If your home’s siding has started to fade and look dingy, you might have started thinking about replacing it in the near future. In certain cases, this is necessary, but in others, siding can be rejuvenated using other, less costly methods. As you read the remainder of this guide, you will discover a few options for various sorts of siding. Remember, you don’t have to try all of the methods outlined here, but at least one of them is likely to be a viable solution for your situation.
Give vinyl siding a good cleaning
Vinyl, perhaps more than any other siding material, tends to start looking dingy and dirty over time. Vinyl is even susceptible to staining from mildew, rain, and even rust. If you give your home’s vinyl exterior a good cleaning, you might be surprised to discover that the siding boards weren’t actually faded, but merely covered in grime! This happens more frequently than you probably expect.
To clean vinyl siding, you will first need to mix an effective cleaning solution. The two best options are seven parts vinegar with three parts water or a quart of bleach, a gallon of water, and ⅓ cup of your preferred laundry detergent. Put your cleaner in a spray bottle and spray your home from the top down for best results. Scrub each vinyl siding board with a soft-bristled brush as you go. If you don’t have time to do this on your own, there are Carolina companies that will clean siding for you.
Repaint wood siding
Unless wood siding boards are beginning to rot or warp, there is usually no reason to replace them. All wood siding has to be repainted or re-stained every year or two. If you are going to repaint your siding without the assistance of a professional exterior painting service, it is crucial to properly prep the exterior of your North Carolina residence. This means scrapping all old paint off so the new layer will be even and wiping down all of the siding so it is clean at the start of your project.
It is also essential to invest in high-quality exterior paint. If you have questions about which brands offer the best product lines, you should consult with a salesperson at a local home improvement store or call a qualified Carolina contractor for assistance. Online research can also help you eliminate certain paint options; if a particular product has poor reviews across the board, you probably don’t want to risk using it.
Consider a restoration product
There are plenty of purported siding restoration products on the market today. Some homeowners have great success with these, while others find that they don’t make a difference whatsoever. In certain cases, it seems that people get what they pay for in regard to restoration goods. Professional grade 5-gallon buckets, for instance, often cost upwards of $400, but typically have the best results. If you’re thinking about going this route, it is generally best to let an expert tackle the project for you.
If you have tried to clean or restore your home’s siding and still aren’t happy with it’s appearance, the team at Hatch Homes would be happy to discuss new siding installation with you at your earliest convenience. We install a variety of materials, including vinyl and fiber cement, so we can handle your project no matter what you have in mind. We are also here to answer any questions you may have about our pricing and our service philosophy.