Category: Home Maintenance

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Home Maintenance Home Siding

Power Washing Your Siding (the Right Way): Chicago Homeowner’s Guide

When the spring thaw hits Chicago, so does the urge to freshen up your home’s exterior. One of the quickest ways to boost curb appeal is by power washing your siding—but done wrong, it can cause serious (and expensive) damage.

Whether you live in the North Shore, Northwest Suburbs, or right in the city, here’s how to safely power wash your siding and keep your Chicago home looking its best.

✅ Do’s of Power Washing Your Siding

  • Check your siding type first.
    Vinyl siding can usually handle pressure washing, but wood, fiber cement, or aluminum require a gentler touch. If you’re unsure, consult your siding installer or a local pro.
  • Use the right PSI.
    For most siding types, keep pressure between 1,300 and 1,600 PSI. Going higher can crack or strip paint and push water behind the siding.
  • Spray at a downward angle.
    This helps prevent water from getting behind the panels and causing hidden moisture damage.
  • Start with a mild cleaning solution.
    Use a siding-safe detergent to loosen grime, mold, or algae before blasting away with water.
  • Work in sections.
    Start at the bottom and work your way up, then rinse from the top down for streak-free results.

❌ Don’ts of Power Washing Siding

  • Don’t use high pressure on older or cracked siding.
    It can worsen damage or force water into places it shouldn’t be.
  • Don’t aim directly at seams, vents, or light fixtures.
    These are vulnerable spots where water can sneak behind and cause long-term issues.
  • Don’t skip the rinse.
    Leftover detergent can attract dirt and leave streaks.
  • Don’t ignore safety.
    Power washers are serious tools—use eye protection and never spray while on a ladder.

Recommended Tools for DIY Power Washing

  • Electric Pressure Washer (1,500–2,000 PSI) – Quiet and ideal for residential siding.
  • Siding Cleaning Attachment or Wide Nozzle Tip – Reduces pressure and spreads water evenly.
  • Cleaning Solution for Siding – Choose biodegradable, siding-safe products.
  • Extension Wand – For reaching second stories safely from the ground.
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Home Maintenance

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Siding in Chicago

Knowing when to replace the siding on your Chicago home is essential for protecting its value, appearance, and structural integrity. Siding shields your home from harsh weather and enhances energy efficiency, but over time, signs of wear can emerge. Warping or buckling is one of the first indicators that your siding may need replacement, as these issues often stem from moisture infiltration or structural stress. In Chicago’s variable climate—where hot summers and icy, windy winters take their toll on materials—any noticeable bulging in the siding may mean it’s time for a replacement to keep moisture and air drafts out.

Another critical sign is peeling paint or wallpaper inside the home. This can be a clue that water is seeping through damaged siding, potentially causing costly interior water damage. Chicago’s high humidity and frequent rain can worsen moisture issues, making timely siding replacement crucial to avoid further damage to insulation and interior finishes. Visible cracks, gaps, and holes in the siding should also raise concern. These seemingly minor issues can invite pests, allow drafts, and indicate larger structural problems that could lead to significant heat loss during Chicago’s cold winters.

If you find yourself constantly repainting or performing minor repairs on your siding, it could signal that the material is nearing the end of its life. Siding should last for years with minimal maintenance; therefore, frequent upkeep suggests it may no longer withstand Chicago’s demanding weather. Additionally, faded or discolored siding not only affects curb appeal but can indicate UV damage or wear that weakens its protective qualities. In Chicago’s mixed climate, where UV exposure can be intense on certain walls, new siding can refresh your home’s exterior while providing modern UV resistance.

High energy bills are another hint that your siding may no longer be insulating effectively. As heating costs rise in winter, homes with outdated or damaged siding may struggle to retain warmth. Investing in energy-efficient, insulated siding can make a noticeable difference in energy bills, keeping the home more comfortable year-round. For small issues, a simple repair may suffice; minor cracks or warping can often be patched if the siding is still relatively new. However, for widespread damage or recurring maintenance issues, replacing the siding can be more cost-effective in the long run. In Chicago, where seasons change drastically, opting for a full replacement ensures consistent performance across all walls and materials.

For the best protection against Chicago’s extreme weather, consider siding materials like fiber cement, engineered wood, or insulated vinyl. Each material offers unique benefits suited to a four-season climate, and consulting a local Chicago siding expert can help you make the right choice for your home’s specific needs. By recognizing these signs early and acting promptly, you can maintain your home’s curb appeal, energy efficiency, and protection, all while preparing for Chicago’s challenging climate.

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Home Maintenance

Walk and Caulk Your Home’s Exterior

Caulking was not created for bathrooms alone. If you’re interested in weatherizing your home and need to keep the cost of doing so to a minimum, buy some fresh caulk and get the cobwebs off your caulk gun. There are spaces and gaps all over the exterior of your home that are just waiting to be filled – and you might just be surprised at how many you find – according to Andy, Chicago Exterior Painting Contractor. Grab your caulk gun and take a walk outside.

First, take a look at all your utility lines. Electric, telephone, cable and satellite all require utility lines to tunnel into your home. Holes are drilled into your home that let your utility lines in along with unwanted cold air. But that’s not all. The passageway for gas pipes, water pipes and sewer pipes are harbors for subways of air loss to run through. Remember that there will be more than one entranceway for many of these utility lines and pipes. Find the exterior entranceway for all of your utility piping and wiring, and caulk the gaps closed.

That’s just the beginning. Now you’re going to look for exterior electrical fixtures to seal. Exterior light fixtures usually need some caulk around the base. Exterior electric receptacles need caulk around the box, even though they have a gasket between the cover plate and the electrical box. Dryer vents, fans and roof vents can always use some caulk around the edges to seal things up, and you’ll probably need some caulk to tighten up the seal on your air-conditioner.

Modern electricity isn’t the largest culprit to induce air loss. Take a look at your windows, then grab a ladder. Old peeling caulk needs to be removed and replaced. You can cut the old caulk with a utility knife to get a good start on a strip. Pull the old caulk off gently and dust off the area. Prime the area with an exterior primer, and make sure you prime the nearby exposed wood. Once the primer dries, you can re-caulk the area. After you have re-caulked the window area and the caulk has dried, you can brush on a coat or two of paint. Once you’ve caulked the window edges and frames, do the same for door frames.

If you have any extensions on your house, such as a deck, front porch, or an added on room, take a look at where the joint meets the main house – you might be able to squeeze some caulk in there. While you’re at it, look where the house siding meets the foundation and see if there isn’t room for caulking improvement. When you get off the ground, look around at all of your siding. Wherever a joint meets a stone or brick wall, at corners, or where two different sizes of siding meets – check to see if there’s room to caulk. You might as well caulk up any nails and scratches in the siding since you’re in the area.

Once you take a look around you might feel your house is no more than a window screen holding the heat in, and the job may seem overwhelming. Rest assured that if you fill your exterior gaps with caulk, you’ll fill your pockets with energy savings. Just use your anger at the cost of your heating and cooling bills to motivate you to get the job done – you can’t do any harm with a caulking gun.

Atomic Painting, Inc. – Chicago Exterior Painters.