Vinyl siding is one of the most affordable siding options. It’s durable and low maintenance, and it can be applied over existing masonry or wood siding to transform the look of your home.

Vinyl siding is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and requires no painting or caulking. It comes in a variety of colors and textures. Manufacturers carry vinyl siding and accessories to mimic the look of wood, stone and other natural siding materials, allowing you to create an authentic look.

Vinyl Siding Maintenance, Painting and Repair

You can wash your vinyl siding with a garden hose to handle most of the cleaning. Avoid spraying water into cracks or under the siding. You can use a long-handled car-washing brush and a mild detergent when necessary. If you pressure wash the siding, set the pressure between 1500 and 2400 pounds per square inch (PSI). Use a 40-degree tip at a minimum of 12 inches away from the siding. Keep the spray at eye level. Some manufacturers specify that you shouldn’t pressure wash their products.

Painting vinyl siding is possible with the right preparation, paint and technique. If you decide to paint your siding, select an exterior latex paint labeled for use on vinyl siding. Choose a color no darker than the color of your siding. Keep in mind that darker shades absorb more heat, which can warp the siding. Follow the instructions for surface preparation. Make sure the siding is thoroughly clean and dry. If the surface is pitted or damaged, you may need to apply a vinyl safe primer. Use a brush or paint sprayer and paint from the top of the house to the bottom using side to side strokes.

Repairing broken or melted siding usually requires replacing the affected panels.

There are various types of vinyl siding. Board and batten siding is installed vertically and uses wide boards with thinner strips, called battens, to cover the seams.

Available in panels and shingles, wood siding gives your house the look of authentic wood. Wood siding is available in several treatments and finishes. You can also paint or stain it after installation. Natural wood siding with an exterior grade panel is suitable for long term exposure to weather and can withstand repeated wetting and drying. 

Wood Siding Maintenance and Repair 

​

Cleaning most wood siding requires only a mild detergent and a sponge. For some types, you can use a pressure washer to clean tougher dirt and grime. Check the manufacturer’s information to make sure your siding is suitable for power washing.

Check regularly for damaged or missing sealant at gaps and joints. Remove and reapply sealant as needed. Depending on the siding’s finish and your local weather conditions, you may need to re-stain wood siding every three to five years. Paint may last for up to 10 years. Make sure the finish is suitable for your chosen type of wood or engineered wood. For example, some engineered wood siding isn’t suitable for stain.

If you choose to repair damaged siding yourself, you may be able to cut away the affected area and size a replacement piece to fit. If you have damaged wood shingles, it may be possible to seal small cracks that are less than 1/16 inch with a flexible, exterior-grade, paintable caulk and paint it to match your siding. Shingles with more damage require removal and replacement. 

Engineered wood, or wood composite siding offers the same authentic look of wood siding, but it’s lighter and more durable. It’s made from a sturdy combination of wood byproducts and a resin binder and can be nailed directly to the stud. It can also be painted or stained in a variety of colors. Wood composite siding is easy to maintain. 

Fiber cement siding is made up of water, portland cement, wood fibers and other fillers. When it comes to fiber cement siding versus vinyl siding, they’re both durable materials. Fiber cement siding also has a longer lifespan than vinyl. While vinyl siding is available in an array of colors and styles, fiber cement siding can be painted or stained in any color of your choosing or prepainted in a range of colors. 

Although fiber cement siding is installed with nails, its tendency to crack under its own weight or when not handled property means that fiber cement siding installation should be done by professionals.

Fiber Cement Maintenance and Repair

​

Fiber cement siding is typically low maintenance and can be cleaned with water, a soft-bristle brush and, if necessary, a mild detergent. If you use a pressure washer, operate it below 1500 PSI. Use only a wide fan tip at a distance of at least 6 feet away from the siding. If any caulking is worn or damaged, re-caulk it to help prevent moisture damage. You’ll need to repaint the siding periodically.

Some manufacturers offer touch-up kits to cover nail heads and minor damage such as cuts, scrapes and small holes in this type of siding. You can repair small cracks and dents with a cement-based patching product labeled as compatible with fiber cement. Large, damaged areas may require removal and replacement of the damaged panel.