Clapboard Siding Maintenance

If you find damaged areas in your paint scrape them off then sand the edges smooth.

Clapboard siding maintenance.

It s best to hire a siding company or a carpenter to replace the broken sections. A mild non phosphate detergent is recommended. Inspect your home regularly to make sure the paint isn t cracking blistering or peeling. Genuine cedar siding is going to require washing and staining sealing or painting on a regular basis.

For general cleaning use a soap and water solution to scrub the siding and then wash it down. A more environmentally friendly option is vinegar which is also effective in cleaning mold. If you have mold and mildew problems you can use some bleach. Minor damage next look for more subtle telltale signs of deterioration problems such as discoloration rusted nails.

The paint that covers your siding is the most important part of protecting your clapboard siding from rain snow and the heat of the sun. Your climate and landscape will determine how often these processes are required. It s easier to replace a few damaged clapboards than to backpedal after your siding has begun to rot from moisture exposure. Choosing the right sealer.

If you d like to avoid repairs that could cost thousands of dollars and you d like to keep your clapboard shingles or board and batten lasting for decades regular upkeep and maintenance is critical. When you notice a crack or a hole from a thrown rock or even a large hailstone you ll need to get the section repaired. Caulk the end joint and prime the front of each clapboard image 3. The paint or stain coating the wood must be.

Compared to today s vinyl siding wooden clapboards are high maintenance. Allow the primer to dry and you re ready for the final coat of paint. Paint and prime the siding after the first course of siding is up image 1 you can start adding the rest slipping them under the courses above and nailing in place image 2. Wood siding is one of the most beautiful of all types of siding and one of the most expensive.

Power wash every two to four years. Dusty climates will require more frequent washing.