that your home’s exterior looks beautiful. It’s also essential to identify and address minor repairs promptly, which can help protect your home from more extensive deterioration and save you money on costly replacements.
Inspecting your siding can seem daunting, but fortunately, the vast majority of issues are relatively minor and easy to address. For example, if you notice any cracks or loose panels, simply fill them in with caulk to prevent water and pests from getting inside. If you see any signs of mold or mildew, you can use a mix of warm water and mild detergent (or bleach) to remove it. Be sure to scrub tough spots thoroughly, and rinse the area to avoid damaging your home’s exterior.
Other common issues that can occur with any type of siding include dents and rust stains. While these problems can be caused by a variety of factors, they usually signal an underlying problem such as moisture or structural damage. Typically, it’s best to contact the siding contractor who installed your home’s siding to repair these issues, as they have the experience and knowledge necessary to effectively address them.
Other potential issues to look out for are sagging or warped vinyl, and any gaps or cracks around pipes, vents, or electrical outlets. If you see any of these issues, it’s important to have them fixed right away to prevent further deterioration and potential water or pest damage to the rest of your home.
Identify Minor Repairs
During the installation process, a top-quality contractor will spot issues that require repairs or replacement of siding panels. These minor fixes can prevent costly damage in the future.
For instance, a nail or screw that protrudes from the surface of a siding panel may need to be hammered back in. This will help prevent the exterior walls from separating and creating a gap that allows outside air to enter your home and cause mold and mildew problems, among other things.
Another early sign of siding damage is a change in color or slight discoloration. This could be a result of the weather or a sign of moisture causing rot. The best way to catch these issues is to conduct regular inspections, especially after harsh weather.
Inspecting Siding for Pests
If your siding is showing signs of insect damage, such as holes or wood shavings, it’s time to call a pest control professional. In addition, it’s important to keep potential food sources, like firewood or plants, away from your house and trim back any vegetation that may hide rodents. Keeping the environment around your siding free of insects, rodents and other pests will prevent them from gaining access to your house.
It’s also a good idea to inspect your siding for any mold or mildew, which can be removed with a solution of equal parts water and vinegar. Mix the solution and apply it to the affected area, then use a soft brush or sponge to scrub the dirt off. Be sure to test the cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area before applying it to your siding.
You should also inspect your siding for any areas that are warping or buckling. While these problems aren’t as serious as cracks or missing panels, they need to be addressed right away to avoid further deterioration and protect the structure of your home. Identifying these issues requires the assistance of an experienced professional, so don’t hesitate to contact an expert. They can provide the necessary maintenance and repair services to keep your siding looking beautiful throughout its lifetime.
Schedule Regular Inspections
As the project progresses, there may be unforeseen issues that need to be addressed. Your contractor will likely be able to address these issues quickly and efficiently.
Inspecting your home regularly and addressing minor repairs promptly can help prevent costly future damage to your siding. This will also prevent minor problems from turning into major ones, as the longer you wait to address them, the worse they can become.
Regularly clean your siding to remove dirt and other debris from your house. This will protect your siding from damage and make it look newer. Also, it is a good idea to inspect your siding regularly for signs of mold or mildew, which should be treated immediately to prevent damage.
Before the start of your siding replacement, clear your driveway to allow contractors easier access to your home. Also, park your vehicles away from your home to avoid any potential damage from loose debris. Additionally, it is a good idea to remove pictures, shelves, and other valuables from the interior walls of your home, as the construction work can cause them to shake. Ask your contractor if you should also remove downspouts, shutters, and caulking in advance of the project.
While the siding crew is working on your home, you can help protect yourself by wearing gloves, safety goggles, and long pants. It is also important to use a ladder only when necessary, as overreaching can lead to accidents and injury. Additionally, you should always use a ladder on a stable surface and be sure to wear appropriate footwear, as improper shoes can lead to blisters.
During your siding replacement, it is also important to keep your children and pets inside for their safety. This will also keep them from getting in the way of the workers and potentially being hurt by loose debris. Additionally, you should trim any shrubbery or trees that are near your house before the start of the project. This will prevent the contractors from hitting them with debris and nails during the project.
You should also make a point of getting to know your siding installation and maintenance crew. Learn their names, talk with them daily, and make them aware of any concerns that you have about the work they are doing on your home. This will allow you to communicate effectively and ensure a smooth installation.