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Whether you just installed steel siding or moved into a home with it, congratulations! Steel siding is one of the best types of siding you can install on your home.

Steel siding is one of the toughest materials you can choose while being fire-resistant and energy-efficient. If you’re considering a siding upgrade, is it finally time for an exterior home renovation?

Like all facets of your home’s exterior, metal siding requires some routine maintenance to keep it looking beautiful and healthy. Here are some tips for steel siding maintenance!

Clean Steel Siding Annually

Steel siding is renowned as a siding material you don’t have to clean all that often and, when you do, it’s a simple job! You only have to clean your steel siding once a year, preferably in the spring or summer, to keep it in tip-top shape.

Grab a bucket and mix some mild detergent and water. Then, clean the steel siding thoroughly with a rag or nylon scrub brush. Next, you can use a pressure washer or garden hose to give it a good rinse down!

Steel Siding Needs Space

The more shrubs or other debris sits near your steel siding, the higher the chance you’ll have of rusting or damaging it. You will want to trim shrubs, bushes, or tree branches that come too close to your siding or roof.

Additionally, if any mulch or dirt finds its way onto your steel siding, make sure you clean it off as soon as possible.

Check for Scratches in the Steel Siding

Debris will inevitably make contact with the exterior of your home. During your yearly exterior inspection, look for any scratches in your steel siding. Scratches deep enough can open up the steel siding to rusting. If you find any blemishes on your siding, be sure to touch it up with some matching paint.

Steel Siding Needs Minimal Winter Maintenance

One of the great things about steel siding is the lack of preparation it needs during the winter! Unlike vinyl or cedar siding, steel siding does not need winterization when the cold weather rolls in.

If you conduct your yearly inspection and cleaning routine, you will be able to rest easy in the wintertime, knowing your steel siding will hold up! Additionally, you will want to keep your gutters free of debris during the winter to prevent ice dams from damaging your siding.

Check and Protect Against Rust

If you notice signs of rust, you need to address them right away; contact a qualified steel siding expert to remove the rust and treat the area with a rust converter. Matching paint can be applied to help the section match. You can also consider applying a protective coating on your siding to enhance its resistance to rust and corrosion.

Clean Gutters to Prevent Water Damage

If your gutters are clogged with debris and leaves, it can cause water to spill out during a heavy rain storm or rapidly melting snow. Clogged gutters and downspouts can cause water to pool on the siding, which can eventually lead to rust, corrosion, and other damage. Schedule regular gutter cleaning to help maintain your steel siding.

Protect Against Salt Corrosion

If you use salt in the winter to deice your walkways, patios, or stairs, you may need to take extra precautions to protect your steel siding. Consider applying a coating that will protect your siding from salt corrosion. Also, make sure you clean your siding well if salt manages to make its way onto your siding.

Regular Painting

If your steel siding is painted, make sure you repaint it every few years to keep that layer of protection on the metal pieces. Painting it will help maintain its appearance as well.

Invest in Siding Warranties

If you can get a steel siding warranty upon installation, it’s a good idea to invest in it. Steel siding warranties can help you if something happens as a result of a manufacturing defect. You’ll have peace of mind that repairs are covered for several decades.

Professional Inspections

It’s essential to have a professional inspect your siding from time to time to ensure that there is nothing wrong with it. You can call a company like Trinity Exteriors to thoroughly inspect your steel siding and ensure there are no cracks, scratches, dents, or signs of rust.

Trust in Trinity Exteriors for Steel Siding Installation in MN

When you need reputable and trusted work done for your home’s exterior, call Trinity Exteriors. Receive a free quote online or give us a call at 952-920-9520 today!