The weather is warming and the days are getting longer. With the nicer weather, there’s no better time to take care of your home’s exterior. No matter what is on the exterior of your home, we have some tips for summer maintenance. Keep your home exterior looking its best with a few simple tasks.
Caring for Your Home’s Siding
Most homes feature one of the following exteriors:
- Wood Siding
- Vinyl Siding
- Brick
- Stucco
Depending on the type of exterior your home features, here are some ways to spruce it up this summer.
CARING FOR WOOD SIDING
Each summer, check your wood siding for any rotting pieces. Wood siding can be washed annually with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. If your wood siding shows signs of mildew, use a fungus treatment on affected areas.
Every five years, it’s time to repaint your wood siding. If your siding is stained as opposed to painted, keep in mind that you need to use the same stain when refreshing; stain seeps into the wood and makes it difficult to alter the color. Wood siding can benefit from a sealant, and sealing it versus painting or staining can help you keep the wood’s natural color.
CARING FOR VINYL SIDING
Be sure to check for any broken pieces in your vinyl siding, and wash off buildup on your vinyl siding each summer. Preserve the life of your siding by removing dirt, pollen, mildew, and mold.
Since summer is prime time for insects to nest, be sure to inspect your siding for unwanted guests, including termites and wasps.
If you live in an area with extreme weather variations, take some time to check your vinyl siding for warping; since this is your first line of defense against the elements, take care to make repairs as soon as possible.
CARING FOR BRICK
While brick is typically a low-maintenance option for your home’s exterior, it can benefit from some yearly TLC. Summer maintenance for brick exteriors should include an assessment for mold, crumbling, water damage and cracks in the mortar. Most repairs should be left to professionals, but as a homeowner, you can definitely tackle washing the brick to remove moss, mold, and mildew. Simply hose down your brick with water, and then clean with a simple bleach solution with a scrub brush.
CARING FOR STUCCO
Stucco is one of the most durable home exteriors, and it is also extremely low maintenance. Stucco can be cleaned each summer with a mild solution; just be sure to wet the exterior thoroughly beforehand. Not sure how to tell if your stucco needs repairs due to mold or mildew? Read how to inspect your stucco here or call a Burbach professional to check it out for you.
CARING FOR JAMES HARDIE BOARD
James Hardie Board is a siding composed of cement fibers, sand, water, and cellulose wood fibers. As a result, it offers a material that withstands the tests of time. James Hardie developed this siding option, which can be cleaned with water, mild detergent and a soft-bristled brush or a rag. If you currently have a siding that’s simply too difficult to care for each year, we’d recommend an exterior remodel with James Hardie siding.
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR SIDING
Year-round there are a number of ways you can protect your home’s siding and potentially reduce your annual maintenance. Ensure you have rain gutters installed to divert water runoff. Directing water away from your home can prevent dirt from being splashed back onto your siding. If you see crumbling, stress-related cracks, or shifting of exterior materials, it’s time to contact the team at Burbach to make necessary repairs!
