7 Tips for Care & Maintenance of LP® SmartSide® Siding

Take the time at least once per year to perform a visual inspection of your home's siding and exterior, taking note of leaks, cracks, wear and any other problems that may have developed over the previous year. To keep LP® SmartSide® Trim & Siding products looking beautiful, it will be necessary to perform periodic care and maintenance. Follow these professional tips to learn how to clean mold off siding, how to remove mildew from siding, and how to clean and maintain your engineered wood siding.

Basic Cleaning Procedures

• Depending on where you live, you may find an occasional build-up of dust and dirt on LP SmartSide siding. To keep your home siding looking its best, use a cloth, sponge or soft brush and a bucket filled with a solution of mild detergent and water to wash the surface. Rinse with water from a garden hose.

• Avoid using a pressure washer on LP SmartSide siding. High-pressure washing can cause moisture intrusion, discoloration and damage to the paint. If you're wondering how to remove mildew from siding, avoid trying to do so with high pressure.

How to Clean Mold Off Siding

• A solution of three parts water to one part white vinegar can be used to remove light mold and mildew stains.

• Never use harsh abrasives or solvents on your siding. These can damage the surface or paint.

Maintenance

• Chips and small imperfections in the paint finish can be touched up with matching paint. Use a cotton swab to apply paint only to the bare area. Do not apply paint over paint or try to "fan out" or blend the paint. Allow to dry at least 24 hours.

• Ensure that gutters manage drainage as they should and that sprinklers aren't watering the siding. Ongoing contact with water can cause discoloration, shorten paint life, and stimulate the growth of fungus and mildew.

• If necessary, hire a professional contractor to replace caulking around LP SmartSide siding that has cracked, hardened or lost its seal.

Questions? We're Here to Help!

LP offers many resources to answer your questions about caring for our easier-maintenance siding products. If you're interested in more details on how to clean mold off siding or how to remove mildew from siding, contact us for professional assistance at (888) 820-0325 or find an LP BuildSmart™ Preferred Remodeler in your area for siding repairs.