If you’re like most homeowners, you opted for vinyl siding because it’s low maintenance. That doesn’t mean it is completely maintenance free. To keep your vinyl siding looking new for years to come, The Old Farmer’s Almanac recommends following these five maintenance tips:
- Rinse It: At least once a year, use your garden hose to spray down every inch of your vinyl siding. The whole process takes less than an hour or two, but reaps big dividends when it comes to eliminating grime and dirt that can build up over time causing your siding to look old before its time.
- Don’t Bash It: While vinyl siding won’t dent like other siding materials, it can crack or break especially during Texas’s cold winters. Take care when using and storing your lawnmower, snowblower or bicycle near your siding. If you do crack or break an area, replace it immediately to avoid further damage.
- Inspect It: Vinyl siding can conceal leaks and other moisture-related issues. Be sure to periodically inspect your siding for streaking or staining that could be a warning sign of deeper issues.
- Don’t Burn It: Because of its low melting point, vinyl siding is slow to burn. That means if you park your barbecue grill too close to your siding you could notice melted patches the day after grilling. Be safe and smart and keep your grill and other heat sources a safe distance from your siding.
- Paint It: While most homeowners buy it to avoid painting, you can paint vinyl siding. Doing so may help you delay residing your home if your existing vinyl siding is faded.
