Your home’s siding is like your body’s skin — it covers and protects the important parts, but you still want it to look nice. Moisturizing and waxing aren’t the way to go with your siding, however. What should you do for your siding to keep it looking nice through the fall and winter?
WOOD
Wood is beautiful, but like everything beautiful, it’s high maintenance. If you have wood siding, you have likely already sealed, stained or painted it. But once isn’t enough. In fact, a dozen times may not be enough. Besides adding a fresh coat of paint or stain this fall, check around all your windows and doors to see if the caulk is in good shape or if there are any chips or cracks.
If your wood only needs cleaning, try a solution of TSP or oxygenated (not chlorine!) bleach to get rid of dirt, stains, mold and mildew.
Fiber Cement
Fiber cement siding requires less upkeep. The color is incorporated into the material, so there’s no need to repaint. Some people paint it anyway, when they want a change, but once you paint it, you’ll have to maintain it the same way as any other painted surface for as long as you own it.
Generally, all that’s need to keep fiber cement siding looking fresh and clean is a good hosing. If your siding has stains, mold or built-up grime, you may need to employ some dishwashing detergent or vinegar and a stiff brush.
ALUMINUM
Aluminum siding is meant to last a lifetime. Homeowners love it because it’s so durable and economical, but its downfall is that the paint will eventually get chalky, wear off and look shabby. The original finish is good for up to 20 years, however, and if you decide to repaint, if the job is done properly, it too can last 20 years.
In the meantime, use a hose or pressure washer to keep your siding looking nice, but use a low-pressure setting so you don’t dent the siding or get water behind it.
VINYL
Vinyl siding is marketed as maintenance-free, but if you own it, you know it’s not. It’s true, you don’t need to prime, paint, stain, seal or apply anything to its surface, but it can still get dirty and mildewed, especially if you have trees near your house. Algae can also take up residence on your siding. A little bit of vinegar, laundry detergent and your hose should hopefully take care of it.
Once your home’s skin is in tip-top shape, you’ll sleep easily knowing you’re going into the winter season primed and ready. If you’re afraid your home’s exterior might not serve you another winter, call Renovation by Burbach. We install all types of home exteriors, including wood, fiber cement, aluminum and vinyl siding.
