With proper care, a typical house will remain in peak condition for decades. Vinyl siding, however, is very prone to damage from moisture. Because vinyl siding is made of aluminum, it reacts to moisture and heat. This damage can be repaired using home improvement products but often requires a professional repair job. If you decide to take on this project, there are several steps you can follow to minimize damage.
The most crucial step in Vinyl Siding maintenance involves cleaning. Cleaning is essential because dirt and grime can cause damage to paint and bond. Cleaning can be performed on an annual basis or more frequently as needed. In either case, never use abrasive materials or chemicals. Always use mild soap and water and a soft brush to remove all dirt and debris.
Another important step in vinyl siding maintenance involves sanding. Vinyl siding can be either sanded by hand or in a drum sander. Many homeowners like to outsource this task to a company that specializes in vinyl siding maintenance. If you are planning on performing this task on your own, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind.
First, identify areas where dirt is located. The majority of homeowners only think about the immediate perimeter of the house but ignoring dirt and grime within twenty feet of the house is just as bad. You should check the exterior of the foundation, exterior wall, porches, decks, walkways, driveways, trees, bushes and flowerbeds for dirt and grime. It is important to check these areas twice each year. If you see the same kinds of spots over, consider performing maintenance on your vinyl siding at this time next year. This is because as the years pass, the buildup of dirt and grime to this extent can actually weaken the structure of your wood siding.
One of the most important aspects of vinyl siding maintenance is to make sure that it is properly painted on a regular basis. Some homeowners like to paint their wood siding themselves but this is not a good practice. Not only is it expensive to purchase paint, it is also not a very healthy practice. The reason why homeowners feel that they need to maintain their wood siding on a yearly basis is because this is the best method to ensure that the vinyl siding will remain sound and strong for the long-term.
Another one of the common misconceptions that many homeowners have is that they should clean vinyl siding on a regular basis. Cleaning your exterior home improvements is imperative because if you don’t do it, mold and mildew can develop and this can lead to health concerns in your family. There are several ways in which you can clean vinyl siding on your home. Many homeowners choose to hire professionals who clean their home’s exterior on a monthly or quarterly basis. These professionals have high powered industrial blowers that make your exterior siding come alive with rich color and even the crevices of the vinyl siding will be cleaned out to reveal the beauty beneath.
The third misconception many homeowners have is that they should wait to replace vinyl siding if it needs to be replaced. The truth is that you should replace your siding sooner rather than later in order to keep your home safe from both wind and rain damage. Most homeowners also don’t realize that the National Fire Protection Association recommends that you should replace your siding immediately whenever there is a possibility of fire. If your home is not currently protected by a qualified fire alarm system, it is recommended that you install one as soon as possible and this will help protect your home from wind damage and water damage.