Siding is made to be durable against all sorts of influences, from climate to physical impact, to protect your home’s interior wall and supporting structure. But that doesn’t make it impenetrable.
Siding contractors are familiar with the many problems that can arise from improper maintenance and chance events, two common ones being water damage and blemishes. Though common, these problems shouldn’t be ignored.
Here’s how to prevent them:
Water Damage
Siding is the first layer of protection against moisture. Underneath it is the house wrap, the second layer of moisture protection. The house wrap also protects your house sheathing, which strengthens your walls and provides a nailing base for your siding. If moisture breaches the siding, then the house wrap, and finally the sheathing, your home becomes vulnerable to structural damage. If left untreated for too long, you’ll find yourself facing major and expensive repairs, including siding replacement.
The surest way to prevent water damage is to routinely check your siding for signs of building moisture. Once you find areas of rot, mold, or mildew beginning to grow, immediately get your siding inspected by your local siding contractors. Built-up moisture can also warp your siding, causing your panels to buckle or sag. If you have wood siding with peeling paint, that might be an additional sign that moisture is building.
Additionally, you can prevent water damage by aiming your sprinklers away from your home. Upward streams of water have an easier time reaching behind siding and building up moisture.
Stains and Physical Blemishes
If you have kids, pets, or enjoy an active outdoor life in your yard, don’t bounce balls or store toys against your house. Your siding might take damage in the form of cracks, breaks, holes, and loose panels. Minor damage can be fixed with panel replacements, but if your siding has too much damage, you might be due for a complete overhaul.
Bushes and surrounding gardens can also scrape your siding or cause deeper damage, so keep them trimmed. This is especially true for crawling vegetation, such as ivy, which tends to grow underneath siding to crack and loosen panels. It’s best to avoid all crawling vegetation near your home, so you don’t have to worry about vines escaping your notice and somehow spreading into your siding.
If you have dirt stains from overflowing gutters or debris cast about during a windy storm, you can freshen up your siding with routine maintenance. Once or twice a year, use a garden hose to gently rinse off your siding, then move in with a soft bristle brush and mild detergent solution to gently scrub the stains.
How Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights Can Help
Are you having difficulty fixing or preventing your siding problems? Contact your local siding contractor Mares & Dow Construction and Skylights today for help with repairing or replacing your siding. With over 40 years of experience, we install and replace fiber cement siding that’s as durable as it is beautiful.
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