When choosing a siding for your house, you can’t go wrong with wood. The beautiful and natural look of wood is classic. Whether you go with shingles, panels, and another style, wood is always a winner. There are not only a wide variety of styles but also a variety of kinds. You can go with pine, cedar, fir, redwood, etc. Each of these will add their own look to your property.
Properly caring for wood siding helps it last much longer. Because the side of your house is vulnerable to the elements, wood side can rot with exposure to excessive moisture. But this is not always the case—sealing your siding and cleaning it regularly will help you maintain it longer.
1. Choosing a Sealant
Wood siding will natural expand and contract as temperature and humidity levels change. When left unprotected, paint will chip, caulk will separate, and water can potentially seep into the siding, leaving it vulnerable to mold, mildew, and rotting.
To protect your wood siding and make it last longer—you need to seal it. You can do this with paint, stain, or sealant. Paint will need to be replaced about every five years—possibly less if you live in a humid climate. Staining will penetrate wood fibers and seal out moisture. Sealants will help to prevent moisture damage and all the wood siding to retain its natural coloring. If you go with sealant, you’ll need to reapply it about every two years.
2. Cleaning Your Siding
About once a year, clean your wood siding. This can be done with warm water, soap, and a soft bristled brush. If you have any sections that are prone to mold growth, use a fungus-killing cleanser to clear away any potential growth. Be sure to thoroughly rinse with clean water.
3. Getting Rid of Rust Stains
Rust stains are common in wood siding—usually from nails or screws coming in contact with moisture. To remove these stains, combine warm water with oxalic acid. Wear protective eye gear when working with this solution. Apply the solution to the stain and scrub the stain away with a soft bristle brush. Rinse the area thoroughly with water.
4. Replacing Damaged Siding
If you have siding coming that needs to be replaced, you’ll likely want to contact a professional. Siding can be damaged over time, from an accident, or some exposure to the elements. Whether it’s a small fix like a panel or two, or an entire house that needs replacing, call in the pros. M&M Gutters will have your house looking new in no time.
5. Preventing Damage
Wooden siding is vulnerable to water infiltration. Because of this, you should check your caulk regularly and reapply as needed. This could save you from needing to replace wood panels. You can also prevent some damage by ensuring that no bushes, trees, or other shrubbery touches the wood siding. All foliage conducts moisture and that moisture will find its way into your siding, leading to rotting.