Vinyl siding is perhaps the most popular option for home siding in America. It’s lightweight, affordable, and available in a range of colors and textures, so you can achieve the look and feel that you want. It’s also very durable. However, you’ll need to perform a little bit of maintenance to keep it looking good and maximize its lifespan.
Wash It
Over time, your home’s vinyl siding will get dirty. Pollen, dust, and mud can collect on it. Eventually, it will turn grimy and ugly. Give it a good wash periodically by rinsing it off with a garden hose.
Inspect It
While vinyl siding is pretty durable, it’s not impervious to everything. Throw rocks from the lawn mower, trapped moisture underneath, and dry rot from long-term sun exposure are all common problems. Inspect your siding twice annually to check for signs of damage and potential problems.
Make Prompt Repairs
You may spot some minor damage to your vinyl siding. Holes, tears, and cracks should be repaired as quickly as possible. If you leave the underlayment exposed, it may allow moisture to penetrate, which will allow mold and mildew to grow. Repairs are usually simple and often involve just replacing the damaged section.
Set Up Your Grilling Area Away from the Home
This one isn’t so much a maintenance tip as it is a best practice to avoid damaging your siding in the first place. Vinyl siding is, well, plastic. That means heat can damage it and make it melt. If you put your grill too close to the side of your home, you could find that your siding starts to sag and discolor. Always set up your grill, smoker, griddle, or other outdoor cooking devices well away from the sides of your home.
Skip the Paint
Yes, you can paint vinyl siding. However, that doesn’t mean that you should. Not only will that void any warranty you have on the siding, but it’s possible that the paint won’t adhere very well. Then you’re left with a peeling, ugly mess. If you don’t like the color of your siding, it’s easier to remove it and have a different color installed.
Is your home’s vinyl siding looking a little worse for wear? Thinking about replacing your siding entirely? We can help. Get in touch to learn more about your siding options and how we can help you transform the look and feel of your home.