All
year long your home’s exterior is constantly exposed to the outdoor elements,
acting as your first line of defense against rain, hail, snow, wind and sun. That said it’s important to keep your siding well
cared for if you want to maintain its appearance and extend its lifespan.
Keep your home’s siding in good condition with these simple
maintenance tips.
Clean Your Siding
All types of siding- from
wood, vinyl, metal, stucco, brick and fiber-cement—can benefit from a good
cleaning to remove the dirt, cobwebs and mildew that accumulate throughout the
year. For most types of siding, a
standard garden hose will do the trick. A power washer or special cleaning solvent
may be necessary to resolve more stubborn areas. A quick cleaning just a few times a year will
remove any buildup that can lead to damage while keeping your home looking like
new.
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Identify
Damaged Siding
As seasons change, take the time to inspect your home’s exterior for
signs of damage. Obvious problems, such as cracking, chipping, warped boards or
crumbling mortar joints should be repaired as soon as possible as even the
smallest blemishes can lead to more extensive damage and expensive repairs down
the road. Dry rot and termite damage are also serious issues that should be addressed
as soon as they are detected.
Prevent unnecessary damage and preserve your siding by:
- Surveying your home’s exterior on a routine basis to identify problem areas or signs of damage.
- Preventing cracks, holes, melting and other damage to your home’s exterior by keeping grills and lawnmowers in safe distance from the home.
- Inspecting your siding for signs of destruction following harsh weather conditions.
- Repairing detected damage as soon as possible.
- Washing your home’s siding at least once a year to remove dirt, grime and other debris.
- Hiring a professional for assistance when necessary.
Bottom line: Spending a few
hours caring for your siding from time to time will go a long way in
maintaining your home’s appearance and increasing its value. Some professionals even go as far to say that
a home’s exterior can last for more than 50 years with the proper care!
For more how-to videos visit HomeChannelTV.com.