Summer Home Siding Maintenance Tips

   ​Your home exterior is just as important as the interior. Siding gives your home an elegant and modern look. It is the first thing that people notice about your home from the curb. Take advantage of the summer weather to improve the appearance and correct all the damages that could have occurred due to water accumulation during the wet Pacific Northwest season.

    You might have a lot of questions. For example, how often should I clean my siding? What do I need to know about caring for my vinyl siding? How do I perform fiber cement siding maintenance?
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Proper maintenance, which includes more than just good pressure washing, is crucial to the integrity and longevity of your home. The more you know about protecting your siding, the longer it’ll last and the more money you’ll save in the long run. Read on to learn how to care for your siding.

​Regular inspection and maintenance of the siding improves the appearance of your home, extends the siding’s lifespan, and gives you peace of mind during the winter months.

​These signs will help you know if your home siding needs attention.
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• Brick –If your home siding is made of brick, you should check for any cracked mortar and discolorations

• Vinyl – Inspect if there are changes in texture, split panels, and color fading

• Aluminum – If the siding is made of aluminum, you should look for rusting, dirt buildup, holes, dents, and red streaks

• Fiber Cement – pressure washing to remove dust and enhance its appearance. Or a fresh coat of paint to help hide any minor blemishes on the surface

• Cedar – Check for loose cedar shakes and soft spots, which could indicate rot

Also, you may keep this list of home exterior check items as a general rule of thumb to inspect your home for added protection (click here for downloadable checklist version)

​1. Check for loose or peeling paint
2. Look for signs of water leaks
3. Identify damaged cedar shakes and shingles
4. Be sure to check your siding in spring or summer
5. Examine the siding for damage
6. Replace damaged siding panels
7. Check your home’s roof cap flashing
8. Check for loose siding planks, nails, or other penetrations that could expose your home to water harm
9. Look for signs of water leaks on the outside of your home
10. Check to make sure gutters are correctly sloped for drainage
11. Seal cracks and holes in the exterior
12.Repair damaged siding areas 
13. Check soffit or fascias for any damages
14. Install a flashing kit or corner guard to prevent water from getting into the walls of your home

Siding is an integral part of the exterior of any house or building. It protects your home from the elements, debris, insects, and other critters. Yet if it’s not maintained correctly, it can become damaged. Some damage is just superficial and rather aesthetically unpleasant, like faded siding paint or peeling paint or rust stains and so on. Other damage may be more severe, like holes or missing pieces of siding.

Taking care of your siding is not always as easy as it sounds. It’s not enough to keep your siding clean. It needs to be free of mold, mildew, and other substances that can eat away at the vinyl siding , fiberglass, or wood on your exterior walls. Before you know it, your siding will be broken, and there could be severe water damage.

Siding is the exterior covering used to weatherproof and protect your home, and it’s one of the most noticeable features of any home. If you’re noticing flaking paint or worn-down siding, now is the time to check on the overall condition.

1. Regularly check the exterior of your home for any mold or moisture build up to prevent dry rot
2. Contact a professional when you’ve discovered damage
3. Inspect the roof and siding before PNW winter rains begin

Besides checking your siding for any potential problems, check window frames and joints, floors, roof, doors, decks, foundation, deck posts. By taking care of this, you can ensure that your home looks excellent and well-protected for the future.

If you need siding maintenance and home improvement services in the greater Seattle area and surrounding counties King, Skagit, Snohomish county, do not hesitate to contact us, get a quote and let’s get started with a free quote.