The exterior of your home requires regular maintenance to prevent future potential problems. The good news — a lot of that maintenance is fairly easy. With regular cleaning and occasional resealing, you can maintain your siding in good condition and extend its lifespan. However, keep in mind that there are situations where you’ll need to call a professional. Let’s talk about exterior home maintenance.
Keep vinyl siding clean and sealed.
Vinyl is low-maintenance, but it should still be cleaned at least once a year. You can scrub away dirt or mildew with a soft brush and rinse the surface with a garden hose. If there are still any stains, brush them with dish soap.
Check the gaps around windows.
The caulk around openings, such as windows and doors, tends to break down over time. Vinyl siding isn’t sealed on its own, so it’s important to keep it caulked to ensure proper exterior home maintenance is being done to protect your home from water damage
Brush and rinse the brick.
Brick veneer looks beautiful and holds up well (for up to 100 years), but grime will build up over time. Brick is a porous material, meaning it absorbs water, so mold is a concern.
To clean a brick, start by brushing it and wiping away dirt. If you need something heavier-duty, diluted laundry detergent works well. Specialty masonry cleaners will also do the trick.
White stains are a sign of “efflorescence.”
Those white streaks, called efflorescence, are a natural salt deposit. They’re not dangerous, but can be a sign of moisture problems within the bricks. You can usually remove efflorescence with a brush, but if it comes back, it’s worth getting checked out.
Maintain stone with gentle cleaning and regular checks.
Stone veneer is similar to brick, so diluted detergent is a solid cleaner. Avoid pressure washing, though, since it can damage the mortar.
Seal porous stone to protect it.
Natural stones like limestone need to be sealed to block moisture and prevent weathering. Depending on the stone, you may need to reseal every few years.
Fix chips before they spread.
Small issues like chips can be patched with stone adhesives. But if you see cracks forming on the outside of your home, it’s time to call in reinforcements.
Sometimes you need a pro.
Unfortunately, there are certain issues you won’t be able to repair on your own. A professional contractor has the expertise to identify and fix root causes before your home is compromised. Take a look below. If we get to this point, it’s actually cheaper to re-side your house from scratch.
Water damage requires immediate attention.
If you notice cracked mortar, sagging siding, or other signs of water intrusion, it’s time for an inspection. Moisture under the surface can lead to mold and serious structural damage if left untreated.
Siding that isn’t flush along a wall needs a contractor.
Siding should never be pulled away from the wall. Usually, it means the material beneath is compromised, either due to water damage or improper installation. Either way, you’ll want a contractor to take a look.
Cracked or crumbling siding also needs attention.
Even small cracks can be a sign of deeper problems, such as water intrusion or structural damage, and may require a professional inspection. The same goes for crumbling brick, which is caused by freeze-thaw cycles or bad drainage.
Juno Construction Group can help.
We’ll help you decide whether it’s time for a repair or a full replacement. And if you do need a replacement, we’ll take care of that, too.
Contact us today for a free inspection.
