The primary purpose of your siding is to protect your home. The siding on your home, when installed correctly, will keep your house warm during the winter and prevent mildew and mold from damaging it.
However, your siding’s primary weakness is water, which could cause damage to your home. The water from rain, snow, and ice could soften and warp the wall and ceiling wood if it slips through the slats. You may not notice siding damage until it is time to replace your siding because it covers your home’s exterior.
Learn how to protect siding from water damage in this blog post from our residential siding replacement experts.
Keeping plants and trees trimmed
Water vapor escapes from plants and trees through their pores as well as rainwater trapped in their branches. It is possible for water to sneak into the cracks of your siding if your shrubs are too close to your home. If possible, trim branches several inches away from your sidings to ensure adequate airflow. This will also allow space for proper drying of leaves and branches.
Make sure your gutters are clear
There are other ways to protect your home from the elements besides siding. The gutters and downspouts collect rainwater and direct it away from the siding and foundation of your home. It is possible to increase the chances of your siding being damaged if you neglect your gutters. Clogged gutters can cause water to overflow and spill onto the siding of your house. A gutter should be cleaned at least twice a year, usually in the fall and spring. Install a gutter guard which will let water flow freely while keeping leaves and pests out.
Keep snow and ice off your roof
The siding should be carefully watched during the winter months as snow and ice buildup can lead to major water damage and degradation. If there is heavy snow, it can pull down the gutter and siding of your home causing potential damage. Keep your roof clear of snow and ice during the winter months to avoid any damage to your home. It is also a significant way to extend the siding’s lifespan and avoid having to replace it.
Ensure sprinkler heads are adjusted
You can expect water to spray over your driveway, sidewalk, or foundation if the sprinkler heads are pointed the wrong way. You can be sure that your siding will become damaged if your sprinklers hit your house every morning. Make sure all sprinkler heads pointed toward your home are adjusted. You may also want to consider hand-watering any flowers or shrubs against your house that the sprinklers cannot reach.
Get your attic insulated
The underlayer of snow on your roof becomes ice-dammed when your shingles are not warm enough to melt it. When the water reaches the eaves of your home, it refreezes, since the water trickles down between the snow and the shingles. Insulation prevents heat from escaping from your attic and prevents temperature fluctuations keeping shingles warm enough to melt the ice. Getting your attic insulated may help prevent ice dams in the future. Talk to a professional siding replacement company if you see frequent ice dams to solve the issue.
Contact a siding replacement expert today
It is possible to prevent water damage before it begins by following these five steps. To ensure that your home remains dry throughout the year, you may need to call a siding replacement service provider if your siding is already showing signs of damage.
When you contact Valor Home, you don’t have to worry about finding a siding replacement near me. We are one of the leading siding replacement companies serving Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware. We specialize in residential siding replacement, and our experts can answer any questions you may have about repairing or replacing your siding. Our siding materials will enhance the aesthetics and functionality of your home, and we provide a guarantee on all of our work.