Whether you’re a new homeowner or have lived in your residence for several years, it’s never too late to start a winter maintenance routine for your vinyl siding. After all, the exterior of your home is 100 percent exposed to the harsh weather conditions that are known to occur at this time of year. These conditions often lead to a long list of house siding damage that can affect your quality of comfort, as well as your bank account.
If you want to avoid costly repairs and replacements, protect your investment, and keep your home beautiful, you need to take good care of your siding. To alleviate some of the natural wear and tear experienced by your siding during winter, you can implement simple maintenance and protect your vinyl from the harsh winter weather all season long. Read on to learn how you can get started.
Vinyl Siding Winter Care
Keep clean. Regular cleaning is an important part of winter maintenance. This does not mean that you have to bundle up in all your winter gear and endure the cold to clean it every week; instead, wash it once a month with a pressure washer. When using a pressure washer, be sure to always set it on a low setting to avoid any damage, and if the coating is already damaged, do not use a pressure washer at all. For a cleaning medium, use a mixture of trisodium phosphate and soapy water. Simply apply and then rinse from top to bottom.
Check for damage. It is important to always be on the lookout for exterior damage to your home. However, on a routine basis, you should closely inspect your siding for damage and defects. Spotting a small problem early on can save you a lot of time and money. Weekly inspections are a good start, followed by a thorough inspection by a professional roofing and siding company. When inspecting your siding, look for cracks, holes, and water damage; But also remember to check the drain holes (holes drilled in the bottom of the siding for drainage purposes) for clogging issues and pest infestations.
Hire a professional. You are not expected to be a siding expert, so it can be challenging to locate all the potential vulnerabilities and flaws in your home. For this reason and more, it is highly advisable to hire a professional siding maintenance on an annual basis to ensure your investment is well protected. There are thousands of people and businesses that claim to provide this type of service, but don’t be fooled by fly at night or unqualified companies. Make sure you choose a company that has extensive experience and a good local reputation for quality service.
ADDITIONAL TIPS:
Do not install vinyl siding when outside temperatures are below freezing. This can cause shrinkage, expansion, and other related defects. The installation process is a systematic and technical development that requires benign environmental conditions.
Do not paint the vinyl siding. Not only does this void most manufacturer warranties, it can end up looking unattractive and unprofessional. Instead, consider general replacement or cleaning services for best results.
When doing outdoor jobs like construction, concrete, stains, and anything else that uses heavy chemicals or stains, covering any vinyl siding that is within the scope of these types of projects is recommended. It can cause discoloration, corrosion, and more.