Siding protects the house from the elements and pests, while helping keep indoor temperature constant. It will need maintenance, however, to ensure the protection remains. One might ask, “Does new siding reduce home maintenance costs?” The answer to this is definitely “yes.” More than that, simple upkeep that’s done regularly extends the siding’s lifespan. Here are key maintenance tips for a homeowner to follow.
1. Inspect Twice a Year
Routine visual inspections of your home’s siding every six months are essential for maintenance. Check the panels for damage, especially around windows, doors, and corners where they usually get damaged. Early detection of minor issues allows for quick repairs and prevents moisture entry or structural decay. Invest ten minutes to check your home’s exterior. It’s also better to do it more than twice a year.
2. Clean Properly
Routine washing of the cladding is crucial as it prevents dirt and mold buildup. Do it at the turn of every season with a gentle brush or sponge, a low-pressure garden hose and a light soap solution. Be mindful of dirt spots and early mold growth. This routine practice helps avoid the need for professional deep cleaning.
3. Check for Cracks, Gaps, and Loose Panels
A homeowner will need siding maintenance services to do a professional inspection for panels that aren’t well attached to the wall or those with open seams and small fractures. Those issues must be addressed promptly, or pests and moisture will become new concerns that can bring more headaches.
4. Trim Trees, Branches and Vegetation
One effective siding maintenance technique is managing trees, shrubs and plants around the house. Keep them at least six inches from the walls. Tree branches can damage both siding and the roof. Overgrown shrubs and plants can scrape against one’s siding and weaken its resistance against the elements and pests. These may eventually be turned into entry points for insects and rodents.
5. Repaint or Reseal When Needed
After cleaning the surface, apply a suitable exterior treatment. Repaint or reseal if it’s found necessary to make sure that the protective barrier of siding remains effective. Real wood usually requires fresh staining or sealant every two to three years. On the other hand, wood or fiber cement siding will need those treatments every five to seven years. This extends the lifespan of one’s siding, aside from avoiding costly replacements
6. Schedule Professional Inspections and Repairs
Plan routine siding maintenance by professionals every two to three years. Contractors can detect hidden panel issues that may not be obvious to a layman’s eyes. While DIY inspections are helpful, it’s evaluations done by experts that avoid the worsening of siding problems and may lead to costly repairs.
Small Efforts, Big Reward
The obvious answer to “does new siding reduce home maintenance costs” is a resounding “yes.” There’s just no doubt about routine siding upkeep protecting the panels and one’s home far better than leaving them on their own. On top of that, most tasks mentioned here are simple and require minimal time. However, should you need professional help, call Lifetime Siding, Roofing, and Construction at 716-239-6476.
