Siding, like anything with your home, is an investment that you should look after. Here’s a secret that many Twin Cities siding companies won’t tell you: you can actually increase the lifespan of your siding! While there is no way to make your siding last forever, you can still extend its lifespan by following these tips:
Start By Choosing the Right Materials
When we say choosing the right materials, we don’t mean weighing the options of vinyl, brick, stucco, wood, etc. Different materials have different average lifespans (hint: brick usually last the longest) as well as different price points.
When we say choose the right materials, we mean pick the right manufacturer. Not all vinyl planks, for example, are created equal. There are good and bad materials, so check with your siding company to find out which companies they partner for their materials. Also ask about the warranty that the manufacturer provides as well as what it covers. This will protect you against certain types of damage and defects in the materials.
Clean it Often!
Most homeowners take care of the inside of their home by vacuuming, dusting and scrubbing often, but too many people forget that their house’s exterior requires maintenance as well. If you want to get the longest lifespan out of your siding, you should regularly clean it (at least twice a year) to get rid of dirt, grime, plant life and anything else that will stick to and progressively eat away at your siding.
Keep an Eye Out for Damage
While you are cleaning, it a good ideas to looks for signs of wear and tear on your siding. Harsh weather and any other factors can cause damage on your siding, no matter how old it is. If you can spot the damage early enough, there is a good chance that you can have a professional repair the damage without having to replace extensive sections of the siding.
When holes are put into vinyl, stucco and wood siding, moisture can get behind siding and begin to cause damage. Water can eventually erode the siding and even cause rot in the wood structure of your home. Always keep a look out for spaces, gaps or holes in your siding.
Make Sure the Job Gets Done Right
The most important determinant of siding lifespan is whether or not the materials were installed correctly. Installing siding is not a do-it-yourself job. It should be left to companies who have worked with the materials before. At Schmidt Roofing, we are here to help you choose the right siding material for your home and we’ll make sure that you know how to take care of and maintain it for years to come. Contact us today for a free siding estimate.
