The siding on your home can say a lot about its character. Whether you have wood or vinyl siding, stone or brick accents, maintaining your exterior is key to keeping your home in good condition. Here are some tips for defending against the elements and keeping your exterior in pristine condition.
Wood Siding, Trim and Fascia
Wood trim is beautiful and natural looking; however, it can begin to rot when exposed to water. It is important to check your trim and fascia every year for chipped paint and rot. Make sure to repaint, caulk or repair the wood as needed.
Replace wood with Aluminum Trim or Wrap
Older wood trim around your windows can often chip and require constant maintenance. If you are looking for a long-term solution to this issue, consider replacing wood trim with vinyl trim. While it will require an initial investment, this vinyl trim does not rot and is a great option for the long haul.
There are also long-term solutions to protect your fascia boards from rot. Aluminum fascia wrap can easily be installed over your wood fascia and helps to keep out moisture, bugs and other elements. This will also cost some time and money but is worth the long-term investment.
Vinyl Siding
If you have already made the long-term investment in vinyl siding, it will still require some yearly maintenance. Make sure to clean dirt and grime buildup at least once a year with a stiff bristle brush, sponge and bucket of soapy water. After scrubbing the siding, simply rinse with a hose to keep your exterior looking good as new.
Pressure Washing
While pressure washing your exterior may seem like the easier route to take, this method should be approached with caution. It is ok to pressure wash surfaces like brick or stone, but vinyl siding is too soft to withstand the force of the compressed water and can damage easily. In addition to having to replace siding panels, you can cause damage to screens, windows and even create water buildup in your walls or attic. Consider hiring a professional service for this work.