Harsh weather and changing temperatures can take their toll on your siding. That’s why routine siding maintenance is a must.
How do you keep your siding in great shape? Maris Home Improvements, your local deck contractor, shares some siding maintenance tips in this guide.
Apply a Fresh Coat of Paint
A fresh coat of paint will help protect your siding from the elements and freshen your exterior. In general, contractors recommend repainting your siding every 5 to 10 years, although this may vary depending on the type of siding installed and the climate in your area. For instance, wooden siding should be repainted every 3 to 7 years, aluminum siding every 5 years, and fiber cement siding every 10 to 15 years. You also need to use specific types of paint for certain kinds of siding. For instance, exterior-grade acrylic paint is best used on fiber cement siding.
Use a Mild Cleaning Solution to Wash Your Siding
It’s best to use a mild cleaning solution to clean your siding. For more stubborn stains, you can use commercial cleaning solutions. However, you should check the manufacturer’s manual first. Manufacturers usually list chemicals that can damage your siding in the manual and provide specific instructions for cleaning their siding products.
Avoid Pressure Washers
Some manufacturers give conflicting advice on whether it’s safe to use pressure washers to clean certain types of siding. But in general, it’s best to avoid them, as they can damage parts of your exterior if the pressure setting is set too high.
How to Tell If It’s Time for a Siding Replacement
Of course, maintenance can only do so much—all types of siding have a limited lifespan. That’s why if you’re siding is starting to look a bit worn, you might want to start planning a siding replacement. Keep in mind you need to choose a type of siding that can handle your area’s climate, which is why you should consult an exterior remodeling or replacement window services company before choosing one.
Looking for experienced remodelers in your area?
Maris Home Improvements offers a wide range of professional exterior renovation services. To request an estimate, call us at (636) 778-4343 or fill out this form.