Siding Maintenance: When to Clean, Paint, or Replace Your Siding

Spring cleaning for homeowners isn’t complete without a thorough look at the exterior of their house. After a winter of possible storms, snow, and ice, it’s possible that there might have been damage to the home, with siding bearing the brunt of it. And as winter precipitation fades, it’s the perfect time to clean, paint and seal, or replace the home’s siding. Curious to know when to do these? Keep reading for everything you need to know about siding maintenance.

When to Clean

More often than not (especially if you do it regularly), all the siding needs is a thorough washing. This should be done once a year at least; some homes may need it more often. And this is true for any siding: vinyl, wood, aluminum, everything. Dirt accumulates over time and excess moisture in damp climates can lead to mildew or moss growth.

To combat the dirt, a good pressure washer is generally all it takes. Hiring professionals to do this for you is the best option since they are practiced and trained. But if you decide to go the DIY route, take special care to cover windows and inspect for cracks or holes in the siding that could let water in behind it.

When to Paint

While it’s easy to see when your siding needs to be cleaned, it’s more difficult to tell if your siding is ready for another coat of paint. When that time comes will depend on the type of siding you have, the local climate and weather, and the type of paint that you choose. Cold winters with very low temperatures, for example, will shorten the longevity of almost every type of paint, except for those that are rated for such temperatures.

If you notice peeling or chipped paint on wooden siding, that is a clear indication that you’re due for another coat. Aluminum and other metal sidings will have the paint fading before it chips. Luckily, metal siding is very durable and can be painted over and over without damage to the materials. Vinyl siding, on the other hand, needs a bit more special attention. You’ll need to check the manufacturer’s warranty to see what types of paint are appropriate for that particular siding. And since vinyl is the most susceptible to damage, it can’t be painted again and again like metal.

When to Replace

Typically, vinyl siding has the shortest lifespan and will need to be replaced more often than other materials. If you notice cracks or holes, this is a good sign that it’s time to replace vinyl. If wooden siding appears soft, rotten, or crumbly, you’ll need to replace it as well. Metal siding has the longest lifespan, so you’ll need to replace it less often. Keep an eye out for bending, bowing, or cracks.

If you think your siding might need a bit of attention, the pros at K&B Home Remodelers are ready to match you with the highest quality and most durable siding available, whatever your needs and preferences. Contact us today.