At Gravina’s, we want nothing more than to see your siding succeed — and that dedication to our customers continues long after we finish our expert installation. As longtime industry vets, we know that taking some time once or twice per year to do a little maintenance on your siding — especially after a major summer storm — can extend its life, reduce your costs, and boost your curb appeal in the long term. Read on to find out how you can inspect, clean, and upkeep your home’s exterior like a pro!
Become a Siding Wear and Tear Detective
Depending on the material you’ve chosen, even just a minor amount of scratches, dents, and dings can have significant effects on your siding’s longevity. Wood and vinyl should be inspected at least twice annually — wood for termites, rot, or any major defects that could allow the elements to do more damage on the hottest and coldest days of the year, and vinyl for warping, cracking, or pieces that are coming loose.
Steel and fiber cement will need far less regular maintenance and checkups — as our most durable siding options, at most you’ll need to do a single once-over per year. Steel in particular will need to be watched for scratches or dents, as these blemishes can leave the material vulnerable to rust over time.
Fiber cement, on the other hand, is nearly impervious to damage and will take up the least of your attention. This specialty material is hardy enough to withstand the elements and is especially resistant to pests, though it can occasionally warp or crack over long periods of time.
Keep it Clean
Doing an annual cleaning of your home’s siding allows you to extend its lifetime while closely inspecting for damage as you make your way up, down, and around your exterior. Steel and fiber cement can both hold up to power washing and don’t typically require any additional elbow grease than removing accumulated dirt and dust.
Vinyl can also withstand a good pressure wash session, though a garden hose and a good nozzle is typically all you’ll need to spray away any stuck debris, mud, or pollen. Wood can be the most finicky of the bunch — sometimes requiring soap, water, and a soft brush to gently release anything that’s gotten into the crevices. Otherwise, just like vinyl, all it will need is a thorough rinse in the springtime and you’re good to go!
Retreat, Make Repairs, or Paint if Needed
Though we carry the nation’s top brands of steel, vinyl, wood, and fiber cement siding, as Colorado natives we know that intense weather can occasionally do a number on even the most durable materials — but this doesn’t always mean you need full replacements! Set up a free consultation and we’ll evaluate any damage or aging to discover the perfect solution for your style and budget.
Wood is the material that will need the most attention as the years go by. Depending on the severity of the elements, your wood siding will need to be restained, repainted, or resealed every two to five years to prevent warping or cracking while retaining its elegant look.
Based on the size and location of the damage, your vinyl siding can often be repaired or replaced. If a crack or hole is made in an inconspicuous area, a quick and simple patch can be implemented to give you more breathing room before the panel itself is replaced. However, if the blemish is in a more obvious part of your home, your best option is to immediately change the panel that’s been impacted for both visual and practical reasons.
Climate-specific James Hardie fiber cement siding is engineered to withstand the elements we face in Metro Denver, including our beautiful sunny days. Throughout its long lifetime, your fade-resistance siding may eventually require a new coat of paint or treatment every 10-20 years.
Try Something New
Try as we might, all of our time, effort, and care can only go so far when extreme hail, wind, or time damages your siding — and your curb appeal and home value can suffer as a result. If your siding is sagging, bulging, cracked, faded, splintering, outdated, or beyond anything a quick coat of paint can fix, your next step is replacement.
But as you bid your old siding a heartfelt farewell, think of all the possibilities at your fingertips! Schedule your free consultation with Gravina’s ASAP to find out how our brands, styles, and colors can minimize your yearly maintenance or totally revamp your home’s look. We can’t wait to take your exterior aesthetic to the next level!
