This time of year you're likely to find homeowners around the Twin Cities out working on their yards and the exterior of their homes. It's particularly true right now, with many people working from home.  So if that's you and you're working ON your home, we've got some tips on how to take care of your siding.  Chances are it took a beating this past winter.  And even if you're not ready to replace your old siding with our seamless steel, taking extra care of it now will make it last longer. Step One:  Inspect Your Siding

This is something that should be done each spring, but it's a task that many homeowners overlook.  Minnesota winters can be harsh, and severe weather can affect even the most resilient of siding materials.  Walk around your house, looking closely at the siding from a variety of angles.  Look for loose, missing, or cracked sections.  Are any areas bulging or warped?  Are there gaps between the siding section or panels?  Make notes or even take photos of problem areas.  If your siding is damaged even slightly, it should be repaired before spring storms hit or to prevent rodents and insects from getting underneath and causing problems.

Step Two:  Check for Cleaning Needs

Often siding on homes in our area needs to be cleaned following winter.  You may have dust or even mud build-up, especially around the foundation.  For most siding, a simple rinse with a garden hose may take care of it and restore it to a neat appearance.  But if you've got stubborn stains, check with your siding installation contractor or manufacturer for the recommended cleaning method for the type you have.

And don't be tempted to crank up the pressure washer without checking your warranty; some siding manufacturers specifically warn against use of a power washer. Doing so may void the warranty, or at least can cause some damage if you're not experienced in using one.

Wood Siding: Evaluate the Finish

If you've got wood siding, engineered wood such as LP SmartSide, or fiber cement siding like James Hardie, it may need a paint or stain job to restore its finish.  Look for faded spots as well as cracked or peeling paint.  Spring is a good time to get this project taken care of. But before you invest in a new paint job (which may cost anywhere from $4,000-$10,000 or more depending on the size of your home), take a good look at the siding itself.  If it has deteriorated and needs more than just a cosmetic refresh, it may be time to replace your siding with a maintenance free, durable alternative such as the steel siding we install.

One final task, whatever type of siding you have.  Inspect the caulk around window and door frames as well as between siding sections.  Cracked or missing caulk should be replaced to prevent water seepage.

If you've had it with yearly siding maintenance, why not give us a call to get a free, no-obligation estimate on having your siding replaced.  Quarve Contracting, Inc. is a licensed Minnesota home remodeling company specializing in energy-efficient, maintenance-free exterior services such as siding replacement.