Wooden cladding is a beautiful home feature that creates a wonderful farmhouse aesthetic. It’s hard-wearing and it will last a long time if you look after it properly. However, wooden cladding does require more maintenance than other options, like PVC, for example. If you don’t look after it, you will end up dealing with problems like wood rot and moss, which can be very expensive to tackle if you let them get out of control. If you already have wooden cladding on your home or you are considering it in the future, here’s how to look after it properly.
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Protect The Wood Properly
Adding the right protective layer to your wooden cladding will make it last longer and prevent problems in the future. The weather can do a lot of damage, so it’s important that you protect the wood against moisture. A good quality wood protector will prevent damage from UV rays and rain, stopping moisture from soaking into the wood. Once you have applied your wood protector, you need to add a layer of paint to create the right aesthetic and provide more protection. It’s a good idea to call in a professional painter because this is a big job and you can’t afford to make any mistakes. As long as you protect the cladding properly from the start, you will find it a lot easier to manage maintenance in the future.
Clean Your Cladding Regularly
Over time, dirt and moss collect on the surface of the wooden cladding. In the short-term, this makes your home look very run down and in the long-term, it can lead to some serious damage. When moss collects on the cladding, moisture will seep into the wood and cause rot. Dirt will also degrade the paint and remove that protective layer, so you need to deal with it right away. Cleaning your cladding on a regular basis will keep your home exterior looking amazing and prevent future damage. You can use a pressure washer to safely remove any dirt without damaging the paint. If your cladding has been installed for a while and it’s starting to look a bit dull, you can scrub it with a brightening agent to bring it back to life.
Fix Small Cracks As Soon As They Appear
Wooden cladding will start to crack over time, especially if it gets wet and the wood swells. Small cracks don’t pose too much of a problem but if they get bigger, they let a lot of water in and you will soon end up dealing with wood rot. You can avoid all of that hassle if you fix small cracks as soon as they appear. Always keep an eye on your cladding and check for cracks regularly. If you notice any, no matter how small, use a filler to fix them. If there are large damaged areas, make sure you remove all rotten wood before filling the gaps.
Wooden cladding will last a lifetime as long as you look after it properly, so make sure you follow these important maintenance steps.