Your vinyl siding is one of the main protectors of your home, which is why it’s so important to make sure it’s in good shape.
A great time to do this is during the summer months before the fall and winter weather sets in.
That said, here are our top tips on how to care for your vinyl siding …
Inspect It
This is as simple as it sounds. A visual inspection of your siding can go a long way in catching damage while it’s fresh so siding repair costs will be minimal.
What to look for:
- Cracks
- Chips
- Warping
- Pay close attention to areas of your vinyl siding that are close to a heat source (IE: vents, grills, air conditioning units), or receive a lot of direct exposure to the sun, as this can cause melted siding
- Dings/dents, typically from hail damage; this is often a visual blemish that has no effect on the integrity of the siding
Note: If you find damage, depending on the nature of how it occurred, you may want to file an insurance claim.
Clean It
Cleaning your siding is a simple way to care for your siding. But how?
When you inspect your home, if you find things like dust, dirt, or mildew, you have a couple of options:
- Use a mixture of mild soap and water, along with a soft brush or cloth, to clean the surface by hand. Be sure to stay safe during the process using an appropriate ladder that’s tall enough for you to reach all parts of your siding without over extending — and make sure you have a spotter for the ladder, too. Once the siding is cleaned, be sure to give it a thorough rinse afterwards with your hose on a low-pressure setting. If there are still stains after the cleaning, you can try a non-abrasive cleaner that’s specifically designed to clean vinyl siding.
Power washing is another way to get your vinyl siding cleaned up nicely. If you choose this option, we recommend hiring a professional — making sure they are insured and have good references — to do the job. The reason for this is power washing can be tricky, and you certainly don’t want to do any damage to your siding if you’re not experienced with this type of tool. Also, the siding contractor or professional you choose for the job should know that the power washing needs to be performed in the early morning or late afternoon in an effort to reduce heat damage.
Protect Your Home Against Pests
Rodents and different types of insects can damage vinyl siding. Of course, since your siding is made of vinyl you don’t have to worry about insects eating away at the siding like you would with wood siding — but insects can still make cozy nests for themselves in cracks and crevices (which is why that visual inspection is so important). Larger openings are where rodents will try to make their way in. Keeping your home protected is as simple as sealing openings or gaps that might be enticing to pests. And if you find a pest infestation, consider calling a local pest control company for help.
Maintain the Landscaping Near Your Home
We’ve seen it many times. Trees that are overgrown and planted too close to a home. Bushes, plants, shrubs or other foliage that haven’t been trimmed in far too long. In addition to being an eyesore, overgrowth like this can damage vinyl siding by rubbing up against the siding — which can trap moisture, or become a festering ground for pest nests.
One of the signs of damage can be visible algae deposits, which can discolor/stain vinyl siding. The good news is that prevention is simple — just trim back plants, bushes and trees that are too close, or touching, the siding. If it’s too big of a job for you, ask around for a dependable landscaper to do the work.
Keeping any of this vegetation at least a foot away from your home can go a long way in helping keep your siding healthy. It allows air to circulate around the vinyl siding as opposed to trapping in moisture, and it keeps pests away from your siding.
Turn Down the Heat
One way to protect your siding is to apply a UV-protective coating, which helps deter fading and discoloration caused by the sun. This type of vinyl siding coating helps lower heat absorption, and also prevents fading.
As mentioned earlier, vinyl siding can warp or even melt due to extreme heat, so keeping things like grills and fire pits safely distanced from the siding is advisable. Additionally, even a nearby window can reflect enough sun (and heat) to cause siding damage, so it’s something to look out for.
Get in Touch with Us Anytime …
Whether you need assistance with siding repair, would like a complimentary inspection of your siding, or simply have questions, feel free to contact Legacy Exteriors anytime. We’re always happy to help!
