HOME
TESTIMONIALS
CONTACT ME
ENVIRONMENTAL
HOME MAINTENANCE
LINKS
|
SIDING MAINTENANCE TIPS
MAINTENANCE TIPS FOR ALL SIDING
- Check the siding annually for mold, moss and fungus growth and chemically treat to kill
the spores. See recommendations by manufacturer of the siding for proper chemical
to use.
- Make sure that all wood protrusions in the siding material over protected by flashing and
install flashing if needed.
- Check for damaged or rotted siding annually and repair/replace as needed.
- Maintain a 6 to 8 inch clearance between the ground and any wood siding or framing
material. Wood materials on the home touching the ground can attract wood destroying
insects.
- Maintain a 12 to 24 inch clearance between the home and any trees or vegetation. Trees
or vegetation touching the siding material, trim or roof can cause damage as they move back and
forth with the wind. Vegetation can hold moisture against any exterior wood members and
cause the wood members to rot or swell.
- Caulk all open joints between the siding material and any dissimilar material.
MAINTENANCE TIPS FOR ALL WOOD AND COMPOSITE SIDING
- Always use a paintable caulk.
- Caulk any overdriven nail heads.
- Caulking any open siding abutment joints where the siding abuts other vertical siding
joints or next to windows, doors and trim.
MAINTENANCE TIPS FOR PRESSED WOOD SIDING
- Paint the siding every 3 to 4 years. Apply a thick coat of paint to the drip edge
(bottom edge).
- Check the drip edge (bottom edge) of the siding boards for checking (cracking) and mold/fungus.
Apply a thick coat of paint the drip edge for all siding boards with minor checking to
properly seal the siding. Replace all siding boards that have mold/fungus spores growing
out of the drip edge.
- Replace all siding boards with major swelling or wood rot. Pay special attention to the
chimney area and next to the end cap of gutters. This is typically the first place that
pressed wood siding to deteriorate.
- Some of the hardboard sidings currently have litigation against them for non-performance
of the siding material. The inspector recommends contacting the siding manufacturer to
determine if there is any litigation on the siding material. An Atlanta based company that
can be found at website www.claimsourceone.com can identify your siding material and
handle the entire claim process for a percentage of the recovery(usually around 30%).
MAINTENANCE TIPS FOR WOOD SIDING
- Paint the siding material every 4 to 5 years.
- Seal any knot holes in siding with an exterior wood filler. A backer screen may be needed
for large knot holes.
- Caulk any minor splits in the siding boards and replace any siding board with major
splitting.
- Replace all siding boards with major curling.
MAINTENANCE TIPS FOR FIBER-CEMENT (HARDI-PLANK) SIDING
- Paint the siding material every 5 to 7 years.
- Caulk and overdriven nail heads and install a new nail next to the overdriven nail.
MAINTENANCE TIPS FOR HARDCOAT STUCCO
- Caulk all open joints between the stucco and any dissimilar material. If the stucco
is going to be painted, a paintable caulk should be used.
- Hairline cracks will develop in hard coat stucco. Hairline cracks are considered to be
a cosmetic issue and do not require sealing. All cracks larger than hairline should be
sealed or repaired by a qualified stucco contractor.
- Your pest control company may require a 6 inch clearance between the stucco and the
ground.
MAINTENANCE TIPS FOR EIFS (SYNTHETIC) STUCCO
- Caulk all open joints between the stucco and any dissimilar material on a regular basis.
Check for open stucco joints every 6 months.
If the stucco is going to be painted, a paintable caulk should be used.
- Moisture does not drain well if it gets behind the synthetic stucco. This can lead to
rotting issues with the substrate and the wall framing. Have the stucco inspected and
tested for moisture content by a qualified stucco expert to determine if any corrective
measures may be needed.
- Provide a 6 inch clearance between the stucco and the ground. If the synthetic is below
the ground or too close to the ground, this can allow a path for wood destroying insects
to the wall framing.
MAINTENANCE TIPS FOR BRICK AND STONE VENEER
- Check the mortar for deterioration and voids annually and repoint as needed.
- Check and caulk all joints between the masonry veneer and any dissimilar material
on an annual basis.
- Check for loose stones in stone veneer annually and repair as needed.
- Check for settlement of the masonry veneer annually. Seal any minor cracks in the
masonry veneer and monitor for continuing movement. Have qualified professional evaluate
any large cracks in the masonry veneer.
MAINTENANCE TIPS FOR WOOD SHINGLES AND SHAKES
- Check and caulk all vertical joints between the shingles and the trim on an annual
basis.
- Check for and replace any split shingles or shakes annually.
- Replace any shingles and shakes with major curling.
- Paint or stain the wood shingles and shakes every 2 to 3 years. A wood preservative can
also be used every 2 years.
|
HOME PAGE
|
