NEED TO KNOW

Andrew Landry, of Willow Tree Development, offers the following tips to keep siding in good condition.

• With any siding, there really isn’t anything an average homeowner can do to prevent siding blowing off in a storm other than looking over their homes regularly and addressing any issues that are noted, he says. Loose pieces can sometimes be secured if they are identified prior to blowing off, but only if there are no other underlying issues causing them to be loose.

• Vinyl siding is, for the most part, maintenancefree. However, it does expand and contract with the temperature, can fade and can become damaged easily in winter months if it is hit by anything with any force because of being brittle in the cold. Vinyl siding that is installed in the colder months will need to be installed a little tighter than the same installed in the warmer months. This is due to the siding being contracted (shrinking) in the cold. As it warms up with the weather, it will expand and can become unlocked (two pieces coming apart) if it is installed too loosely in the cold months, explains Landry.

• Wood siding requires maintenance. It should be professionally washed and painted every four to seven years, depending on the colour, exposure and installation. Wood siding that is loose or damaged should be secured as soon as it is identified to prevent damage to the siding, he says.

• Cement siding also requires maintenance. It should also be professionally washed and painted every four to seven years, depending on the colour, exposure and installation. Cement siding that is loose is much harder to secure due to the blind-nailing installation. This should be done only by a professional.

• Hiring a reputable company to install and maintain your siding is the best way to ensure optimal performance and to prevent damage due to weather or elements.