All siding we install for our customers comes with a Rainshield Inc. Lifetime Warranty. To maintain it, however, it’s necessary for them to perform cleaning and maintenance to their siding twice per year. The best times to perform that chore are Fall and Spring.
It’s necessary to maintain and clean your roof to maintain warranties. If you had siding from Rainshield Inc. installed and see any workmanship issues or concerns, it’s required that you call us, but you aren’t required to have us conduct your scheduled maintenance. However, if you prefer Rainshield Inc. to clean and service your siding, please call us when service is needed and we can quote you our current Service Call rates.
If you want to clean and service the siding yourself, we can’t stress this enough: Be aware of the dangers of climbing on ladders your roof, as that should always be performed by a competent person and done in a safe manner. Care must be taken to avoid falling accidents. Rainshield Inc. is to be held harmless of any physical damages to a homeowner and/or the roof or siding that may be associated from this advice.
With that little disclaimer out of the way, here’s the routine maintenance items needed to be completed twice a year to protect your investment:
Routine Inspection and Care Instructions:
Gutters: Clean out gutters and downspouts and surrounding areas to promote proper drainage.
Flashing: Examine all metal flashings for weather damage. Make certain they are well attached and sealed. Any damage or loose materials must be repaired by Rainshield Inc.
Patching: Dents, chips and cracks can be filled using a good quality cement patching compound (acrylic mortar compound) which can be found at your local Home Center or Hardware Store.
Caulk Replacement: When sealant is in need of replacing, carefully remove existing caulk and replace with a high quality, paintable latex caulk. For best results use a latex caulk that complies with ASTM C 834 or better. Caulking should be applied in accordance with the caulking manufacturer’s written application instructions.
Landscaping/ Hardscaping: Do not allow trees, shrubs, bushes, etc. to grow into or touch siding. Keep all plants pruned back away from surface of siding. In addition, do not allow any hardscape elements to touch siding (i.e.: wooden arbors, trellises, bricks, etc.).
Areas of Concern: Call Rainshield Inc. with any areas of concern. Know, however, that a service call will be charged if we come out, inspect the roof, and find that everything is in working order, and no defects in workmanship are present.
Foundation Vents: It is recommended that your foundation vents are on/installed during winter months; this will help prevent frozen pipes. Remove vents in warmer months; this will assist in proper foundation ventilation.
Dryer Vents: Clean out your dryer vent on a regular basis, paying close attention to where to dryer vent exits.
Service Calls: Do not allow service personnel to make cuts/penetrations into the siding, these are to be made only by Rainshield Inc., otherwise voiding your warranty.
Routine Cleaning Instructions:
Mold/Mildew: Remove using a commercial mold/mildew remover. Consult your paint manufacturer’s recommendations before applying any mold or mildew remover.
Dirt/Debris: Siding wash is available at many hardware and home center stores. Using a long-handled brush, scrub the wash into the siding and then rinse immediately with a garden hose.
CAUTION: High-pressure washing systems can result in shortening the life of the siding and peeling the paint.
Filed under: Services, Siding, cleaning, homeowner, maintenance, prep, repair, Siding, todo, warranty
