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Up on the Rooftop

Dos and Don'ts of Caring for Wood Siding

12 October 2020

Lori Silva

Wood siding is not only classically beautiful it is also one of the most eco-friendly siding choices. If you choose natural wood siding or recently purchased a home with wood siding, you should know how to care for your siding properly. This can minimize the potential for damage and help ensure your investment looks amazing for years to come.

Here are a few simple dos and don'ts to help you maintain your elegant wood siding.

Do Clean Your Siding Correctly

Over time and exposure to the elements, it is not uncommon for your wood siding to look dingy and in need of a thorough cleaning. In addition to improving the look of your wood siding, cleaning the siding can help prevent any major damage to the wood. Here are a few steps to help you easily clean your wood siding:

• Rinse your siding with a garden hose. With a garden hose sprayer attachment, dampen the wood siding starting from the roof line and working your way down. Rinsing the siding will help loosen and remove dirt and debris.
• Wash the siding with a wood cleaner. Using a large mop or long handled brush, wash off the siding with a product designed for use on wood siding. Follow the package directions.
• Rinse off the siding. Starting at the roof line, rinse off the wood siding cleaner. Make note of any stains that you couldn't remove with the wood siding cleaner or damage.

Protect any plants or shrubs around your home's perimeter by covering them with plastic sheets.

Don't Allow Your Sealant to Completely Fade

Protecting your wood siding with sealant is the most effective way to prevent damage while making your wood siding look amazing. There are three typical sealants used to protect wood siding: a clear sealant, stain, and paint. No matter what of sealant you choose, the sealant should be touched up or completely replaced on your wood siding at least every five years.

Keep an eye on your wood siding and when you notice severe paint loss or chips, the clear sealant is being severely eroded or the stain is beginning to wear, it is time to contact a professional to have a new layer of sealant applied on your wood siding.

Do Learn How to Remove Common Stains

Like all types of siding, your wood siding is susceptible to staining, particularly mildew and rust. Luckily, these stains are typically easy to remove. For example, to eliminate mildew stains, choose a product that is specially formulated for use on mildew or you can create your own mildew cleaner by combining either white vinegar and water or bleach and water.

For rust stains, there are also commercial products available. When removing rust stains, make sure to wear gloves and goggles as the product can be irritating if the product gets on your hands or in your eyes.

To clean either rust or mildew stains, work the specified product into the stains with a soft bristled brush. Rinse away the product and continue to work the product into the stains until it is completely removed.

Don't Allow Preventable Damage to Occur

Finally, there are several things you can do to prevent structural damage to your wood siding. For example, trim away any branches that rub against your siding or that could fall during a storm and damage your siding. Be careful when you mow your lawn that you do not accidentally hit the siding or throw a rock or twig with the mower and hit the siding.

From preventing damage to removing stains and performing regular cleanings, there are several dos and don'ts to keep in mind. Contact companies like Select Exteriors to learn more about siding. 

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