Whether the siding on your home is brand-new, many years old, or somewhere in between those extremes, it serves two critically important purposes: protection of your home against weather elements and the beautification of your most treasured assets. Therefore, extending the life of your home’s siding is an essential and prudent strategy. This blog discusses numerous approaches for maintaining your home’s siding and thereby extending its lifespan:
1) Routine Cleaning
Dirt, dust, grime, and airborne algae (even if you don’t live near water!) can accumulate on siding over time, leading to discoloration and potential damage. It is important to proactively clean your siding at least once each year using a soft brush or a pressure washer on a low setting (high-pressure settings can force water behind the siding, causing water damage).
A good rule of thumb is to clean a home’s siding each year at the same time – during an annual spring cleaning, for example. If you are too busy or if you don’t have the necessary equipment, consider hiring a pressure washing company or handyman to provide this important annual cleaning.
2) Water is Your Enemy
Siding protects the home from weather elements, including wind-driven rain. When water has a pathway to get behind the siding, it will find it!
Ensure that your gutters and downspouts are clean and functioning correctly to prevent water from overflowing and seeping behind the siding. Check for leaks around windows, doors, and any other openings where water could enter.
3) Keep Trees and Vegetation Away
Overhanging trees and dense vegetation can lead to increased moisture retention on your roof and siding, making it more susceptible to decay and rot. Keep trees and landscape plantings at least 15 feet away from the home’s edges to allow sunlight and airflow to reach the siding.
4) Repaint or Refinish as Needed
Too often, homeowners do not keep up with this important maintenance task to. If your home has painted or stained siding, periodic repainting or refinishing will help protect it from the elements and will preserve its appearance. The routine inspections noted above will inform you when it is time to apply a fresh coat of paint or stain.
5) Control Insects
One of the best tips for extending the life of your siding is to control pests and insects. Termites and other wood-boring insects can quietly cause extensive damage to certain types of siding and can even begin to devour wood sheathing and studs found behind the siding. Keep an eye out for any signs of infestation, such as small holes or sawdust-like residue on the ground beneath the siding. If you suspect an issue, contact a pest control professional for inspection and possible treatment.
6) Landscaping Considerations
When installing or maintaining landscaping, avoid materials that can retain moisture, such as piling mulch against the siding. Gravel or other decorative stone that allow water to drain away from the house is a much-preferred option.
7) Excessive Heat Sources
Grills, fire pits, lanterns, and patio heaters can melt or otherwise damage certain types of siding. It is therefore important to always keep these items at a safe distance from your siding when they are in use.
8) Inspect for Damage
Conducting a “walk-around” inspection while focusing on the siding is important. Doing so once or twice per year will enable early identification of wear, cracks, or loose panels. Catching issues early can prevent further damage and keep repair costs to a minimum.
9) Hire Professionals for Repairs
Conducting a “walk-around” inspection while focusing on the siding is important. Doing so once or twice per year will enable early identification of wear, cracks, or loose panels. Catching issues early can prevent further damage and keep repair costs to a minimum.
What To Do When Siding Cannot Be Maintained
Sometimes, in spite of your best efforts in extending the life of your siding by following the nine (9) tips detailed in this blog, aggressive storms – sometimes accompanied by pelting hail – can damage your home’s siding. At Summit Roofers, we have seen a great deal of this type of damage recently in our local service area (Bucks, Montgomery, Chester, and Delaware County, PA). In fact, we have seen hail and other weather-related damage in the towns of Chalfont (18914), Doylestown (18901 & 18902), and other nearby communities.
Since we are a local and trusted expert in roofing, gutters, and siding, we have been working hard to serve our valued customers by inspecting the damage and providing rapid repair and/or replacement services. Our special offers and flexible financing for home exterior renovations have been especially helpful to families whose homes have been damaged by recent weather events.
Contact us for further information – including free estimates – on repairs or replacements of siding, roofs, and gutters. You can reach us by phone (215-667-8988) or you can complete an online form and we will be in touch with you right away!
