The wooden siding on your home can be a beautiful addition, but it requires regular maintenance to keep it looking new. If you don’t take care of it, the wood can start to rot and decay, which will ruin the appearance of your home and could even lead to structural damage. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips for maintaining wooden siding on your home.
Clean Once A Year
The first step is to clean your wooden siding once a year. This will remove any built-up dirt, dust, and debris, which will cause the wood to degrade. You can use a simple garden hose to clean your siding, or you can purchase a specialized wood cleaner. Make sure that you wash the siding on a warm day so it dries out quickly. Excess moisture can cause damage, so it’s important that it does not stay wet for too long. You also need to clean your gutters regularly or water will pool and start soaking into the roof and siding, where it will cause the wood to rot.
Re-Treat The Wood Regularly
You should also re-treat the wood every few years to protect it from the elements. There are many different types of wood preservatives available on the market, so make sure to choose one that is suited for your climate and environment. Applying a coat of preservative will help to keep the wood looking new for longer and will protect it from insects, moisture, and UV rays. Once that protective layer is gone, rainwater will start soaking into the wood and the rot will set in. So, the wood needs to be treated regularly. A high-quality paint will also give the wood an added layer of protection.
Watch Out For Pests
Wooden siding can also be susceptible to pests, such as termites and carpenter ants. If you notice any signs of infestation, it’s important to address the problem as soon as possible. Otherwise, the insects will damage the wood and could even cause structural damage. Call a professional company like H2 pest control and deal with pest issues before they get out of hand. Make sure that you check areas near the roof for wasp nests too because they like to hide in wooden areas.
Common signs of pests include:
- Bumps in the wood
- Holes in the wood
- Sawdust or shredded wood near doors, windows, or eaves
- Swarms of flying insects around your home
Don’t hesitate to call somebody as soon as you notice these symptoms.
Fix Cracks Immediately
If you see any cracks in the wood, it’s important to fix them as soon as possible. Otherwise, water will seep in and cause further damage. You can use a sealant to patch up the cracks, or you can replace the damaged boards altogether. Either way, don’t ignore damage, even if it’s just a small area. The cracks will only get bigger and cause more problems, and they’ll be more expensive to fix. It’s better to just use a good quality filler to patch them in seconds and avoid any further problems. Take a walk around the house and get your ladder out once every six months or so to check for damage.
These are some of the main tips for maintaining wooden siding in your home. Make sure to follow these tips regularly and your wood will stay looking new for years to come!
