Best siding pros near Gibbon, NE

To clean painted aluminum siding, use a mixture of mild detergent and water applied with a soft brush or sponge. Rinse thoroughly with a garden hose to remove soap residue. For stubborn stains, cleaning aluminum siding with a power washer on a low-pressure setting can be effective. But avoid using high pressure, which could damage the paint.

You cannot install clapboard siding on a bare, unprepared surface. Clapboard siding requires a clean, sturdy base made from plywood or similar materials, sometimes called backerboard. Then, it needs an underlayment or sheathing, a moisture membrane to help protect the exterior wall.

Note that sometimes clapboard siding is caulked as it’s installed for additional protection. We don’t suggest this: Caulking the siding can trap moisture inside the clapboards and lead to moisture damage over time. The siding needs some space to “breathe,” especially in rainy weather.

Brick and stone are the most durable and longest-lasting siding materials, often lasting for 100 years or more with proper maintenance. Copper is another material known to last over 100 years, though it can develop a greenish patina over time. Zinc is a metal siding that can last 80-100 years. While these options are the most expensive, they offer superior value and longevity. For a more affordable yet durable choice, stucco can last 50 to 80 years in dry climates. Fiber cement siding is another excellent middle ground, offering a lifespan of 50 years or more with low maintenance at a lower cost than stone or brick.

Wood siding requires an air gap behind it to allow water to drain out, and for air circulation and venting to allow humid air to escape and keep the material from rotting due to moisture.