Clapboard Siding Maintenance

Your climate and landscape will determine how often these processes are required.

Clapboard siding maintenance.

Compared to today s vinyl siding wooden clapboards are high maintenance. Dusty climates will require more frequent washing. A mild non phosphate detergent is recommended. A more environmentally friendly option is vinegar which is also effective in cleaning mold.

If you find damaged areas in your paint scrape them off then sand the edges smooth. 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. If you have mold and mildew problems you can use some bleach. The paint or stain coating the wood must be.

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. Power wash every two to four years. Caulk the end joint and prime the front of each clapboard image 3. Pay special attention to siding located near the ground and at junctures where the siding meets other building materials.

It s best to hire a siding company or a carpenter to replace the broken sections. It acts as a protective barrier. For general cleaning use a soap and water solution to scrub the siding and then wash it down. 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.

Minor damage next look for more subtle telltale signs of deterioration problems such as discoloration rusted nails. Inspect your home regularly to make sure the paint isn t cracking blistering or peeling. Wood siding is one of the most beautiful of all types of siding and one of the most expensive. It s easier to replace a few damaged clapboards than to backpedal after your siding has begun to rot from moisture exposure.

Genuine cedar siding is going to require washing and staining sealing or painting on a regular basis. Choosing the right sealer.