There can be no question about the importance of siding concerning the durability of a home, but also for its beauty and maintenance. It is the outer cover of a house that is made to shed water and provide protection from weathering. Siding can help in the prevention of the penetration of moisture and the growth and spreading of pests such as bacteria, mites and mold.

There are several factors to consider in choosing the right siding for the home. Weather conditions play a large part, for there are sidings that are appropriate for dry and wet climates. Another is the ability to keep common pests from residing on the insides of a house. House sidings that are carefully chosen will not only provide a house a new appearance, but also, it gives protection for the safety and health of the homeowners and enables them to have savings from cooling and heating bills.

Here are the types of sidings that homeowners can choose from:

1. Wood Sidings

It is the usual type of siding used for houses, and it also called clapboards. It could be made up of Eastern white pine or redwood, a weather-resistant variety. Wood sidings can be used in different kinds of houses, from Victorian style to the contemporary ones.

2. Vinyl Sidings

They look the same as horizontal wood sidings, but do not need as much maintenance. Vinyl sidings are usually installed on top of original sidings, but the advantage is, it is a lot hassle-free to have them put over sheathings that are solid.

3. Plywood Sheet Sidings

Occasionally utilized for inexpensive buildings.

4. Metal Sidings

Sidings that are made of galvanized steel are often used for utilitarian buildings.

5. Composite Sidings

There are various composite materials that are can also be used for sidings, such as fiber cement, asphalt, aluminum and asbestos.

Nowadays, it is the vinyl sidings that are fast gaining popularity among homeowners because of its fair price, hassle-free maintenance, and its availability. For those with more money to spare, vinyl sidings can be made thicker, to maximize its use.

To clean aluminum and vinyl sidings, all you have to do is use a hose or wet brush on the sides. For areas with hard to remove dirt, you need to brush them harder with detergent and water. To remove mildew, chlorine bleach can be added.

Since these materials have the tendency to look a bit old after a long period of time, homeowners may consider having their aluminum and vinyl sidings painted. A top quality house paint made of all-acrylic latex can make aluminum sidings look brand new again, with minimal costs, and new color schemes that can be chosen.

The advantage for using this kind of paint is that it is very durable, and is weather and fade resistant for a long period of time.

Before painting, the surface of the sidings should be cleaned by hand or power washed using warm water with soap, then rinsed afterwards.

Then check the aluminum siding for any sign of sulfur oxidation, an exposure of bare metal because of too much erosion of its original coating. If this happens, eliminate it by rubbing using steel wool. Rinse away any residue that is left then apply acrylic latex primer.

What are the qualities of a good quality exterior paint? It is resistant to fading and has excellent adhesion. It also improves the appearance of the siding because it gives a thick film of paint which, gives back its original look. The paint is easy to apply, all you have to do is use either a brush or a sprayer.

Sidings made of vinyl can also be applied with paint. Just like the aluminum kind, clean it by hand or machine to rid it of dirt and mildew.

The quality of the paint being used on vinyl is significant. It should have maximum adhesive power because vinyl sidings have slick surfaces. Do not use oil-based paints for this kind of siding.

Aside from that, there are other things that should not be done when painting vinyl sidings. Scraping is strictly prohibited, don’t use a wire brush or sand when preparing the surface. It can cause permanent damage on the siding. The paint color to be applied should not be darker than the original shade.

If your home’s exterior is starting to look grungy, it may be time for a power wash treatment to clean the siding. Whether you have aluminum, vinyl, or another type of siding for your house, it needs to be cleaned from time to time to remove mud, mildew, and any possible mold that is growing in niches or on the surface.

Things that can add to your home’s dirty siding including bird droppings, especially if they nest under the eaves of the house or in your attic. Insect invasions, like ants or bees, will need to cleared out. Follow the directions on an insect repellent can or call an exterminator for advice. It’s important to get rid of these pests before washing the siding, or you could get badly stung. Scrapes from cars or bicycles, along with other outdoor toys, should be wiped clear or fixed, if necessary. Then you will be ready to clean the siding.

The best way to clean your siding is by renting a power wash system that attaches to your garden hose and creates a jet spray that loosens dirt and debris from the surface and forces it to the ground. Most tool rental stores offer this equipment at an affordable rental price. After hooking it up and adjusting the water spray, start at the top of your house, just below the roof, and work you way down, level by level, until you reach the bottom, thoroughly spraying each section to remove streaks of dirt. If your siding is muddy or very dirty, try adding a teaspoon of trisodium phosphate to each gallon of water for increased cleansing action. Begin spraying from the bottom up when using the cleanser, and then go over the same area, level by level, as you work your way back down to the ground with a clear water rinse.

You may need to use a wire brush to scrape away burns, bird droppings, cobwebs, or other stains and debris before washing the siding. While you’re at it, look for evidence of mildew or mold. You can treat these with laundry bleach, although check a small area first to be sure it doesn’t change the color of your siding. Trim away brush from the siding so you can work close to it, and this will also keep the brush from hugging the house and encouraging insect or rodent nesting.

While you’re at it, inspect the siding for signs of chipping, cracking, breaking, or crumbling. If you have spare siding available and know how, you can try replacing the damaged pieces yourself. If not, call an expert siding repair person that can fix the broken areas for you to make your home look almost as good as new. Plan on power washing the exterior once or twice a year to keep the siding in good shape. If you’re not sure about how to use a power washer, you can pay someone to do this chore for you. Check his or her credentials through the Better Business Bureau, and ask for references, first.