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Siding
Siding protects your home and isn’t difficult
to maintain. One of two types of siding are on
your home: composite or vinyl, both of which
look like wood and are attractive and durable.
Composite is made of a combination of cement
or wood fibers while vinyl is composed of
polyvinyl chloride.
Care and maintenance
The following are tips for maintaining your
home’s siding.
General maintenance
Don’t allow sprinklers or other items that propel
water to shoot at your siding.
Ensure your downspouts and gutters direct
water away from the siding and home.
Measure to ensure there’s six inches between
where your siding stops and the ground begins.
Siding that’s too close to the ground may
absorb water.
Leave at least two feet of space between plants
and siding.
Don’t put hot items, like charcoal or gas grills,
next to vinyl siding as heat can damage it.
Clean siding with water and a brush that has a
long handle and soft bristles. Avoid scrubbing
with too much pressure.
Check the manufacturer’s instructions for
cleaning products to use to remove hard-to-
remove algae, dirt, or mold.
Inspect wood siding on a regular basis for
damage resulting from cracks, rot, termites,
or water damage.
Once or twice a year, check around doors,
windows, and other areas for deteriorated
or separated caulk.
Checking caulk
Pay particular attention to these areas:
Where the corner boards and siding connect.
Door and window trim.
Where pipes and vents protrude through the
siding.
On vinyl siding, at the J-channels around doors
and windows.
If your inspection reveals deteriorated or
separated caulk, remove it and reapply.
Also, see Exterior Caulking (Page 45).
Homeowners association
If your home is part of a homeowners
association, check with it regarding exterior
maintenance. You should be familiar with what
you can and cannot do and what maintenance
items the association is responsible.
Visit the manufacturer’s website for more
information about siding.
