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If you’re wondering how to make wood siding last longer, including Composite T1-11, inspect it annually or quarterly to spot and repair cracks, holes, or chipped areas. You’ll also want to re-stain the wood every 3 to 5  years or repaint every 7 to 10 years for protection (note that repainting requires stripping and sanding off old paint as well). Lastly, keep up with regular cleanings using a garden hose or low-pressure power washer to help prevent grime and discoloration.

Bleach can be an option if you want to kill mold and mildew clinging to your siding. However, you must water bleach down to the right concentration of a 1/2 cup of bleach per gallon of water to avoid damaging your siding. Bleach can also harm plants in your yard and isn’t safe to use near pets, so employ it with caution.

Local pressure washing services often offer non-bleach options that can powerfully remove mold and mildew.

The best type of paint for vinyl siding is a high-quality acrylic latex paint, often labeled as '100% acrylic.' This type of paint is lightweight and adheres well to the vinyl surface, which reduces the likelihood of it peeling or flaking. For best results, apply two coats and avoid using thick paint. The color choice is also important; select a light color to prevent the paint from absorbing excess heat, which helps extend the durability of your paint job.

For the materials alone, a square of siding costs an average of $600, but prices can range from $100 to $3,000, depending on the material. Vinyl siding costs toward the lower end of that range, while real brick or stone siding costs closer to the higher end. Keep in mind that many boxes of siding contain two squares, enough to cover 200 square feet, so you may need to double your cost if you only need one square.