Hot weather is here, and it can cause problems with our home’s exterior in a number of ways. Summer siding maintenance tips can keep your home looking great while protecting it from moisture damage. If you’re looking for ways to enhance your home’s performance this summer, consider these summer siding maintenance tips.
Check for Gaps and Cracks
If you have wood siding, you might experience expanding and contracting of the panels during high heat and rainy weather. These conditions can lead to cracks in the siding or gapping panels.
While you can seal gaps and cracks, the best course of action is replacement. That’s because unsealed gaps and cracks can increase energy costs by allowing air leaks, especially through the wood studs of your home.
Inspect for Pest Damage
During the summertime, there’s no shortage of pests that can damage the exterior of your home. Termites are one of the biggest culprits, especially if you have wood siding. Even woodpeckers can make holes and cracks in wood siding!
Look for the following signs as you inspect for pest damage:
- Visible holes or tunnels in the siding.
- Sawdust-like frass (insect waste) beneath the siding.
- Soft or crumbling wood areas.
- Audible rustling or scratching sounds within walls.
- Mud tubes or nests on or near the siding.
- Discoloration or staining of wood panels.
Clean Vinyl Siding with a Soft Brush and Mild Soapy Water
If you have vinyl siding, you might notice some algae buildup. The good news is that this can come off fairly easily with a soft brush and mild soapy water.
To clean vinyl siding using a vinegar solution, you can mix a solution of 70% water and 30% white vinegar. This mixture is effective for removing light mold, mildew, and dirt without being too harsh on the siding.
For the best way to clean your vinyl siding, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions. Damage to the siding while cleaning against the guidelines may not be covered under warranty.
Look for Wood Rot
Wood rot is perhaps the biggest worry when it comes to summer siding maintenance tips. If you’re living with wood siding that’s rotting, the best advice is to replace it with durable vinyl siding that’s resistant to moisture damage.
Not sure if your wood siding is rotting? Keep an eye out for these signs:
- Soft, spongy texture when pressed.
- Discoloration or darkening of the wood.
- Crumbling or flaking of the wood surface.
- Musty or moldy odor near affected areas.
- Presence of fungus or mushrooms on the siding.
- Paint peeling or blistering on the siding.
Replace Your Siding this Summer with Royal Home Improvement
We hope these summer siding maintenance tips make a big difference in your exterior. But if you notice that your siding is failing, call us here at Royal Home Improvement. Our vinyl siding protects your home from all types of weather with nearly zero maintenance required! Contact us today for a free estimate.