Blog Post

TIPS FOR MAINTAINING YOUR HOME SIDING

Kylie Wiser • Jul 30, 2018

Siding is one of the most important parts of the home improvement plan that a homeowner can think of. Different materials used for siding are vinyl, wood, stucco, and fiber cement. In most American cities, it can be seen that different siding materials are used in various houses. Each has their set of rules for proper upkeep, and most importantly some of these materials require more maintenance than others.

Most homeowners are unaware of the ways to maintain the siding of their houses. Here is a list of some of the most common siding materials that are used and ways to maintain them:

  • Stucco: This is a low-maintenance material that does not require much effort on the part of the homeowner. Normally an occasional power-wash would help a lot to maintain stucco sidings. However, the moment you see cracks on stucco make sure to replace it to prevent any major problems in the future.
  • Wood: Although wood is a favorite material when it comes to siding construction, wooden home exteriors require the highest degree of maintenance. To wash wooden sidings, it would be better to use a hose-pipe and not a power washer. Make sure not to use much water pressure while washing it since it may cause the sealant or the paint to come off. With water use oxygen bleach since due to its mild nature, it is safe to be used on wood and does not cause any damage to the vegetation in the surrounding areas. It is normally advised to paint wooden siding once every year to make it last longer.
  • Vinyl: Since vinyl is relatively maintenance free, most homeowners prefer this material for siding construction. In numerous US cities, it is seen that homeowners have been using vinyl for the external part of their home for a long time. However, it is important to say that this material requires cleaning with a good power washer at least once every year. Most siding contractors advice their clients to make sure that vinyl siding does not get dirty. This is because the longer the dirt sits on the material, the more likely chances that it will set in. All cleaning solutions that you use should be intended for cleaning vinyl sidings. Harsh chemicals such as bleach and ammonia can cause undue damage. All the detergents should be rinsed off completely with a lower-pressure rinse. Again, the rinsing process should work bottom up and in an even manner. Proper cleaning will ensure longevity and durability of your vinyl sidings.
  • Metal siding: Ones they have been installed, it should be reasonably maintenance free for many years to come. A thorough cleaning from time to time will be needed to keep the siding looking clean and good looking. Usually, a simple washing of the siding with a hose or a pressure sprayer will do. If additional cleaning is needed, a simple solution of detergent and water can be used with a soft bristled brush. The siding should invariably be rinsed thoroughly following any use of cleaner or chemicals. The use of any strong solvent or abrasive cleaner must be avoided altogether. Metal siding can last for many years with proper installing and maintenance. It is a good alternative to other kinds of siding materials. With increased popularity for use in homes and commercial buildings, it is a durable, attractive product that could improve the functionality and appeal of just about any building.
Are you interested in hiring a reliable and professional siding contractor in the Cleveland, TN area? Contact us today!

By Kylie Wiser 05 Oct, 2018
Fall is a great time to touch up your house on all fronts before winter arrives. Summer weekend getaways happen on a less frequent occurrence, giving you more time to maintain the quality and integrity of your house. With this being the first full week of fall, here are some maintenance tips to help you out:
By Kylie Wiser 17 Sep, 2018
The fence installed around your property, home, farm or even school is the first thing that people will see when they visit. You have to install a fence that stands out from the rest. The fence should also be maintenance- free. There are various types of fences in the market including wood, vinyl, chain-link, farm, and aluminum ones.
By Kylie Wiser 06 Jun, 2018
Taking care of your home, including keeping up on the maintenance of your painted interior and exterior walls, is one of the most important things you can do to keep its value up.
By Kylie Wiser 23 May, 2018
The long days of summer are the perfect time to catch up on several annual home maintenance activities. These can often be done in one weekend, with plenty of time leftover to enjoy the sun. Plus going through this list can save you time, money and headaches down the road!
By Kylie Wiser 03 May, 2018
Pool parties, BBQs, fireworks, trips to the beach and road trips all have one thing in common — they’re all summer activities. To some, summer is the best season of the year. One thing no one can disagree with is that with the summer months comes summer weather. As the summer heat is here to stay, there are a few things you can do to prepare your home for the grueling summer heat and help keep your home cool. The attic is an area of the home that can easily be forgotten or overlooked, but it is one of the biggest contributing factors to helping keep your home cool during the summer heat. An attic can easily reach temperatures up to 150 during the peak of summer if not properly insulated and maintained. Although you’re not going to be spending much time in your attic, that heat can still make your air conditioning work much harder than it should. Due to the summer heat, one thing all homeowners should be on the lookout for in their attic is moisture. Moisture affecting plywood your attic can lead to mold if not treated as quickly and effectively as possible. Mold damage can leads to major cost repairs if untreated over time. Here are four tips to make sure your attic and roof are ready for the summer heat: Make sure drains and roof gutters are clean and clear of debris – Gutters with debris stuck in them cause flooding and overflow on your roof. Unchecked gutters can lead to major damage if not addressed immediately. Make sure exhaust vents are working properly – Making sure your attic is properly ventilated allows cold air to flow me freely as well as allow more hot air to leave the attic; lowering the temperature of the entire house. Check for small signs of damage in the attic and roof – Small signs can turn into large problems if not monitored or treated properly. If you’re unaware what to look for, give us a call here at Owens Construction Services. We can come out and professionally inspect your roof and inform you of things to keep an eye out for. Look for missing, damaged and loose shingles – Damaged, loose or missing shingles can be an early indicator that your roof may be in need of major repair or replacement. Homeowners are strongly encouraged to have their roof and attic professionally inspected twice a year. Owens Construction Services are happy to provide roofing inspections for interested parties.
By Kylie Wiser 09 Mar, 2018
One of the natural elements that can create havoc on anyone’s house is rainwater. How can you maintain the magnificence of you house if you encounter heavy rain water which you know can eventually damage any part of your house in one way or another. If you want to have a house that is in good condition, start minding the gutters.
By Kylie Wiser 27 Sep, 2017
Fall Project #1 – Roof Repair or Replacement There’s nothing worse than the drip, drop, plop of a leaky roof and ugly water stains on ceilings at Thanksgiving. And the last thing you want is dad falling through the roof while trying to hang Christmas lights. So, before the heavy winter weather comes pouring down, you might want to think about a fall roof job. Fall timing couldn’t be better! The extreme heat of the summer is gone and roofs can be replaced much faster and you won’t have to worry about losing as much cool air while having it replaced. If your roof is leaking or not up to holding the weight of snow, roof replacement or repair could be dangerous. Don’t get caught this winter in freezing temperatures trying to fix something that could be prevented now! Fall Project #2 – Window Replacement Fall is the absolute perfect time to have your windows replaced. Could you imagine going through another winter like the last with the old windows you have now? Do you feel a draft near windows, or can you hear the wind whip and whistle through them? Can you see condensation on the window or do you remember it being there last winter? Give your heater a break this winter and save a ton on your utility bill by replacing those old, ugly, outdated windows!!
By Kylie Wiser 27 Sep, 2017
When the weather turns colder, the last thing homeowners want is to deal with a leaky, ill-maintained roof. You can preserve the integrity of your roof all winter long by following these easy roof maintenance tips during the fall months.
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