There is no doubt that there are many benefits that come along with choosing to install new exterior siding on your home. For instance, new siding can improve the curb appeal of your home, make your home more energy-efficient, and increase the overall value of your home. However, despite all the benefits that new siding has to offer, you are not likely to want to make this type of investment every few years. That is why it is important to take steps to ensure your new siding is properly maintained and ultimately provides the longest possible lifespan before needing to be replaced or undergo major repairs. The three tips outlined below can help you to accomplish this goal.
#1: Avoid The Use Of BBQ Grills Too Close To Your Home
No matter what type of building material you have chosen for your new exterior siding, you can be sure that using your BBQ grill too close to your home will result in damage. This is because even the most durable of siding will be subject to damage when exposed to high temperatures such as those that are produced by backyard grills. When using a grill outside your home, be sure to always stay at least several feet away from the side of your home in order to prevent damage to your siding and the underlying insulation.
#2: Perform Visual Inspections At Least Twice A Year
Perhaps the most important thing you can do to prolong the life of your new siding is to take a few minutes to visually inspect the siding for signs of damage at least twice a year. Identifying and repairing minor issues before they spread can keep your maintenance costs to a minimum and help to improve the overall lifespan of your siding materials.
While biannual inspections are typically sufficient, you will want to check your siding for signs of damage more often if your local area is exposed to severe weather or if you have a specific reason to believe your siding may have been recently damaged.
#3: Be Mindful Of The Plants And Fillers You Choose For Your Landscape
The type of plant life and fillers you choose for your landscaping can actually have a significant impact on the life of your new exterior siding. This is because different types of plants will attract different types of insects which can prove destructive to your siding. On the flip side, certain plants can also serve as a way of effectively keeping damaging insects away from your home. For example, using wood chips in the landscape around your home can make your home an attractive target for termites that can easily move from your landscape to your siding if you have chosen wooden shingles for your home. However, choosing to plant marigolds around your home can help to deter termites from making your home their own.
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