Wood siding is popular with homeowners because of its low initial cost for materials and installation. However, many consumers end up being disappointed at how quickly this material degrades. This often happens because the siding was not installed with an eye toward length of service. A wood exterior can actually last for several decades if it is properly installed and maintained.

There are several things you can do during the installation process to significantly increase the lifespan of your wood façade. Keeping moisture out is the #1 challenge. Prime and paint each piece of siding (including the cut edges) before nailing them to your house. This ensures the full surface is more resistant to water - not just the part you can see.

Ongoing Maintenance

Check caulking, flashing, and nailed areas a couple of times per year for signs of deterioration. Basically, any area where bare wood might exposed to moisture or insects can pose a problem. Keep tree branches pruned away from the sides of your house as well as the roof. Even small twigs can tear up wood siding when the wind blows them against your home.

Unlike vinyl, wood siding has to be repainted regularly. That could mean every 4-5 years depending on how much wear and tear the weather causes in your area. Choose a high quality exterior paint that is designed for the type of wood you have installed. Clean your siding and allow it to dry before you apply new paint. If the former coat is glossy, use sandpaper to add some texture. This will help the fresh coat of paint adhere properly.

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This entry was posted on Friday, November 20th, 2009 at 8:10 am and is filed under Siding. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.