Some siding contractors in Littleton may try to tell you that they offer no-maintenance siding. While it’s true that some types of house siding are better equipped to handle the wear and tear of Colorado’s volatile weather, the fact is that all siding must have regular maintenance if it’s going to provide lasting protection and the fresh, colorful look that you paid for.
Although your siding may not need to be sanded and repainted every year, there are still things that should be done on an annual and semi-annual basis to ensure that it stays in good working order for many years to come. In some cases these tasks can be as simple as a visual inspection with the changing of the seasons, or a quick wash and wipe, but if you fail to do these things it could leave your home open to damage and more expensive repairs down the road.
Cleaning
At least once a year, we recommend giving your home’s siding a good cleaning. You can choose to do it in the spring, after the weather finally warms up and there’s lots of yard work to be done, or you can choose to do it in the fall before everyone tucks in for four months of unpredictable winter weather.
Although you may have heard that your home should be cleaned with a pressure washer, it’s important to remember that this isn’t an appropriate cleaning method for all types of siding. While it might work for vinyl siding, a pressure washer has the potential to strip away paint, create gouges, or scratch the surface of other types of siding, especially wood. If you can do so safely, we highly recommend simply mixing up a solution water, mild soap, and trisodium phosphate, and using a soft bristled brush to wipe away the dirt, grime, and even mildew that could be building up on your home’s surface.
If you have a two-story home, and aren’t confident that you can safely clean the upper sections, it’s best to contact a professional that has the proper fall arrest equipment.
Inspecting For Damage
While you’re getting up close and personal with your house during the cleaning process, it’s a great opportunity to conduct a visual inspection of your siding to determine whether any damage has been sustained over the previous year. Pay special attention to areas where the siding meets windows, doors, and corner moldings, because this is where water likes to sneak in. You’ll also want to be on the lookout for gaps between siding planks. This is a signal that caulking has cracked or fallen out. You’ll want to replace it to avoid further damage.
Look For Mildew
Mildew is bad news for all types of siding, and it looks absolutely terrible. Look for dark patches forming on your siding plank that almost make your house look like it’s in the shade even when it’s not. If you spot mildew, stop it in its tracks by gently cleaning the area with a solution of diluted bleach. Be sure to cover your eyes and clothes for safety!
