Clapboard Siding Maintenance

It acts as a protective barrier.

Clapboard siding maintenance.

It s best to hire a siding company or a carpenter to replace the broken sections. 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. 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. Minor damage next look for more subtle telltale signs of deterioration problems such as discoloration rusted nails. 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. It s easier to replace a few damaged clapboards than to backpedal after your siding has begun to rot from moisture exposure.

Inspect your home regularly to make sure the paint isn t cracking blistering or peeling. Your climate and landscape will determine how often these processes are required. Compared to today s vinyl siding wooden clapboards are high maintenance. Caulk the end joint and prime the front of each clapboard image 3.

If you have mold and mildew problems you can use some bleach. For general cleaning use a soap and water solution to scrub the siding and then wash it down. Genuine cedar siding is going to require washing and staining sealing or painting on a regular basis. The paint that covers your siding is the most important part of protecting your clapboard siding from rain snow and the heat of the sun.

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. Power wash every two to four years. A mild non phosphate detergent is recommended. Choosing the right sealer.

If you find damaged areas in your paint scrape them off then sand the edges smooth. Pay special attention to siding located near the ground and at junctures where the siding meets other building materials.