Making sure your home’s siding is cleaned annually isn’t just going to keep it looking beautiful but it will also extend the life of this investment you made to your home. You can get 50 years out of your siding with a bit of preventative maintenance. When you clean the outside of your home you’re removing the mildew and dirt that gets trapped in the crevices and can eat away at your boards. Many real estate experts believe good curb appeal can add up to 10% to your home’s overall value.
Here are some ways to make sure an average-sized house gets the proper attention. These may take you and another person a weekend to handle.
1. Fill a bucket with warm, soapy water. Add 1/2 cup trisodium phosphate (TSP, available at most hardware stores and grocery stores) with 1 gallon of water.
2. Portion your siding into 15-foot sections. Scrub each section thoroughly using a soft-bristled brush with a long handle. Start from the bottom then work your way up to prevent streaks, and be sure to rinse often. Two-story homes can be tricky, so if decide to use a ladder and remember safety first.
How Much Does Professional Cleaning Cost?
Renting a power washer is one of the cheaper options you’ll have. Doing this job yourself will only cost about $75 a day. However, if you’re not experienced with the tool there is always a chance you may cause harm to your home by stripping paint, gouging softwoods, loosening caulk, and eating through the mortar. If this seems like too much work or something that’ll keep you from enjoying you long-awaited weekends, you can always hire a professional. Each cleaning could run you about $300-$500. In less than a day they’ll have your home looking brand new.
Maintenance is the key to the longevity of any home, and yours isn’t any different. If you’re considering investing in new siding, perhaps look into something more durable. James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding offers the natural beauty of cedar without the ongoing maintenance of wood siding. For more information on James Hardie or vinyl siding call us today at (781) 789-8827.
