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5 Upkeep Ideas to Add Curb Appeal to Your Home

If your home's exterior needs some TLC, now is the time to take care of those fix-up projects you put off last fall. Doing so just might make people stop and stare at its eye-catching charm - and at the same time, you can ward off more expensive repairs that can happen when a house isn't properly maintained.

Simple Improvements, Big Results

wash-up

  • Make windows sparkle. A good window cleaning, inside and out, will brighten your interior and freshen up the look of the exterior. Many windows now feature tilt-in sashes, making the job quick and convenient. Use a telescoping pole for hard-to-reach windows.
  • Wash off dirt. Use your garden hose to power-wash dirt and debris off sidewalks and driveways. Your siding also benefits from a periodic cleaning. If you have LP® SmartSide® siding, avoid pressure-washing your siding as this can cause moisture intrusion behind the panels, paint damage and streaking of siding colors. Learn more about how to properly clean and care for LP SmartSide siding.
  • Fix up the front door. At a minimum, wipe down the door and sweep away debris from corners. Repainting a door can be an inexpensive way to improve curb appeal and brighten up your home’s appearance, so decide if your door needs a makeover. Another way to update the look of a door is to replace the handle and lock hardware.
  • Touch-up paint. You will want to touch up chips and small imperfections in the LP SmartSide siding or trim finish. Use of acrylic latex coatings designed for wood composites is highly recommended. Use a cotton swab to apply paint only to the bare area. Do not apply paint-over-paint, or try to “fan out” or blend the paint. Allow to dry at least 24 hours. For help matching house siding colors, consult your nearest LP SmartSide siding retailer or dealer.
  • Renew decks and porches. Refreshing the finish on decks, porches and other structures protects wood from decay. Begin by making any necessary repairs to damaged wood. Clean the deck surface, allow to dry completely, and apply stain. If your deck does not need to be re-stained, use a deck cleaner to remove build-up and maintain the wood.

LP® SmartSide® Siding: Nearly Two Decades of Proven Performance

If you would like to learn more about improving the appearance of your home with engineered wood siding options manufactured by LP, contact a retailer or remodeler near you today.

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