Clapboard Siding Maintenance

The paint or stain coating the wood must be.

Clapboard siding maintenance.

Power wash every two to four years. Minor damage next look for more subtle telltale signs of deterioration problems such as discoloration rusted nails. For general cleaning use a soap and water solution to scrub the siding and then wash it down. Your climate and landscape will determine how often these processes are required.

Inspect your home regularly to make sure the paint isn t cracking blistering or peeling. It acts as a protective barrier. Allow the primer to dry and you re ready for the final coat of paint. Paint and prime the siding after the first course of siding is up image 1 you can start adding the rest slipping them under the courses above and nailing in place image 2.

It s best to hire a siding company or a carpenter to replace the broken sections. When you notice a crack or a hole from a thrown rock or even a large hailstone you ll need to get the section repaired. Compared to today s vinyl siding wooden clapboards are high maintenance. If you d like to avoid repairs that could cost thousands of dollars and you d like to keep your clapboard shingles or board and batten lasting for decades regular upkeep and maintenance is critical.

If you have mold and mildew problems you can use some bleach. A mild non phosphate detergent is recommended. Pay special attention to siding located near the ground and at junctures where the siding meets other building materials. Caulk the end joint and prime the front of each clapboard image 3.

Wood siding is one of the most beautiful of all types of siding and one of the most expensive. Dusty climates will require more frequent washing. It s easier to replace a few damaged clapboards than to backpedal after your siding has begun to rot from moisture exposure. A more environmentally friendly option is vinegar which is also effective in cleaning mold.

You need to check the clapboard siding routinely for cracked or broken boards. If you find damaged areas in your paint scrape them off then sand the edges smooth.