4 Siding Home Maintenance Tips

By
Home Builder with 3R's Construction & Remodeling 190818

Even though you see it every day, your siding rarely receives much thought or attention unless it is tarnished or discolored. However, siding is critical to the structural integrity of your house.

Your siding safeguards your home, its foundation, and its contents. It protects your house from insects, pests, UV rays, wind, snow, rain, and other environmental factors.

If you plan to sell your house in the next few years, you should know that siding has a high return on investment when compared to other home improvement projects. On average, you can anticipate to receive 76 percent off your siding installation, and the dollar amount can vary greatly depending on the material you select.

You may be curious as to how long your paneling will last. Depending on the environment, quality vinyl siding can last 30 to 40 years, while wood siding can last anywhere from 15 to 40 years. It does, however, necessitate significant maintenance.

You would undoubtedly prefer to avoid the high expense of siding replacement. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to correctly maintain your siding, extending its life and delaying the need for siding repairs.

Get More Life for Your Siding with These 4 Maintenance Tips

Here we will share four siding home maintenance tips that will reward you with immediate savings by deferring repairs or replacement while you enjoy more years of beautiful, blemish-free siding.

Look out for siding damage, breaking, and chipping

1) Lookout for Damage

One sure method to ensure that your siding lasts as long as possible is to inspect it on a regular basis for damage. For the best results, inspect your siding every six months or so, based on the material.

Start by keeping an eye out for water damage. You may neglect the damage that excess water can cause to your siding, but if left untreated, it can cause extensive damage. Water damage will be visible in the form of swelling or cracking and peeling if you have timber siding.

The stucco exterior will begin to crack and chip. Damage to mortar joints that crumble and slide off will be seen on brick siding. Water damage on vinyl siding is difficult to detect, so inspect closely. You should consult with a  professional siding contractor to ensure that your siding is in excellent condition.

You should be able to see more obvious indications of damage to your siding, such as hail, heavy rain or snow, and strong winds. After significant storms, make it a habit to inspect your siding as soon as feasible.

This siding home maintenance is sure to extend the life of your siding.

 
Home Maintenance Tip - Paint & Seal your siding regularly

2) Regularly Paint and Seal

Never underestimate the value of a new layer of paint on your siding. Simply painting your siding, it could look almost new.

You should paint your siding on a regular basis, regardless of the type, particularly if it is vinyl siding. The following are some of the advantages of coloring vinyl siding:

  • Aids in the prevention of aging, cracking, and peeling.
  • Repainting is much less expensive than removing vinyl siding.
  • Painting your vinyl siding will prolong its life and brighten its appearance.

Before you start painting your vinyl siding, make sure your manufacturer's warranty permits it. Some manufacturers may void your warranty if you paint over your vinyl siding, and doing so improperly will result in severe warping and the need for siding replacement.

A fresh coat of paint every five years or so is a good notion if you have wood siding. If you notice paint chipping or other indications of damage, paint it right away.

A layer of paint will last for many years, even up to two decades, if you have fiber cement siding.

3Rs Construction Pro Tips:

  • Make a point of painting the bottom border of each board. This is the most commonly overlooked area, and it is typically where the damage starts.

  • Using an acrylic paint designed for outdoor use will extend the life of the paint.

  • Semi-gloss exterior paint is simpler to clean and keeps its color longer.

    This siding house maintenance will improve the appearance of your home while also extending the life of your siding.

     

Keep siding clean by using a power washer

3) Keep the Siding Clean

All kinds of siding should be cleaned on a regular basis. Cleaning your clapboard is one of the most effective ways to extend its life.

Keeping the siding clean, for example, will aid in the removal of mildew, grime, and filth. Cleaning your siding with a power washer will produce the finest results. Power washers work best on vinyl and timber siding. Power washing brick structures should be done with caution to avoid unnecessary mortar deterioration.

It is recommended to use a combination of trisodium phosphate (TSP) and water to maximize your cleaning efforts. Combine a half cup of TSP and one gallon of tepid water. Next, start scrubbing your siding with this combination. Attachments can be used to clean hard-to-reach sections of your siding.

A comprehensive cleaning will restore the beauty and luster to your siding.

Cleaning is one of the most effective home care measures for keeping your siding in good condition for many years.

 
Trim the landscape by your home siding

4) Trim the Landscape

If you want to extend the life of your flooring, you should take good care of your landscaping. Trim and tame your shrubbery, plants, and trees on a regular basis so they don't rub against your home's siding. If they come into touch with your siding, you'll know it's time to do some landscaping.

You might not think that a bush would harm your siding, but the friction and moisture that a plant transfers to your house can deteriorate it over time. You can safeguard your roof and gutters by trimming your landscaping on a regular basis.

This siding home maintenance may be the most important because out-of-control trees and plants can possibly damage your siding in a short period of time if not properly maintained.

 

Hire 3Rs Construction & Remodeling in Salem for Your Siding Home Maintenance

Whether you need siding for new construction, replacement siding for your existing home, or siding repair in Salem, Oregon, 3Rs Construction & Remodeling is the siding contractor you can count on to get the work done correctly the first time.

Siding repair and installation services are available from 3Rs Construction for homes, rentals, apartments, and some business structures. If your siding appears worn or faded, we suggest that siding repair or replacement be included as part of our home maintenance service.

Call us at (503) 363-1059, so we can get started on your siding home maintenance service as soon as possible!

Comments (3)

Dr. Paula McDonald
Beam & Branch Realty - Granbury, TX
Granbury, TX 936-203-0279

Great tips for siding. Too many homeowners overlook the regular maintenance on their siding. 

Mar 23, 2023 06:08 PM
John Pusa
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Crest - Glendale, CA
Your All Time Realtor With Exceptional Service

Hello Duane West these are very good list of tips for siding home maintenance.

Mar 23, 2023 08:24 PM
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker
Great information, thanks for sharing.  I hope you have a great day.
Mar 24, 2023 03:43 AM