Summer is also the time when your house will be exposed to the heat, humidity, dirt, and strong UV rays more than any other season. The low-maintenance and sturdy vinyl siding, although it requires minimal maintenance, also has its own seasonal tips for maintenance. There are tips for vinyl siding maintenance to retain its beauty, appearance, and protective quality.
There’s no complicated process or specialized equipment that you need to maintain your vinyl siding this summer. A small amount of attention now can avoid much more expensive faded, moldy, stained, and damaged vinyl later. It doesn’t matter if the vinyl is brand new or if it’s been in the house for years; taking the steps to maintain it properly will increase the life of your home and the beauty of it.
Why Summer Maintenance Matters for Vinyl Siding
Summer weather can affect your siding over time. UV exposure is going to fade color from materials over time, humidity will encourage mold growth, and storms will not only leave a film on surfaces, but also trash, and stains can be evident. Vinyl siding is made to deal with weather, but it will wear and look aged sooner without proper care. This is one of the reasons why vinyl siding remains a popular choice for homeowners, especially in areas with changing seasonal conditions.
This will be much more apparent during the summer months due to less snow and ice coverings of areas where problems are developing, and due to the fact that much of it is visible to the homeowner. Cracks, loose materials, water damage, and mold could go unnoticed until they become major financial issues.
A few seasonal habits can help your siding continue to protect your home while maintaining that clean, polished look.
Vinyl Siding Maintenance Tips for Summer
Start With a Gentle Summer Cleaning
Washing your vinyl siding, at least once during the summer, is another one of those basic vinyl siding maintenance steps. Dust, pollen, bird droppings, and general gunk will settle into your siding throughout the summer and will dull the look of your siding over the long haul. Typically, the least expensive and easiest way to wash is with water and a mild solution of dish soap.
Once this has been done, you can wash down and remove any grit or dirt with a cloth, soft-bristled brush, or a sponge. Never use a stiff brush, or you risk scratching the vinyl. If using a hosepipe, then always spray down away from the lap seams.
Pressure washers can be used, but great care needs to be taken. Too much pressure, or a bad spray direction, can force water underneath the siding and cause dampness to enter the structure of your home. Having the siding cleaned also gives you an opportunity to check for underlying cracks, warps, or damage that may have previously been hidden.
Inspect for Heat and Sun Damage
In hot summer weather, vinyl siding sometimes fails due to exposure to long periods of direct sunlight, especially if you are in a house that is exposed to a lot of sun. Although modern siding materials are designed to last, sometimes they will warp or fade as a result of extreme temperatures. Homeowners often notice these issues during seasonal inspections, and Advantage Home Exteriors can help identify whether the siding needs simple repairs or more extensive attention.
Take a walk around your house and inspect for any bent, loose, or discolored panels. Special emphasis should be given to walls that receive direct afternoon sunlight. Early detection helps in repairs and to avoid further damage. It’s definitely a necessary task in the maintenance of vinyl siding, because little issues can easily become more noticeable if not addressed throughout the season.
Watch for Mold, Mildew, and Moisture
When mold and mildew can form, it is due to warm temperatures and humidity. This is particularly prevalent in shady areas of the house or places where water does not evaporate rapidly.
If you see green, black, or dark stains beginning to appear on your siding, you should get them cleaned as soon as possible. Generally, mildew buildup can be cleaned off with a mild cleaning solution before it gets spread.
Also, look around your downspouts and gutters. It could lead to damage to the siding over a period of time from the moist surroundings. Drainage through your vinyl siding will also play an integral part in maintaining vinyl siding, especially when dealing with the summer storms.
Trim Trees and Landscaping Around the House
Homeowners often don’t know the role landscaping plays with the summer siding issues. Tall bushes and branches may result in rugged edges to the sides of your home, as well as pools of water around the house.
Routine trimming will also help the plants to dry off more rapidly after precipitation or irrigation, as well as maintain air circulation around the siding more effectively. This will also reduce the risk of insects and pests burrowing close to the house’s exterior. Adding a section on landscaping maintenance to the list of vinyl siding maintenance strategies will not only keep your vinyl siding investment protected but will also ensure that your house looks presentable.
Check Gutters and Drainage Systems
Your siding and gutters are working simultaneously to keep your home protected. When the gutters get blocked by leaves and debris build up, they often divert the water over and onto the house siding. Over and over, stains and mildew may form, or even hidden moisture damage might be present.
One of the better times of year to make sure water is getting out and away from the house correctly is the summer. This will ensure siding looks nice and lasts, as well as not unnecessarily exposing siding to moisture.
Be Careful With Heat Sources
Many homeowners don’t realize that one of the summer maintenance needs is to make sure heat-generating equipment stays away from vinyl siding. Siding materials can be damaged by barbecue, fire pit, grill, and even reflected sunlight from windows.
In higher temperatures, some portions may warp or melt. Keeping your grill away from reflective surfaces, as well as keeping it at a distance, will alleviate any damage needing to be repaired. This small step will assist your vinyl siding look new.
Schedule Minor Repairs Before They Grow
Even though it’s summer this can be a good opportunity to repair any loose siding, holes, gaps or cracks that you notice during your inspection. The warm weather will help the repairs to proceed nicely as well as prevent moisture from behind the siding. In some cases, homeowners may wonder whether a quick fix is enough or if the damage calls for a larger solution, making it important to understand when siding repair is enough and when replacement may be the better option.
Putting off small repairs may lead to larger problems in the rainy season or during cooler weather. Repairs are not only to help protect your home, but they will also help keep your home looking good.
Final Thoughts
Vinyl siding has a reason for being popular as it’s durable, requires minimal maintenance, and promises a high return on investment for the curb appeal. But seasonal care is important. The slightest cleaning and preventative maintenance will help to keep the outside of your house fresh throughout the summer months.
Vinyl siding maintenance will also work very well through consistency. This would mean making sure to deal with weather-related elements of heat and moisture, landscaping, and even smaller repair needs so that a large problem can be avoided. You can extend the life of your vinyl siding and ensure it looks and stays looking good for years to come with regular vinyl siding maintenance.
Looking for expert siding contractors in Gaithersburg, MD? Contact us to get professional vinyl siding maintenance, and expert guidance to keep your home protected all summer long.