During winter, siding is exposed to the elements constantly, meaning it gets its fair share of damage. Because of this, it’s important to take care of your home’s exterior, aside from keeping it clean. But regularly maintaining your home’s exterior along with taking proactive measures, you can ensure your home will make it through the winter in one piece.
Wood siding maintenance is especially important. Wood is susceptible to rotting, particularly when it is exposed to a lot of water, like melted snow. So, in order to keep your wood siding in good shape, keep an eye out for rotting. If you catch the rotting soon enough, you can take care of it before it becomes a bigger problem. Peeling paint is a tell-tail sign of rotting, so address and peeling paint as soon as possible. A professional siding job can give you peace of mind in knowing that your wood siding is rot-free, and should stay that way for a long time.
One of the most common materials used for siding is vinyl, since there are many different types of vinyl siding to choose from. Vinyl siding is very low-maintenance, but that doesn’t mean it should be neglected. If you’re having professional siding installed, it’s a good idea to avoid doing so in below-freezing temperatures. Vinyl siding installation in mild weather will help avoid issues with expansion or contraction. Additionally, don’t paint or cover the siding. Some materials can discolor siding or cause it to not last as long as it should or it may require vinyl siding repair.
Fiber cement siding is considered to be one of the most durable materials. This means it is extremely weather-resistant. It requires very little maintenance, but should still be taken care of. Fiber cement siding needs to be painted. When the paint starts to wear, choose a high-quality paint and give it a fresh coat. Additionally, check for any gaps in caulking. Having gaps in caulking can increase energy bills by letting air out of your home. Any spots that seem to be wearing thin should be refilled.
Prior and during the winter months, it’s important to keep up with routine maintenance. You should also be extra careful to check for any damages. Snow, hail, and freezing temperatures can cause extreme damage to your home’s siding, so it’s important to everything possible to ensure that doesn’t happen. More info like this.