If you've opted to install wood siding on your home, it's important that you know how to care for it. Proper care will allow you to preserve that rich, natural appearance of the wood without the risk of environmental damage. Here are some tips to help you take care of your new wood siding from the start.
Treating It For Long-Term Protection
Wood siding needs to be treated with a stain, sealant, or paint to protect it from the wear and tear that weather and exposure can cause. If you don't do this, your wood siding will be susceptible to moisture damage, decay and other problems.
If you opt for paint, you'll have to reapply the paint every couple of years to keep it looking good. Otherwise, you may find that the finish starts to chip and peel, which can be unsightly. Stain, on the other hand, absorbs into the wood. That makes it last longer. You can find stains in many different colors, including shades that match the natural wood tone.
Keeping It Clean
Wood siding is vulnerable to decay and discoloration from prolonged exposure to dirt and other debris. Keep the wood clean with a soft-bristled brush and warm water mixed with a mild detergent. Work in small areas so that you can be attentive to detail. Rinse the siding with a hose when you're done cleaning it. Doing this a couple of times a year will keep it clean.
If you notice the presence of any black spots or stains on the wood, that may be an indication of mildew growth. To get rid of it, you'll need a mixture of water and bleach to clean it off. Once you've scrubbed the surface with the solution and a stiff brush, you need to rinse the whole area with a hose. This keeps the bleach in the mixture from discoloring the wood. The same mixture works well to get rid of any rust stains that may be caused by the nails in the siding.
Giving It A Facelift
If your siding suffers any wear or discoloration, you'll need to do some restoration to bring back its vibrance and natural beauty. To do this, you'll need to sand away the surface of the wood using either a power sander or sand blaster. Once you've removed the surface layer, you can stain or paint the wood the way that you did initially. You can do the same thing if you decide to change the finish, such as if you paint the wood and then decide you want to stain it.
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