When you keep up with the maintenance of your siding, not only will it last longer, but it will look as good as the day it was installed.
Home siding is a great investment, and with the proper care, you can ensure that it functions efficiently and looks good for many years.
Some siding materials require more maintenance than others, so consider that when choosing the best siding for your home.
The Maintenance of Your Siding Depends on the Material
At Kentucky Home Exteriors, we professionally install James Hardie siding. With this material, the maintenance of your siding is minimal, and it is uniquely suited for our Kentucky climate.
If you haven’t replaced your home siding with James Hardie board, here are some ways you can keep up with the maintenance of your siding, whether wood or vinyl.
Wood Siding
Wood siding is very traditional but is one of the most challenging to maintain.
Hardboard siding and engineered lumber are primed, and you must paint or seal them. That means that the outside of the board is moisture-resistant, but not the edges where the panels have been cut to suit the specifications of your home. In those areas, moisture can cause problems like rot, mold, and warping.
Here are some ways you can maintain your wood siding:
- Clean your gutters regularly to prevent a build-up of debris. If your gutters overflow, they will run onto your wood siding and can damage it.
- Trim the bushes around your home, so they do not scratch your siding or keep it damp.
- Re-caulk around your doors and windows to ensure that your siding is properly sealed to prevent any moisture damage.
- Use a sealer, stain, or paint every few years to ensure your siding remains moisture-resistant and protected from harsh elements.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl is one of the easiest materials to maintain but has its pros and cons. You can regularly clean your vinyl siding with water and mild soap to prevent and treat the build-up of any debris or dirt.
Vinyl siding tends to become brittle over time, so part of your maintenance routine should be to check for cracks and discoloration. If you notice any compromised panels, it’s important to get them repaired immediately, as they will affect the efficiency of your siding.
James Hardie Siding
James Hardie siding also requires very little maintenance because it is a pre-finished product made in the James Hardie factory under perfect conditions.
This sturdy and durable material only needs a gentle wash with mild soap to eliminate dirt build-up and stains. It is essential to check the caulking to ensure your siding stays watertight. But this is not a product that absorbs moisture, so you won’t have to worry about rot, warping, or mold.
Unlike other siding materials, James Hardie board is resistant to insects such as termites, which cuts down on the maintenance you need.
Here are some simple ways to maintain your James Hardie siding:
- Keep it clean and have it inspected.
- Trim shrubbery and low-hanging branches.
- Clean your gutters regularly.
- Re-paint it after 15 to 20 years.
The Maintenance of Your Siding Doesn’t Have to Be Hard Work
Maintaining your side is easy when a professional company installs it. When you use a professional company and a high-quality product, you can use the manufacturer’s warranty and the company’s labor warranty.
At Kentucky Home Exteriors, we are 100% confident in our products and processes and offer a lifetime workmanship warranty. Our expert installers and consultants will also be able to give you advice when they install your siding so that you know exactly how to care for it.
Choose Kentucky Home Exteriors for Your Siding Project
If you have questions about the maintenance of your siding, contact us, and we will chat with you about the best way to extend the lifespan of your James Hardie siding.
