When it comes to your home’s new LP SmartSide, make sure you understand proper siding maintenance to prevent future damage.
At American Cedar & Millwork, we value the brands we carry and the homeowners who come to us for the best millwork and siding available. When it comes to trust in a product's durability, LP SmartSide’s siding is designed to leave homeowners with years of low-maintenance protection. Here is everything homeowners need to know when it comes to siding maintenance and how to keep it looking as fresh and beautiful as it does when first installed.
INSPECTING THE SIDING
Inspection is the most important part of maintenance and should be performed at least once a year. When a homeowner can assess their siding's condition, they'll have a better understanding of the type of maintenance or cleaning that's required.
· Inspect the siding's paint coat for any cracking, peeling, or fading--and be sure to check the bottom row and under the window--those are the parts of the siding where the paint is most-likely to wither.
· Check all joints for cracking or worn sealing.
· Check for signs of mold or mildew.
· Check the gutters for damage or blockage.
Cleaning/General Maintenance
No need for a power washer—in fact, we recommend that the homeowner use a cloth, sponge (or soft brush), and a bucket filled with warm water and detergent for proper cleaning. If you notice there is still some light mold and mildew stains stuck to the surface, the best solution is to mix three parts water into one part white vinegar. Be sure to avoid any harsh, bleach-based solutions that can damage the surface or paint of your siding.
For any chips or small imperfections in the paint, matching paint works as a perfect solution to touch up any small abrasion. Also, be sure to eliminate any unnecessary moisture in the siding--your home's siding should be kept free of excessive moisture that comes from sprinklers and water runoff from clogged gutters.
PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE
• Keep water from sprinklers from spraying directly onto the siding.
• Make sure gutters are clog-free and working correctly to keep water from seeping into the siding.
• When installing siding, be sure there is a minimum of six inches of space above the ground, to prevent garden mulch and debris from building up and compromise your clearance.
• For effective water draining, keep half an inch per foot slope away from the house for all adjoining surfaces including patios, decks, and driveways.
• Reinforce damaged caulking around the joints and seams.
• As you notice the paint on the siding start to wither, add another coat of paint before the existing layer withers completely.
Inspection and preventative siding maintenance is the key keeping your LP SmartSide looking beautiful and to preserve it's beauty over the years, and how to keep it looking as fresh and beautiful as it does when first installed. When it comes to trust in a product, LP SmartSide’s siding is designed to leave homeowners with years of low-maintenance protection.. For more information about how the team at American Cedar & Millwork can help you, click here. For more on LP SmartSide, click here.
