How to Maintain Engineered Wood Siding

As a homeowner, your job isn't done after your siding has been installed. Ongoing siding maintenance is necessary to ensure you keep your home protected while keeping its appearance intact. Need a little guidance on engineered wood siding maintenance in particular? While LP® SmartSide® siding is an easy maintenance product, here are helpful tips you should know on regular upkeep to ensure it stays looking newer for longer: 

Inspect Your Home Twice a Year

"Twice a year, walk around your house and carefully examine the exterior from foundation to roof," says Karen Alves, LP's Brand Marketing Associate. "Your entire home-from your roof and gutters to siding and foundation-all work together to protect against moisture and pests. If one system fails, you risk damage to another." Alves also advises inspecting your house after a major storm.

Clean Mildew

To clean mildew, use a solution of three parts water and one part white vinegar with a cloth or sponge. Then, gently rinse off with a garden hose. Never use a pressure washer on LP SmartSide products as it can force water underneath the panel and cause damage to the finish.

Remove Dirt

Remove dirt by using a cloth, sponge or soft brush along with mild detergent and water. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents because it could damage paint. Gently wash off with a garden hose.

Touch up Paint

While LP SmartSide Trim & Siding is an easy maintenance siding option, it's still a good idea to inspect for any chipped or cracked paint. “Paint is another layer on our product that provides protection,” says Alves. “Chips and small inflections can be repaired with touch-up paint. Carefully dab with a cotton swab to the area and let dry for 24 hours.” Additionally, LP's new prefinished siding option—LP® SmartSide® ExpertFinish® Trim & Siding—features a touch-up kit to make fixing imperfections quick and easy.

Remove Spider Webs

To remove pesky spider webs, take a broom and gently sweep away along with the accompanying leaves they collect.

Prune Trees and Bushes

Cut branches and bushes before they have the opportunity to scrape against siding and windows. Additionally, remove creeping ivy (be careful it's not poison ivy before doing so). While you're checking your landscape, ensure there's proper distance between mulch and your home's foundation (at least a 6-inch distance is recommended).

Move Sprinklers

Even if it's just for a day, don't allow sprinklers to water the siding because it can cause discoloration and allow an environment for fungus and mildew to grow.

Check for Cracked or Missing Sealant

“If you have lap siding, check the seams where the two laps come together, as well as where the siding meets the trim, for cracked or missing sealant,” says Alves. “If you need to replace damaged or missing caulking, use sealant that meets ASTM-C920 minimum Class 25 requirements and follow the directions carefully.”

Want to keep learning about LP SmartSide maintenance? Check out more cleaning and maintenance tips here.