This article was published in a Homeowner’s Magazine from the Portland area. It is listed here as information only.
Regular maintenance is imperative to ensure the longevity of your siding whether it is wood, masonry, or manufactured siding. Look for obvious problems such as warped boards, or missing or damanged shingles as a first step.
Wood siding includes board siding along with shingles and shakes. With regular maintenance, wood siding shoul dlast at least 30 years. Heat combined with humidity may cause mildew on wood or painted surfaces. To retard mildew, wash the siding with a detergent, trisodium phosphate, and bleach solution; then rinse well. Always wear goggles, gloves and protective clothing when working with these types of chemicals. Or if this does not sound like your idea of weekend fun, there is always the option of hiring a professional.
Masonry siding is practically resistant to weather and should last for the life of the house. These materials include stucco, brick and stone. Inspections to masonry should include holes in stucco, crumbling mortar, cracks or deteriorted caluking.
Manufactured siding includes vinyl and aluminum, which are available in many colors, with smooth or wood grain textures. With regular maintenance, both will last from 40 years to the life of the house. To keep siding in good shape, hose it down and, if necessary, brush it with a carwash brush. Hose down vinyl panels and sponge them with a mild liquid detergent. After cleaning, repair any loose or missing caulking.