Proper siding maintenance can keep your investment looking lovely and reduce the chance of any complication or possible repairs. Most siding maintenance can be done by the homeowner, fairly easily, a few times per year. Once you get in the habit of making siding maintenance a part of your home’s routine, you will wonder why you didn’t start doing it sooner!
Give it a scrub
Giving your vinyl siding a good old fashioned scrubbing is easy with the assistance of a bucket of hot water and a soft bristled brush, or even a power washer. If You choose to go the water and brush route, be sure to start from the top and work your way down to avoid dirty water running down and ruining your work.
If you choose to use some force, consider a power washer. Before you start blasting off grime and dirt, be sure to double check your siding’s care instructions. While most vinyl siding can withstand the power wash, it is good practice to just double check. Once you are confident that your siding can handle it, grab your power washer. If you don’t have one in your garage or cannot borrow one from a friendly neighbor, you can rent one from local hardware stores for a minimal price.
If you have wooden siding, be a bit more careful when considering the more forceful power washer. If you have paint that is chipped or other damage, a strong blow from the power washer could cause more issues.
Give it an inspection
Now that your siding is clean, take some time to inspect your siding. Look for any holes, buckles, or warps. Check for wear and tear, staining, or other damage. If you are able to find damage when it just begins, your siding professional may be able to perform a quick repair so that you do not have to invest in brand new siding. Time is of the essence, so be sure to contact your siding professional if and when you notice potentially concerning areas.
With just a bit of elbow grease and time, you can improve the life of your home’s siding and decrease the damage that weather, animals, or other situations can cause.