Your home’s siding does more than add curb appeal—it defends against the elements and keeps your home insulated throughout the year. Whether it’s a severe thunderstorm, blazing summer heat, or the occasional neighborhood baseball gone rogue, siding protects against it all. But like any part of your home’s exterior, siding requires regular maintenance to keep it looking great and performing well.
At AC Matthews Roofing & Exteriors, we know from experience how proactive siding maintenance can save homeowners thousands of dollars over time. And we want to ensure you know exactly what upkeep is necessary. Here’s our expert guide to keeping your siding in top shape year-round.
1. Complete Regular Siding Inspections
Just like you wouldn’t ignore a leaky roof, you shouldn’t overlook siding issues. We recommend giving your siding a thorough inspection at least twice a year—spring and fall are the perfect times—and after any major storm. Look for these signs of damage:
- Discoloration
- Cracks
- Warping
- Loose panels
These issues may seem minor, but failing to address them promptly will allow more damage to develop. If you see an issue, call us to get it fixed fast!
2. Keep Your Siding Clean
Dirt, pollen, mold, and mildew aren’t just unsightly—they can slowly damage siding over time. That’s why regularly cleaning your siding is important. Follow these cleaning recommendations based on your home’s type of siding:
- Vinyl Siding: Mild soap or vinegar mixed with water is the preferred cleaning solution. Use a soft brush or a garden hose to avoid damage. If you are going to use a pressure washer, do so on a light-pressure setting and be gentle in your cleaning efforts.
- Fiber cement Siding: Use a mild detergent and a soft-bristle brush. Avoid pressure washing as it can cause damage. And be sure to rinse thoroughly to remove any cleaning residue.
- Engineered-Wood Siding: Use a mild detergent or specialized wood cleaner with a soft brush. Avoid using a pressure washer and harsh chemicals. Cleaning should be done on a sunny day with clear weather so your siding can thoroughly dry out afterwards.
Routine siding cleaning should be an integral part of your regular exterior maintenance. Keeping it free of debris and contaminants extends its lifespan and minimizes the chance of a costly problem.
3. Address Repairs Promptly
A small crack or loose panel can create an entry point for moisture. Excess moisture leads to rot, mold, and even structural issues. If you catch the problem early, you can repair the damage before it turns into a large-scale project. This significantly minimizes your repair costs and keeps your home protected. Our siding repair services at AC Matthews include:
- Patching and sealing cracks and holes.
- Re-securing loose panels.
- Replacing individual boards.
And because we also specialize in roofing and gutter work, we can address related issues in a single visit—saving you time and money.
4. Protect Siding from Landscaping Hazards
While a lush garden and mature trees are great for curb appeal, they can be siding’s worst enemy if left unchecked. Branches scraping against your home and landscaping equipment used without care can cause scratches and damage. Overgrown shrubs and too closely placed sprinklers can encourage pest infestations and mold growth. To protect your siding:
- Keep at least 1–2 feet of clearance between vegetation and your exterior walls.
- Regularly trim branches that could come into contact with your home.
- Avoid placing sprinklers too close to your siding.
- Use landscaping equipment with care.
These simple precautions not only keep issues at bay but also extend the life of your siding.
5. Manage Moisture with Proper Gutter Maintenance
Even the most durable siding can’t withstand constant water exposure. Clogged or damaged gutters can overflow, directing water down the walls of your home. Over time, this can cause staining, warping, and rot. Complete these simple gutter maintenance steps to avoid excess moisture issues on your siding:
- Regularly clear gutters of debris.
- Ensure downspouts are free of blockages.
- Check for holes, breaks, and bends, and repair when spotted.
- Have old or severely damaged gutters replaced.
AC Matthews offers gutter installation services that keep water flowing away from your home. By maintaining a functioning gutter system, you safeguard both your siding and foundation from water-related damage.
6. Protect Against UV Damage
Sun exposure is one of siding’s biggest enemies, especially for south-facing walls. Over the years, UV rays can cause fading and weakening. While some UV wear is inevitable, you can slow the process by:
- Choosing siding materials with UV-resistant coatings
- Repainting or resealing wood siding every few years
- Installing shade elements like awnings or pergolas in high-exposure areas
Our team can recommend siding products designed to withstand intense sunlight, ensuring your home stays vibrant for longer.
7. Watch for Signs of Pest Damage
Woodpeckers, termites, and carpenter ants can wreak havoc on certain types of siding, particularly wood. But even vinyl and fiber cement siding can be compromised if pests find a way in through cracks or gaps. Keep an eye out for these signs of pest damage:
- Small holes or cracks.
- Sawdust-like material.
- Persistent tapping noises in your walls.
If you notice any of these concerns, it’s time to investigate. Once you have identified and addressed any pest infestations, our team can repair the damage, seal up entry points, and replace missing boards.
8. Coordinate Siding Care with Other Exterior Services
When scheduling siding maintenance, it’s the perfect opportunity to take care of other important areas of your home’s exterior as well. Your roof, gutters, soffits, fascia, and windows all work together with your siding to protect your home. If even one of these systems is damaged, it can affect the others—like a leaky gutter causing water to run down your siding or failing windows letting moisture seep in behind the panels.
By coordinating these services, you can save yourself the hassle of hiring multiple contractors for separate projects. Instead of scheduling repairs one by one, you’ll have one trusted team handling everything in a streamlined, efficient way. Not only does this save time and reduce stress, but it also ensures your entire exterior is inspected, maintained, and repaired as a complete system.
9. Know When It’s Time for Replacement
No matter how diligent you are with maintenance, siding eventually needs to be replaced, either from unpreventable damage or simple wear and tear. Knowing when it is time for replacement is important. Look for these signs that your siding is past the point of being repaired:
- Severe fading.
- Numerous warped boards.
- Large areas of rot.
- Increased energy bills despite a well-maintained HVAC system.
AC Matthews offers siding installation in materials like vinyl, fiber cement, and engineered wood. We’ll help you choose the right material, style, and color to complement your home while withstanding local climate conditions. Plus, we can integrate new siding installation with roofing, gutter, and window upgrades for a complete exterior transformation.
Keep Your Siding Working Hard for Your Home
Well-maintained siding is durable, making it capable of withstanding severe weather, unexpected projectiles, and pests. It also provides superior insulation, supporting the efforts of your HVAC system to keep your home climate-controlled. This means your siding helps to minimize your heating and cooling costs.
In addition to protection and efficiency, siding plays a key role in preserving curb appeal. Faded, cracked, or warped panels can make an otherwise well-kept home look neglected, while clean and well-cared-for siding instantly boosts value and visual appeal.
So investing in siding maintenance is well worth it! Be proactive with your upkeep and if you see even minor cracks, holes, or warping, call AC Matthews to get the issue fixed quickly. With proper cleaning, regular inspections, and prompt repair work, you can maximize your siding’s performance, keeping your home protected even in the worst conditions.
How AC Matthews Outperforms the Rest
Our team believes that great service goes beyond just getting the job done. Our goal is to deliver exterior solutions that last—paired with customer care that builds trust and long-term relationships. Matt A. and Matt C. of AC Matthews know what it feels like to be a homeowner facing a daunting house repair, especially when it comes to a critical component like siding.
When you partner with us, we take the weight off your shoulders by making the repair or replacement process straightforward and stress-free. Our team will meet with you, carefully evaluate your concerns, and give you an honest recommendation. You’ll never have to question if you are being provided the best solutions for your home.
So if you’re ready to give your siding the attention it deserves, contact AC Matthews Roofing & Exteriors today! We proudly serve homeowners and businesses throughout Maryland and Southern Pennsylvania with expert siding services. We also provide complete exterior services, including roofing, gutters, and windows—everything you need to keep your property protected and looking its best.