Siding Maintenance of Your Park Model
Hardipanel Siding Maintenance
Hardipanel vertical siding is installed vertically to walls with joints over studs. Joints are fastened by abutting edges and optionally covered by lumber battens or caulked. These caulked joints must be inspected periodically and maintained as necessary.
The maintenance of caulked joints is usually limited to the application of a paintable caulking and paint. For best results, use a latex caulk that complies with ASTM C834. Caulking should be applied in accordance with caulking manufacturers written application instructions, and then painted with top coats of 100% acrylic paint which can be brush, spray, or roller applied.
WOOD SIDING
Wood siding and shingles can be cleaned with a mild detergent and a garden hose. Do not use a pressure washer to clean wood siding as this will damage the surface and force water into the pores of the wood.
Painted wood siding or shingles will generally require re-painting or staining within five years. This will vary depending on the type and quality of the product used the initial coverage, and the exposure to the elements. The siding will require re-painting or staining whenever the surface begins to fade, discolor or peel.
Moisture in wood siding causes most exterior paint failures. This moisture may be from garden sprinklers, damp shrubbery close to the wall, small cracks in the siding or around door and window details. Spot repair of affected areas can sometimes extend the life of the remaining surfaces. Please note that if spot touch ups of the painted/stained surfaces are undertaken, the new paint/stain colour will likely not match that of the existing surface due to fading and weathering. This cannot be avoided.
Siding installed on the south and west elevations, especially dark and bright colours which fade more rapidly, may require more frequent repainting or staining to maintain their original appearance and also to provide adequate protection for the siding. For best results, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for surface preparation.
Decks, handrails and window-sills may require cleaning and “touching up” more frequently than other components of the house due to their horizontal orientation.