The siding is an important element of your home that protects it from outdoor elements and bad weather conditions. Siding helps prevent leaks and water from entering the house so mold can be prevented.
As siding keeps your house insulated, you also save money on energy bills. Just like the materials used in your roof can last forever, Siding must also be repaired after some time.
The lifespan of the siding depends on the type of siding you are using. Home decor outlets in USA offer sidings in various materials, each with different lifespans and capabilities.
However, if you efficiently take care of your home’s siding and follow some maintenance tips, you can improve their life.
If you have recently installed new siding and want to ensure that you do not spend more money on replacing them soon, don’t worry. We have listed some of the best tips and hacks to extend the life of your sidings.
Regularly Wash the Siding to Keep it Looking Like New
If your house is located in an area where there are frequent rainfalls, then the sidings will be washed after every few days. But, if you rarely experience rainfall, then you need to wash the sidings using a garden hose every month.
Even if you experience rainfall, washing the sidings with detergent is better. Use the garden hose to wet the surface of the siding, and then pour some detergent into a bucket. Use a light scrub to clean the siding using the detergent and water mixture.
Immediately Remove Oil and Grease Stains
Look out for oil and grease stains on your siding. You will probably notice these stains near the exhaust vents and chimney. You might also see these dark patches towards the bottom of your walls that are near your driveway.
The grease from your driveway and car exhaust can cause discoloration. If you notice any signs of discoloration, then you need to wash the place immediately.
Take Care of Your Gutters
Inspect the gutters on your roof after some time. If the gutters are blocked, then it will cause the rainwater to be clogged, and eventually, the rainwater mixed with debris will flow over the siding, making it dirty.
The debris mixed with rainwater can also destroy the paint of your sidings. So, you should regularly inspect the gutters and ensure there are no tree branches, leaves, or plastic materials near them.
Look After Your Sprinkler System
The sprinklers are a major source of moisture build-up on the siding. This doesn’t mean that you should not have sprinklers in your lawn; you should adjust them in a way that they are not directly spraying your siding.
Rock salt is widely used all over the world to melt snow from houses. However, it can erode your siding over time. You should avoid contacting your siding with rock salt if you wish to maximize its life.
Plan Regular Paint Toch-Ups
If you don’t wish to replace your siding for a long time, then you should plan regular paint touchups.
Due to intense weather conditions, your siding can be damaged from some sides. You can repaint those sides and keep your siding like new ones.
You can use a paint sprayer or roller to paint your siding easily. Before painting the part that is faded, make sure to cover the rest of the siding using painter’s tape.
Address Minor Repairs
Handing minor siding repairs on your own can help you save money while extending the life of your siding.
To fix loose vinyl siding, gently lift the panel and secure it back by placing nails. If you have wooden siding, then you need galvanized nails to reattach the loose boards.
The fiber cement sidings can develop small cracks. Use a cement patching compound to fill in these small cracks. Make the surface smooth and let it dry before painting.
If you notice any gaps between the siding, then you can use specialized sealants to fill gaps or seams. Filling the gaps will prevent water from seeping behind the siding; it will also prevent any further damage.
Trim Vegetation Near Siding
The plants and trees are very beneficial in adding beauty to your property. However, vegetation growing closer to your siding can have some risks.
When these plants touch the siding, they can trap moisture against the surface, which leads to water damage and the growth of mold.
The branches can cause scratches on the siding when they are growing vigorously. To minimize these risks, trim back vegetation after some days and keep the plants at least a foot away from the siding.
The same is true for the trees; you need to cut the branches so they don’t rub against the siding.
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