Clapboard Siding Maintenance

A mild non phosphate detergent is recommended.

Clapboard siding maintenance. Choosing the right sealer. For general cleaning use a soap and water solution to scrub the siding and then wash it down. 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. 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.

It s best to hire a siding company or a carpenter to replace the broken sections. The paint or stain coating the wood must be. Caulk the end joint and prime the front of each clapboard image 3. Genuine cedar siding is going to require washing and staining sealing or painting on a regular basis.

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. Compared to today s vinyl siding wooden clapboards are high maintenance. A more environmentally friendly option is vinegar which is also effective in cleaning mold. It acts as a protective barrier.

Minor damage next look for more subtle telltale signs of deterioration problems such as discoloration rusted nails. Your climate and landscape will determine how often these processes are required. 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. If you find damaged areas in your paint scrape them off then sand the edges smooth.

Inspect your home regularly to make sure the paint isn t cracking blistering or peeling. Pay special attention to siding located near the ground and at junctures where the siding meets other building materials. 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.

It s easier to replace a few damaged clapboards than to backpedal after your siding has begun to rot from moisture exposure. Dusty climates will require more frequent washing.