Summer Siding Maintenance: Keep Your Siding Clean and Healthy!

All types of residential siding are different in cost, appearance and longevity, but they all have to be maintained properly for it to continue to have an attractive appearance for many years. Usually the best time to perform siding maintenance is during the summer months since there are more hours of daylight, and the weather is warm enough to work outdoors. If your siding is looking a bit rough this summer, follow these tips to make it look new again.

Pressure Washing

While you can use a normal garden hose to wash your siding, results will usually be better if you use a power washer. This will help remove any loose dirt or debris that has been clinging to it. Most siding types (vinyl, wood, stucco, brick, etc.) can be power washed, but keep in mind that the pressure used to wash them and the distance you should stand can be different. You will also need to cover windows with plastic to avoid having too much water hit them. Be sure to work from the top of the house down to the bottom, which will allow the dirt to run down the house.

Scrubbing with Soap

While power washing should remove a majority of the dirt, you may need to use soap to finish off the cleaning. Fill a bucket up with warm, soapy water, but don’t use any cleaners that are too abrasive or contain harsh chemicals because they could damage to the siding, especially if it has any brittle areas. Next, use a scrub brush that is attached to a long handle to begin washing down the trim and all of the siding strips. Once this is done, rinse the entire house off.

Repair Any Damaged Pieces

After your siding is cleaned, it is important to inspect the entire house for any signs of frail or damaged siding pieces (vinyl strips, loose cedar planks, holes in the stucco, cracked bricks, etc.) that need to be repaired or replaced. That is because they can contribute to the wood underneath them rotting since they allow moisture to come in contact with the house. You may also want to switch out any siding pieces that are dented, warped, or badly scratched because they will take away from the home’s attractiveness. It helps to hire a siding professional who specializes in the installation of vinyl siding for repairs like this because they can make sure that the new pieces fit in flawlessly.

Consider Your Painting Options

Most types of siding do not need to be painted, but most of them can be. Some homeowners may want to consider this option if they want to change the color of their home or give it an update. It is important to use outdoor paint that is designed to adhere to your particular siding. Otherwise, the paint will quickly begin to peel and wash off, which wastes time and money. Keep in mind that a fresh coat of paint will not solve major issues that you have with your siding. All siding fades over time, and eventually it will need to be replaced. If you have siding that is old, damaged or in disrepair, contact Schmidt Roofing for a free estimate today.

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