This Week's Tips: Siding

Siding may be plagued by a variety of ills -- from obvious problems like peeling paint to less obvious insect infestation and dry rot. Many problems can be remedied if caught early on. Regular inspection and maintenance are crucial. If you need to replace damaged siding, note the style, finish, and dimensions of the existing siding so you can find an exact match.

Manufactured Siding
Vinyl and aluminum siding panels are applied either horizontally or vertically; they usually come with trim pieces into which the panels are fitted. Vinyl siding is available in many colors, with smooth or wood-grain textures. Aluminum panels come in a wide range of factory-applied colors and textures. With regular maintenance, both will last from 40 years to the life of the house. Other types of composite siding (such as Hardyplank) offer some of the advantages of both manufactured and wood siding.

Inspecting and Maintaining Siding

Inspect your siding for damage in the spring and autumn. Look for obvious problems, such as warped boards, missing or damaged shingles, holes in stucco, crumbling mortar, cracks, and defective paint. Don't ignore less obvious interior problems such as dry rot and termite damage-- these can eventually destroy your house.
Make any needed repairs promptly.
Clean and repaint regularly.

Tips for Specific Siding Problems

Deteriorated Caulking Make a note of any caulking that has dried out and renew the seals. Check the seals around windows and doors, around protrusions, and where a deck or masonry fireplace adjoins the house. Caulk any cracks in board siding.

Defective Paint Often, repainting the defective area is all that's needed. If necessary, repaint all the siding.

Cracks Long, vertical cracks in masonry walls may indicate the house is settling. Place tape over a crack and leave it in place for several months. If the tape twists or splits, consult a professional to determine if there's a serious structural problem; otherwise, repair the cracks.

Mildew Combined heat and humidity may mildew wood and painted surfaces. To retard mildew, wash the siding with a solution of 1/3 cup detergent, 2/3 cup trisodium phosphate, and 1 quart household bleach in 3 gallons of water. Brush or sponge the walls, then rinse. CAUTION: When working with this solution, wear goggles and gloves, and cover your plants with a plastic tarp.