Wood siding can last for 25 years or more with proper care. There are certain things you can do to keep your home’s wood siding in ideal condition and looking like new for decades.
However, there are also specific vulnerabilities that wood has that other types of siding may not, and it is important to understand how to properly maintain your wood’s siding.
5 Tips For Maintaining Your Home’s Wood Siding
You can maintain the wood siding on your home by sealing the wood siding to prevent cracks and gaps, treating any mildew or stains as soon as possible, maintaining the natural color of your wood siding and replacing damaged wood parts. There are also precautions you can take to reduce the risk of water damage as well. The following is an in-depth review of these five tips for maintaining your home’s wood siding.
Seal The Wood Siding With Paint, Stain Or Sealer
Unlike many other types of exterior siding, wood can expand and contract due to humidity and temperature. If unprotected, this can cause chips, cracks, gaps, and general stress on the wood siding, which can also increase the risk of water damage to your home’s exterior.
You can protect your wood siding by sealing it properly. This can be done with either paint, stain or a special clear sealer. One sealer option may work better than another in certain situations, depending on the location of the home, the homeowner’s design preferences and more.
Get Rid Of Mildew & Rust Stains With A Thorough Clean
Wood is also vulnerable to mildew and stains caused by rust. It is important to prevent mildew and rust the best you can. If rust or mildew does develop, then it is important to treat it as soon as possible to prevent the issue from worsening or lingering longer than necessary.
You can remove mildew by cleaning the wood siding with a cleanser that is specifically designed to kill fungus. Be sure to wear eye protection and gloves and avoid spraying any plants around your home’s exterior.
Rinse the home thoroughly after applying the cleanser. For rust stains, you can remove the stains with a cleanser that contains oxalic acid. You may need to refinish each spot you clean, however, as the solution can wear away at the paint or sealant.
Maintain & Restore The Natural Color Of Your Wood Siding
Wood is often vulnerable to wearing down over time as well. This can cause the natural color of the wood siding to fade over time. One of the best ways to restore your wood siding’s natural color is to use a wood brightener. These products are most commonly used for deck surfaces, but they can work well for home siding as well. Of course, preventive measures such as limiting water exposure is also important for maintaining the overall quality of your wood siding.
Replace Parts Of Your Wood Siding That Are Worn-Down Or Damaged
All of your wood panels are not going to wear down or damage at the same time. Ideally, you should replace each panel as they become damaged. This allows you to avoid any high costs at once and can keep your home’s siding looking new at all times. It may require the help of a professional to replace panels, although doing so is relatively inexpensive when compared with full siding replacement or extensive repairs.
Reduce The Risk Of Water Damage To Your Wood Siding
As is the case with most types of exterior siding, wood is vulnerable to water damage, especially in the areas where the wood connects with the windows, doors, and other openings. You can reduce the risk of water damage to your wood siding by applying caulk to these most vulnerable areas.
If the caulk wears down, then replace it as soon as possible on a warm, sunny day (65 degrees or higher). Be sure to trim back any shrubs or trees that may touch the exterior of your home and have your gutters cleaned regularly.
How Long Should My Wood Siding Last?
As mentioned, wood siding can last for more than 25 years when cared for properly. In many instances, homeowners are able to maintain their wood siding for more than forty years before the siding needs extensive repairs or replacement. However, getting the most out of your wood siding requires regular maintenance and professional inspections and cleanings.
Speak To Professional Siding Contractors At Adelphia Exteriors
If you have questions about maintaining wood siding or are in need of professional assistance to restore or install your home’s wood siding, then reach out to our Northern VA siding contractors at Adelphia Exteriors by calling (703) 386-7357 or contacting us online today. We take pride in helping those within our community transform the look and overall quality of the home’s exterior.