If you’re installing wood siding on the exterior of your home, it needs to stand up well to the elements. Your exterior siding is going to be exposed to the weather day in and day out, so it must be properly taken care of to ensure it does not rot shortly after installation. Siparila Topcoat® wood siding lasts for decades with proper maintenance. So to get the most out of your renovation, use these 5 tips to make your wood siding last.
1. Choose the Right Type of Wood
Rot is the most common problem for wood siding, with pine having especially low resistance to decay. When moisture rises above 20 per cent, fungi will form and eat away at the wood. No wood is entirely immune to rot, however Nordic whitewood, redwood, western cedar, and cypress are all naturally resistant to it.
2. Waterproof your Wood Siding
Dry wood doesn’t rot, so it’s important to have your siding is properly waterproofed. Our Siparila Topcoat paint protects the siding against moisture and fungi. Two layers of Topcoat paint on all four sides ensures the siding doesn’t require painting for 15 years.
3. Prevent Damage from the Sun
Wood siding is extremely vulnerable to damage by the sun. By using the Siparila Topcoat paint, the siding retains its durability for decades because the paint reflects the sun’s harmful UV rays.
4. Avoid Water Traps
If siding installation is not done properly, it can result in non-slanted or improperly sealed surfaces that can hold small deposits of water after rainfall. These are called water traps and are often how rot starts. Avoid water traps by choosing siding that has a smooth profile. Tongue and groove paneling is the ideal choice because it allows each siding plank to be easily attached to the one above it, creating a surface that forces water downward with minimal risk of water traps forming.
5. Keep Siding Away From the Ground
If possible, avoid installing your wood siding all the way to the ground. Siding that touches soil is prone to damage, so keep your panels at least 8 inches above the ground. You should also remove any vegetation that is touching the wall because its moisture can damage the wood.