New siding adds tremendous value to your property, and maintaining it properly will keep it looking great, ensure it functions properly, and extend its lifespan. While low maintenance siding buys you more time to do what you love most, keep in mind that low maintenance doesn’t mean “no maintenance.”
Here are some practical tips on siding upkeep that will extend its lifespan.
Practical Ways to Lengthen Your Siding’s Lifespan
1. Do regular visual inspections, particularly after harsh storms.
Every spring and fall—and after major storms—do a visual inspection all the way around your exterior. Look for cracks, holes, dents, warping, and any missing siding panels. Problems like these are indications of either storm damage, wear and tear, moisture intrusion, or pest infestation.
It’s vital that you address any minor issues you discover on your visual inspection to keep them from becoming major issues. The sooner you repair any problems, the simpler the solutions. The longer someone waits to address damaged siding, the bigger the damage becomes and the more costly it is. Siding issues left unattended can shorten the lifespan of your exterior, so it’s to your benefit to ensure the repairs are done in a timely fashion.
What to do: If you spot problems with your siding during your visual inspection, contact a reputable contractor and have it professionally repaired.
2. Keep your siding well sealed.
Caulking seals the gaps and joints in your siding, keeping moisture intrusion at bay. But when caulk deteriorates over time, it’s up to you to notice it and do something about it. Left unattended, worn-out caulking will allow water to seep into your siding’s joints, causing it to wear out quicker.
What to do: Periodically, remove old, worn-out caulking and apply a new layer to keep your siding well protected.
3. Ensure your gutters and downspouts work well.
The job of your gutters is to channel water away from your exterior. If debris causes your drainage system to become clogged, water may begin to overflow gutters and pool around your home’s perimeter. Gutter issues lead to basement flooding and foundation issues. Siding can also be negatively impacted from improper gutter and downspout function, leading to moisture infiltration that breeds unhealthy mold growth and can make your home vulnerable to pest damage.
What to do: Install gutter guards to ensure they stay unclogged. Inspect gutters and downspouts at least twice a year to ensure they function properly.
4. Keep your landscaping trimmed so it doesn’t touch your siding.
Trees, shrubs, and other plants left to grow unrestrained for months can brush up against your siding and cause it to become scratched, punctured, and vulnerable to damage from moisture intrusion. While landscaping adds value to your home, it can shorten the lifespan of your siding if you don’t keep it trimmed back at least six inches away from your home exterior.
What to do: Allow proper airflow around your siding to keep it dry. Regularly trim trees, shrubs and plants that are immediately around your exterior’s perimeter.
5. Clean your siding once or twice a year.
With a garden hose and a medium bristle nylon brush, wash your siding from top to bottom to keep it looking pristine and help extend its lifespan. Resist the temptation to pressure wash it, as the force of a pressure washer could damage your exterior.
What to do: Don’t use harsh chemicals on your exterior. For troubled spots, check the siding manufacturer’s guidelines on how to clean them.
6. Regularly paint wood siding.
To keep water infiltration at bay, keep wood siding well sealed by painting it every 6-8 years.
What to do: Keep an eye on your wood siding’s integrity, and repaint it regularly to avoid moisture issues.
Upgrade Your Siding to Boost Curb Appeal and Add Value to Your Home
As you take extra care of your siding with these valuable tips, you may notice other areas of your home—like your windows or roof—that need an upgrade. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for help!
At Craftsman Exteriors, when you’re ready for a home exterior upgrade, we educate you on options so you can make the best long-term decision for your home. Our attention to detail is unmatched; we focus on the small things other contractors may overlook. And we take our time throughout your siding installation, so you get the stunning home exterior remodeling results you’ve been dreaming of.
