If the idea of shoveling snow, navigating icy roads, and wearing four layers makes you shiver, you’re not alone. Even though braving the winter weather each day can be a stressful experience, coming home shouldn’t be.
Winter in Indianapolis is one of the most difficult seasons to maintain the exterior of your home due to the rain, snow, and wind that cause home deterioration over time. This exterior damage to your home can cause unnecessary stress and embarrassment. At JD Hostetter, we understand that your home is not only a place that you live in, but is one of your biggest investments, which is why you want to take care of it with quality services from a trusted contractor.
For over 15 years, we have helped Indianapolis homeowners fall in love with their homes all over again by providing quality siding and exterior services that can help your home to withstand the winter weather. We’ve created a list for you with tips on how to maintain and care for your siding this winter, because you deserve to have a home that you are proud to live in.
Different Siding Options
The siding on your home is probably one of three types: wood, vinyl, or fiber cement. Each of these three types of siding are susceptible to damage in winter weather and face their own unique maintenance challenges. Here’s what you can do to care for each type of siding this winter.
1. Wood Siding
Wood siding is a popular choice amongst homeowners due to its beautiful appearance. However, wood siding is susceptible to rotting, which means that it requires a reasonable amount of maintenance. Here are some tips for maintaining wood siding in the winter months:
- Wood siding is vulnerable to water, which means that the rain, sleet, and snow storms during the winter months can seriously damage it. In order to prevent water damage from ruining your siding, it is crucial to seal the wood with paint, stain, or sealer. A clear sealer should be reapplied to your wood siding every two years, and fresh paint should be applied every five years.
- If you see paint peeling on the side of your home, that is usually a good indication that the wood beneath it is rotting. If this is the case for you, hire a siding contractor to remove the rotting wood so that they are able to help you keep the rest of your siding intact.
2. Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding, unlike wood siding, requires little maintenance. However, your vinyl siding should be frequently monitored in order to ensure it stays in great shape. Here are some ways to monitor and maintain your vinyl siding:
- If your vinyl siding looks chalky, it may be time to clean or replace your siding. Vinyl siding should be cleaned by power washing at least twice a year. If power washing your vinyl siding does not remove the chalky texture, it may mean the finish on your siding has worn out and it is time for a replacement.
- Vinyl siding does not dent, but it can crack or break. Be sure to avoid accidently hitting your siding with winter tools and equipment, such as snow shovels or sleds. If your vinyl siding does break, be sure to repair it as soon as possible.
3. Fiber Cement Siding
Made from a mix of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers, fiber cement siding is one of the most weather-resistant, low maintenance, and durable options on the market. Though it requires less maintenance than both wood and vinyl siding, fiber cement siding should still be monitored, especially in the winter months:
- When re-painting your siding, try to avoid the winter months. Fiber cement siding should not be painted in temperatures below 50 degrees.
- Gaps in caulking can affect the heat retention in your home, causing utility bills to rise, especially during the cold winter months. To reduce the price of your utility bills this winter, be sure to check for gaps in the caulking and repair them.
- You should remove dirt, dust, mold, debris, and other buildup that accumulates on your siding regularly. In winter weather, dirt and debris may be frequently present on your siding due to drifts of snow pressing up against your house. To clean your fiber cement siding from dirt and debris, simply use a soft, wet cloth to remove the dirt, and rinse again with clean water.
Why You Should Use a J.D. Hostetter Certified Contractor to Complete Your Siding Project
Even when working hard to maintain your siding, your home is still susceptible to deterioration and damage over time that may be too overwhelming to handle on your own. If you would like help cleaning your siding or help with other siding services, request a FREE Estimate today! Once you schedule your project with us, our team of elite, certified contractors will complete your siding project quickly and efficiently.
Don’t spend any more time being stressed about coming home this winter. Let us help you to have a beautiful home exterior that you love coming home to each day.
