Enveloping the exterior of your home By Lori Larsen
Siding is the protective cladding attached to the exterior walls of your home available in an extensive variety of materials, colours, styles and textures to suit, not only the climate for different areas, but homeowners’ tastes as well. When it comes to choosing a siding, options include aluminum, wood, vinyl, brick, stucco, cedar shingle, fibre cement, seamless steel and liquid siding (vinyl-like compound sprayed directly onto your home). Some of the trends with exterior home siding include the following. Mixing siding materials which adds interest. In some instances, that may mean adding a high end accents such as rock or brick, or it could simply mean a combination of complimentary colours. Sustainability and eco-friendliness are playing a big role in the trends of siding and durability and low maintenance are still very much in the forefront when it comes to choosing a siding. Like any other part of your home regular upkeep of the siding will not only help to maintain curb appeal but may save you in costly repairs. Inspection
• All types of Siding • Fascia and Soffits • Eavestroughing • Metal Cladding • Gutter Guard • Eavestrough Cleaning • Do-It-Yourself product sales
FREE ESTIMATES – Shawn Nowakowski –
Phone 780-679-8230 www.adamsonexteriors.com
Begin by annually inspecting your home’s siding for holes, cracks, wear and tear, excessive dirt and loose boards, bricks or strips. Determine if there is any fading, rotting, rusting or warping Inspection should also be conducted after any major storms accompanied by pelting snow, rain, hail or strong winds. Any damage should be repaired immediately saving you from further problems. Cleaning
Your home’s siding should be cleaned thoroughly at least twice a year with a garden hose or power washer. Weather and normal wear and tear can have an affect on the lifespan of your siding. Any foreign material stuck to your siding can trap moisture and induce the onset of mildew and eventual rot. Respect it
Using caution around your home’s exterior can help to reduce damage done lawn mowers, weedeaters or vehicles. Caution children to be careful when shooting hoops or hockey pucks in and around your home. Place outdoor grills, garden torches and firepits a safe distance away from your home’s siding. Vinyl siding can easily melt under that intense heat causing unsightly warps, holes and even fires. Treat it
Wood siding needs to be treated every five years or so and if you live in an area of extreme climate conditions, you may need to treat your siding as much as every two to three years. If you notice rust on aluminum siding, remove it by gently scraping it off then cover it with a sealant. Painted wood or metal sidings should be further checked for chipping, wear or peeling, repainting any damaged areas immediately. Repainting entire wood siding should be every three to seven years, aluminum siding every five years and stucco siding every five to six years. The old adage goes, first impressions are everything. So put your home’s best foot forward and stun them with curb appeal. SHI 2018 – Page 26