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If you’re wondering how to clean clapboard siding, the approach depends on its material and condition. Siding in good shape may need only light soap and spray from the hose, while older siding often requires more thorough treatment. For serious cleaning, power washing can remove caked-on dirt, but you should consider hiring a professional to avoid causing damage in the process.

You should install your cedar shake siding with the rough side exposed. The smooth side is less resistant to weathering over the years, and the rough side gives your home a more rugged aesthetic. The rough side also takes to paint better and ensures any paint job will last longer before needing to be redone.

Fiber cement shingle siding is made from a blend of common ingredients, including cement, sand, water, and wood or cellulose fibers. The composition of the mixture varies depending on the manufacturer, however, with some makers opting to include special additives to improve longevity and resilience, and some include dyes and pigments to create custom colors that don’t require painting.

You can calculate the required square footage of siding you need by measuring the height and width of your home’s rectangular exterior walls. For the triangular-shaped gable walls, measure the height from the ground to the tallest gable point to make sure you have enough for good coverage. Once you have combined the totals for each wall, add another 10% to account for wasted materials. It’s also good to have extra siding on hand to tackle wood siding repair down the road.