You want to keep your Raleigh siding looking fabulous for the life of your home. A staple since the 1960s, vinyl siding is the most popular siding due to its versatility, its price, and low maintenance factor. On top of that, you can have any number of profiles to give your home some personality.
Vinyl siding is a great option, whether you have it installed or as a summer project for your family handyman. What are some tips for keeping your siding looking tip-top, from the time it is installed forward? Well, read on for some tips for a beautiful installation and for keeping your siding looking impeccable!
1. Wider Starter Strips
While it costs a bit more, using a wider starter strip can help protect your siding from the beginning. All siding should start at least one inch lower than the top of the foundation, but can ideally be started lower. If investing in the more expensive 3-1/2 inch strip you can start your siding a little lower, offering more protection from pests, snow, and storms.
2. J-channel Overlap
Rainwater will get into the J-channels that are above windows and doors, there’s no way to stop it. You can, however, stop it from getting into the side J channels. Simply cut a flap into your top J-channel that overlaps with your side channels.
3. Flash Your Windows
Before you install your side J-channels, use felt paper to create some flashing and nail it down at the bottom window corners. And, if you overlap it with the row of siding below the window, water flowing inside your J-channels will exit out of the weep holes as intended. Do this to keep any water from getting under your siding!
4. Never Use Harsh Chemicals to Clean
When cleaning your vinyl siding, you never want to use chemicals such as paint thinner, paint remover, or furniture cleaner. Use a mixture of non-abrasive soap and water for tough stains, or those stubborn spots, grab a nylon scrubber and a non-abrasive bathroom cleaner. If you spot mold or mildew, then add one part bleach to four parts water to take care of them, then rinse well while the siding is still wet.
5. Keep Your Trees Trimmed
Vinyl siding is durable but keeping potential damage away will go a long way at increasing said durability. If your house has trees or bushes close to it, keep the branches clear of the siding, to stop them from rubbing against it. This also has the added benefit of keeping small animals away from your roof and needing to call for certified siding repairs!
Beautiful Raleigh Siding
Keeping your Raleigh siding gorgeous after installation is simple if you add a few small tricks while putting it up. These tricks add up to keep your vinyl siding the best it can be for years to come and help prevent other damage from harming your home. An ounce of prevention keeps your siding impeccable for a long time!
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