Kolter Homeowner Guide

Siding Siding protects your home and isn’t difficult to maintain. One of two types of siding are on your home: composite or vinyl, both of which look like wood and are attractive and durable. Composite is made of a combination of cement or wood fibers while vinyl is composed of polyvinyl chloride. Care and maintenance The following are tips for maintaining your home’s siding. General maintenance Don’t allow sprinklers or other items that propel water to shoot at your siding.

Inspect wood siding on a regular basis for damage resulting from cracks, rot, termites, or water damage. Once or twice a year, check around doors, windows, and other areas for deteriorated or separated caulk.

Checking caulk Pay particular attention to these areas:

Where the corner boards and siding connect.

Door and window trim.

Where pipes and vents protrude through the siding.

On vinyl siding, at the J-channels around doors and windows.

Ensure your downspouts and gutters direct water away from the siding and home.

If your inspection reveals deteriorated or separated caulk, remove it and reapply.

Measure to ensure there’s six inches between where your siding stops and the ground begins. Siding that’s too close to the ground may absorb water.

Also, see Exterior Caulking (Page 45).

Homeowners association If your home is part of a homeowners

Leave at least two feet of space between plants and siding.

association, check with it regarding exterior maintenance. You should be familiar with what you can and cannot do and what maintenance items the association is responsible.

Don’t put hot items, like charcoal or gas grills, next to vinyl siding as heat can damage it.

Visit the manufacturer’s website for more information about siding.

Clean siding with water and a brush that has a long handle and soft bristles. Avoid scrubbing with too much pressure. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning products to use to remove hard-to- remove algae, dirt, or mold.

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