Siding in Ann Arbor MI

The siding on your home is one of the most important components when others look at your home. If it’s drab and boring then chances are they will think your home is drab and boring as well. But if it looks great then the curb appeal of your home can go way up. Along with that curb appeal is a higher value of your home which can help in a variety of ways, especially if you’re planning on selling your home. Keeping your siding in great shape means you’ll need to perform routine maintenance on it and it’s not what you may think. Here at Ann Arbor Remodeling Contractor we have compiled a list of things you should do to your home’s siding to keep it looking great and lasting a long time. Plus, many of these items can be done relatively quickly by the home owner. 

Tips for Easy Wood and Vinyl Siding Maintenance in Ann Arbor Michigan

There are two major types of siding used in Ann Arbor Michigan apart from bricks and that is vinyl siding and wood siding. Maintaining your home’s wood or vinyl siding can keep the exterior looking great for years. While most siding require very little upkeep, regular cleaning and checkups are critical as something as simple as a tree branch or tossed frisbee can cause damage. Regular maintenance will keep your siding in Ann Arbor Michigan looking new for years and delay costly replacements.

Tips for Easy Wood and Vinyl Siding Maintenance in Ann Arbor Michigan

Bi-yearly Cleaning

Both wood siding and vinyl siding requires cleaning at least twice a year.  Siding should be cleaned by carefully using a pressure-washer. Dirt and grime can be brushed off with a soft bristle brush and mild detergent. Inspect for mold and mildew which can grow in damp, dark spaces and remove with a proper cleaner. Professional cleaners can help you understand which cleaners can be used on your vinyl siding as some solvents can compromise the shine and color of your vinyl siding and leave you home looking dingy.

Upkeep and Replacing

While siding is a low-maintenance material, regular upkeep will keep your home looking polished. Over time, vinyl siding may start to fade in color. Hiring a professional to re-paint your vinyl siding will perk up the color, but will need to be regularly re-painted.

The siding on your Ann Arbor Michigan home should be carefully examined after big storms or high winds for cracked or dented boards. Something as small as a baseball or hail hitting the siding can damage the material.  Additionally, bumping a lawnmower or bike into the walls can cause dents.  Broken siding should be replaced by a professional team such as Ann Arbor Remodeling Contractor to prevent water damage or pest from getting inside.

Wood siding requires additional maintenance. Wind and rain can cause damage to porous woods so regular painting, staining and sealing is required every 4-6 years. Loose boards or wood with insect damage should be repaired by professionals immediately to prevent further structural damage.

Additionally, wood siding in Ann Arbor Michigan will naturally expand and contract with the seasons.  This movement can cause paint to chip faster and can put stress on the siding’s caulked seams which keep moisture out. Depending on the climate, wood siding may need extra upkeep.

Replace Siding When Needed

Even regularly maintained siding will eventually need to be replaced. As a general rule, if more than half of the siding has dents, cracks or holes it should be replaced. Removing siding can be a difficult job that requires specialized equipment, especially on two story homes.  A seasoned professional at XYZ Company can safely remove old siding and install the new product without harming the moisture barrier or the structure of the house.

Find Trusted Help

While some homeowners attempt to maintain siding on their own, most builders agree hiring a professional is the smart choice. A talented professional will be able to do more than the regular cleaning and check on the moisture sealant or insulated layers within the siding. The professionals at Ann Arbor Remodeling Contractor will also be able to advise how to maintain the shine and finish of your vinyl.  Call (734) 619-1271 to lean how Ann Arbor Remodeling Contractor can help maintain your siding for years to come.