While wood siding can be vulnerable to water damage, proper treatment and regular check-ups will keep it looking good and feeling strong year-round.
Spring is growing closer and closer every day. We got a glimpse of the good stuff last week with some sunshine and temperatures in the upper 70’s, but it looks like we’re in for at least a couple weeks straight of the not-so-great stuff when it comes to spring weather. With not much besides clouds and rain in the forecast for the foreseeable future, we’re thinking about ways your home might be vulnerable to the elements so that you can protect against — and keep an eye on — potential problems. As you can tell by the title of this blog post, this week we’re talking about wood siding.
Identifying Mold and Rot on Wood Siding
Wood siding, albeit gorgeous, is susceptible to water damage if not treated properly. Untreated wood can absorb moisture from rain and from humid air, and that moisture in turn leaves it as a prime breeding ground for water damage like mold and rotting. Before the spring rainy season, take a survey of your wood siding to see if there are any potential problems already in the works as a result of winter damage. Mold, a discolored fungal growth, will be easy to spot as long as it’s on the outside of the panels. If you have dealt with water damage and suspect mold but can’t find it, an expert mold removal technician will be able to help you find and remediate the problem. As for rotting, it’s simple: wood shouldn’t be soft. Wood siding, and the walls of your house beneath it, should not give to pressure. As part of your inspection, probe your siding for soft spots to know if you have a rotting problem.
Preventing Mold and Rot on Wood Siding
The good news is that there are simple ways to prevent any of this from happening in the first place. During or after installation, the proper application of a moisture barrier between the siding and the structure will keep moisture out and prevent these water damage issues. There are also wood sealants that can further protect your wood siding from absorbing moisture. Periodic checks and maintenance will ensure that your wood siding doesn’t fall victim to the dangers of mold and rotting.
Protect Your Topper-Constructed Wood Siding
Founded in 1988, Topper Construction has quickly grown to become one of the largest roofing and siding contractors in the Mid-Atlantic region thanks to our commitment to providing clients with quality work at a competitive price. We install the full range of vinyl siding from major brands, giving you a wide variety to choose from.
For immediate assistance or questions about siding, please call 301-874-0220. We are headquartered in Frederick, Maryland with a satellite office in Pittsburgh to help us better serve you, our customers. We proudly service areas throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, Washington DC, Northern Virginia, West Virginia, and Delaware.
