The timeless allure of wooden siding has always been a favorite among homeowners and buyers. Like any exterior surface, wood siding requires routine upkeep to avoid harm and extend longevity. Whether your home already boasts wood siding or you’re contemplating its installation, here are some essential guidelines for its maintenance.
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Use a Quality Sealer
Utilise a high-quality sealer to guarantee the endurance and robustness of your wood siding. Wood naturally undergoes expansion and contraction due to environmental influences, rendering it susceptible to paint chipping, cracks, and degraded caulked seams.
Preserving your siding with a dependable sealer is paramount in averting these potential challenges. Regardless of the wood variety, even those lauded for their resistance to decay like cypress and cedar, sealing remains an indispensable practice.
Opt for a sealer capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions, ranging from scorching heat to freezing cold. By applying a quality sealer annually, you will protect your wood siding effectively against the elements nature presents.
Enhance Your Siding with a Stylish Upgrade
To keep your wood siding in good condition, consider updating its look. If you appreciate the natural wood aesthetic, refinish it with the existing colour or experiment with a new hue to enhance the grain pattern. Once the finish dries, apply a fresh layer of sealant for protection.
Another option is to paint your siding to introduce a new colour scheme to your home. Opt for high-quality exterior paint and consider house exterior experts for professional application for optimal results. Apply multiple coats and finish with a sealant to maintain a vibrant appearance.
Clean Your Wood Siding
Regular maintenance of all siding types is essential. It’s recommended to clean your siding at least once annually with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Begin by cleaning in manageable 20-foot sections, moving from the bottom to the top to prevent drips that could result in unwanted stains and marks.
In case of mildew, opt for a fungus-killing cleaning solution and ensure you wear eye protection for safety. After applying the anti-fungal product, thoroughly rinse the siding with water. For rust stains, dissolve oxalic acid in warm water, gently scrub the affected areas, and then rinse off the solution.
Implement Preventive Actions
Wood siding is susceptible to damage from various sources, such as weather conditions and landscaping elements. Check and replace any missing or damaged caulk when the temperature exceeds 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Regularly inspect the plants in your yard and eliminate any tree limbs or shrubs touching the siding. Plants have the potential to introduce moisture into the small cracks and openings of your wood siding. When mowing the yard, watch out for sticks or small stones that could hit the siding and lead to dents or other types of damage.
Replace Any Broken Siding Boards
If a board or panel sustains damage beyond repair, engage a siding contractor for its replacement. Wood siding is susceptible to significant damage, such as from a fallen tree limb during a windstorm or a baseball impact. Hailstorms are also capable of causing extensive harm to siding.
In the event of a storm or accidental damage, do not delay in replacing the affected boards. It is more cost-effective to have a professional replace a panel now than to discover later that multiple panels need replacement due to water infiltration from the damaged board. Before the assessment by a professional, ensure that the damaged panel is securely covered with a waterproof sheet or tarp to prevent water from seeping beneath the siding.
Endnote
Maintaining wood siding may pose challenges, yet the effort is worthwhile. By implementing effective planning and maintenance strategies, you can secure a durable, robust, and visually appealing exterior for your home for the long term. Professional inspections regularly can assist in recognizing early indicators of aging or damage before they escalate into significant issues.
