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Wood
siding is found on many homes. Wood shingles, shakes, boards and panels come
in a variety of shapes, styles, sizes, patterns and species. Yet, the
various wood sidings are more alike than they are different. Wood siding is
susceptible to water and insect damage. The first line of defense is paint
or stain. The second line of defense is regular inspection, maintenance
and periodic cleaning.
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Normal wood siding requires painting every 2 to 5 years. The wood siding
should last as long as your home if properly maintained. Inspect and clean
your wood siding regularly.
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Paint:
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Protect your wood siding by inspecting for paint problems twice a year and
repainting every five years, or as necessary. |
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Peeling or blistering paint is usually caused by warm, moist vapor from
the house flowing through the walls, reaching the cold sheathing and
condensing. Just a few drops of water between the siding and the film of
paint will cause paint to blister and peel. It may be necessary to install
vents in the siding to remedy the moisture problem. The defective areas
should be properly prepared and repainted. |
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If
you observe other paint problems, such as worn, flaking, wrinkling or
“alligatoring” paint, properly prepare and repaint the defective area.
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Ground Clearance:
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Untreated wood must not be in contact with the ground. Moisture from the
soil can cause decay and insects can gain entry to your siding. Examine
along the base of your home to make sure you have at least six to eight
inches of clearance between the ground and any wood siding or wood trim.
If necessary, re-grade your soil away from any wood.
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Stain:
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Stain also protects wood siding from moisture and insects. However, as the
stain fades, so does its weather and insect protection properties.
Re-stain your siding every five to seven years, or as necessary, to
restore color and preserve your siding.
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Dry
Rot and Termite Damage:
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Dry rot is a fungus that causes wood to crumble. Termites destroy wood by
chewing out its interior. Probe the edges of the wood siding with a knife
or thin screw driver and look for soft, spongy spots. Pay particular
attention to any part of the siding that was close to the ground or in
contact with the ground. |
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In
addition, check for visible evidence of termites. Look for their
translucent one-half-inch-long wings or the mud tubes they sometimes
build. If you find evidence of dry rot or termites, consult a licensed
termite inspector or pest control professional.
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If you spot dry rot and termite problems early, you can often prevent
serious damage.
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Holes and Split, Warped or Loose Siding:
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Simple surface problems such as holes in the wood, split or cracked
boards, warped or buckled boards and loose siding should be repaired as
soon as they appear. Water will work its way through these defects into
the interior wall where rotting can take place undetected. Severely
damaged board siding must be replaced. Determine the cause of any serious
damage before replacing siding. If moisture is causing the problem, find
the source by checking for deteriorating roofing, leaking gutters or
downspouts and poor drainage. Consult a professional contractor. |
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