If you have wood siding, it's likely because you love its classic look as well as the ability of it to be easily painted and/or stained to meet your color preference. But wood also has its drawbacks - notably water and insects. The former can cause wood siding to warp, rot and decay, and when this occurs it's typically an open invitation to the likes of carpenter ants and other insects to inhabit. This can turn wood siding from a beautiful feature of your home into a nightmare.
The good news is that with a little bit of maintenance, the drawbacks of wood siding can largely be avoided. And there's no better time to conduct this maintenance in the fall months before winter sets in. Here's a look:
Wood Siding Maintenance: A Step-by-Step
- Visually inspect it: The good news about rot and warping is that they can be fairly easily identified by just taking a close look at your siding. Notice any peeling paint? What about visual signs of rot? Chances are you've got an issue to address.
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Replace: If you notice any signs of rot or warping, replace the siding immediately. This eliminates the affected area and prevents rotting from spreading throughout the siding. While replacing wood siding can be a DIY task, some homeowners might be best calling in a contractor to conduct siding repair.
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Paint and/or stain: Exterior wood painting and stains also work to seal the wood, thereby preventing moisture intrusion and the likes of rot, warping or mold growth from occurring. That's why it's always a good idea to re-stain or re-paint following any siding replacement. Furthermore, it's also advised to apply a new coat of stain or paint every other year or so to preventatively address moisture issues.
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Caulk: Reapply caulk in areas around the siding where it's broken to further prevent water intrusion.
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