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The necessary frequency of mold cleaning in your home will depend on several factors, including the climate, the presence of moisture sources, and the type of siding. It's generally recommended to inspect your siding regularly and clean any mold growth as soon as it appears to prevent it from spreading or causing damage. If you’re not sure how often you should clean mold off siding, you can always contact a siding contractor near you to consult on what maintenance schedule will work best for your home. 

You should restain or refinish your home's cedar siding every three to seven years to maintain its appearance and ensure maximum protection. The precise frequency depends on several factors, including your local climate, the siding's exposure to severe weather like direct sunlight, rain, and wind, the quality of the initial stain application, the type of stain used, and the condition of the wood.

Homeowners in harsh climates with high humidity and significant direct sunlight should plan on restaining every three years, while those in milder locations can wait up to seven years. For the longest-lasting protection in particularly harsh environments, consider using an opaque stain.

If you're looking for a lower-maintenance alternative, vinyl or aluminum siding are options to consider. Although their installation cost may be higher, they don't require as much upkeep over time, which can provide more value, especially in areas with excessive rainfall or high humidity.

There should be small gaps between your roof and the walls of your home, and other buildings. These small gaps let building materials shift, expand, and contract with weather and other outside forces, and they prevent moisture from wicking down walls from roofing and gutter systems. Without these strategic gaps, your home’s exterior and its finishes can sustain water damage, decay, peel, delaminate, and crack. However, there is a fine line between a smart gap and a problematic gap—all  gaps should be small, intentional, and covered or filled in with foam insulation to prevent pests from using them as access points.

Some homeowners use caulk on the edges of clapboard siding to help seal it. However, this method invites new problems. With so many gaps sealed, clapboard siding is often unable to drain properly and moisture from rain or other sources can build up inside. This can lead to rot and other issues over time. When repairing clapboards, it’s best to avoid caulking the final product. The exception is trim around windows and doors, which should be caulked to avoid moisture problems.