Nothing beats the look of wood siding. It is one of our favorite features of a home, creating a warm, natural look that just feels more cozy and inviting than cement or vinyl options. While quality wood siding is fairly durable, there are steps that you can take to help your wood siding last for many years. Proper installation and maintenance of wood siding is critical to maintaining the overall look of your home and preventing future problems. Here are four tips to help you get the most out of your wood siding.

Replace Damaged Wood Siding

While wood siding is fairly durable, it’s important to take a look around and make sure you don’t find any damaged siding panels. Splintered, cracked, or warped siding boards should be addressed immediately to avoid more extensive damage, such as rot or mold. While you can always try to replace damaged siding panels on your own, we recommend hiring a professional so you don’t accidentally damage the surrounding boards during the process.

Protecting Your Wood Siding

Making sure your wood siding is protected from the sun and moisture is crucial to ensuring your wood siding lasts for many years. Finish products, such as paint and stain play a vital role in protecting your wood siding from the elements.

If your wood siding is painted, you will likely need to repaint every 3-7 years. Especially if you notice any missing paint or places where it is starting to peel away from the boards. If your wood siding is stained, it is generally recommended that you reapply the stain about every 2-5 years or when you start to notice more wear.

Cleaning Your Wood Siding

For the most part, wood siding is fairly easy to maintain. However, it does benefit from annual washings to remove dust and pollen that can build up and encourage mold growth or make your siding look dull. At Marks Lumber, we recommend using PermaChink’s Log Wash for a gentle clean that removes dirt and grime without further harming the wood.

Avoiding Damage to Your Wood Siding

Did you know that one of the best things you can do to prevent damage to your wood siding doesn’t involve touching your siding? It actually means making sure nothing else is touching your siding. Plants, trees, and shrubs can wreak havoc on wood siding, creating moisture that can seep into openings and cause damage. Take a stroll around your house, and check that there’s a reasonable amount of space between your plants and your home.

Are you looking to get started on your wood siding journey? Marks Lumber in Clancy, MT, can help with our beautiful circle sawn shiplap, board and batten, and 105 sidings. Made with grown-in-Montana Douglas fir, our circle sawn sidings are made with quality and durability in mind. Contact our qualified sales team today to learn more about our wood siding options.