Wood siding is popular and for a good reason. It looks great, is easy to install, and you can easily replace a piece later on without affecting the overall appearance. One of the main downsides of wood siding is that it needs some regular maintenance. Wood siding is definitely not maintenance-free siding.
Wood siding does not last as long as some other types of siding, but even so, it can often last somewhere between 20 and 40 years. With good and regular maintenance, you should be at the upper end of the spectrum. Wood siding must also be painted or stained, and that can be viewed as either a positive or a negative as you could change colors if you wanted to. Some people leave the natural wood finish with protective coatings, but that must be maintained as well.
A big part of keeping wood siding in good shape is keeping it clean, which is part of a solid maintenance plan. It is possible to pressure wash wood siding, but you can also damage wood siding if the pressure washer is on a high setting or you aren’t careful. This is why you should consider hiring a professional pressure washing crew to help you care for your wood siding.
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Cleaning wood siding
A high-pressure power washer can dent metal, and on wood, it can force water under the surface, which can damage a piece of wood siding. It can also damage whatever is under the wood siding and potentially cause mold. So it is possible, but it should only be done if you understand how to use a pressure washer or by a highly trained pressure washing crew.
You might save a little money trying to pressure wash your wood siding yourself, but professional pressure washing crews are equipped, trained, and skilled at using all kinds of equipment and know just how much water pressure is appropriate for each circumstance. Professional pressure washing crews can ensure your wood siding is not damaged while it is being cleaned.
Wood siding may need to be treated or repainted roughly every five years, depending on where you live and weather conditions. Bright sun and weather extremes can make your wood siding need more frequent care and maintenance. When wood siding starts to look dingy, it should be cleaned by professional pressure washers. Many homeowners will hire a pressure washing crew annually, along with window washing and gutter cleaning. Having your home cleaned from top to bottom by trained professionals will leave it looking fantastic!
Impact of Gutters on Wood Siding
Keeping your gutters clean is also an essential part of home maintenance, and it is crucial if you have wood siding. Gutters should be cleaned twice per year in most cases. Again, it is a matter of convenience and overall cost that makes hiring a professional gutter cleaning crew sensible. Don’t risk injury on a ladder when professional gutter cleaners can do it more safely.
If gutters get full or get clogged, it can cause standing water to develop and won’t keep water off your house, with the potential for water to seep into your house. This is why gutter maintenance is an essential part of wood siding maintenance.
Insects and Damage With Wood Siding
Wood siding is a natural product, so it naturally attracts insects, birds, and critters. Depending on where you live, you may need termite treatment, but many other kinds of bugs can cause problems for your wood siding. Sometimes woodpeckers and other birds are attracted to wood siding, and they can do more damage faster than insects can. Often this damage begins as an aesthetic issue, but eventually, it will affect the whole piece, and there can be structural issues if the damaged wood siding is left untreated.
Wood siding is designed to look good, and because it has some protection added, it can look perfect for a long time. This might make you think maintenance isn’t needed, but that would an incorrect assumption that can cost you in the long run. By the time you see it getting stained or marred, the damage is done, and you may have to replace some of the wood siding.
Maintenance such as pressure washing, and gutter cleaning, keep your wood siding looking pristine for a very long time. It can take a long time for damage to show, but with good maintenance, that damage will hopefully never get the chance to develop.
Inspect Wood Siding For Damage and Issues
Keep an eye on your wood siding. It is designed to last for many years and will if properly maintained. Take a close look around the edges, under the eaves, and along seams every few months. You should always inspect wood siding after a harsh spell of weather, especially hail and wind, to spot any signs of trouble or damage. Pay attention to how the paint is holding up each year as well.
Contact a professional pressure washing crew in your area to set up maintenance and inspections regularly. Your home is a considerable investment, and maintaining your wood siding, windows, doors, and other aspects of your house will help the value grow and make it last a very long time.
Schedule Your Pressure Washing Appointment Today!