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Vinyl siding is an easy way to beautify and protect your home’s exterior. This siding option is known for its affordability and ease of maintenance. There are a few simple ways you can maximize its life span. Just follow the do’s and don’ts listed below.

Do:

Wash annually.

Vinyl siding is convenient because it requires very little maintenance—you should just clean it once a year to remove dirt and grime. When you do, avoid powerful chemical cleaners that could discolor the siding, and use gentle cleaning tools to avoid scratching. Even mild cleaning solutions should be tested in an inconspicuous area to determine whether discoloration occurs.

Trim any vegetation.

sidingWell-kept shrubbery doesn’t just look great—it also prevents damage to your vinyl siding. Trees that grow close to your home can also be an issue, as branches can bang against the siding during storms and cause cracks. Trim trees and bushes each spring to keep your vinyl siding safe. You’ll also encourage shapely growth in your trees and bushes when you do.

Don’t

Paint the vinyl yourself.

If your siding is older and starting to look a little dingy, you might be tempted to freshen it up with a coat of paint. However, vinyl siding is designed to shrink and expand with temperature fluctuations, so if you paint during the summer, the vinyl will cool and shrink in the fall, exposing unpainted areas.

Additionally, painting vinyl requires careful preparation and primer for the job to be successful. If you’re set on having your vinyl painted, have a siding contractor perform the job.

Put your grill too close to the house.

Grilling is one of summer’s great pleasures, but it gives off a lot of heat, so it should be kept at least ten feet away from vinyl siding. Otherwise, extreme heat can cause the vinyl siding to warp, melt, or discolor. Play it safe and always move the grill away from your home when you’re firing it up.

 

Even with attentive maintenance, you’ll eventually need to replace your vinyl siding. When you do, give the team at Link's Contracting a call. For over 17 years, they’ve served homeowners throughout Wisconsin Rapids, WI, with roofing, siding, gutter, window, and deck installations. Visit their website to learn more or call (715) 424-5465 for a project consultation.

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