What material do you want to use for protection against siding damage from insects and pests? There are several materials that are commonly used for protection against these types of pests, all of which offer multiple design and color options.
Read on to learn more about siding offering protection from insects and pests.
What Types of Pests Can Damage Wood Siding and What Problems Do They Cause?
There are many pests capable of damaging siding, including:
- Termites
- Carpenter ants
- Carpenter bees
These insects burrow into wood, much as woodpeckers do when they peck into house siding. One of the biggest problems with these types of insects is that their destruction can go beyond the exterior sometimes these insects get into the carpeting and otherwise cause destruction inside the house, even going as far as damaging walls and floorboards.
Termites are among some of the most destructive pests that homeowners may have to deal with. In the Kansas City area, termites are the pests that are the most likely to cause problems for homeowners. Wood damage leading to major structural issues is one of the biggest problems that termites can cause, potentially leading to larger repairs than having siding replaced.
Which Siding Materials Offer the Best Protection Against Siding Damage from Insects and Pests?
Concerned about siding damage from insects and pests? If that’s the case, you need to make sure you use one of the types of siding materials that are the most insect-proof. These materials include:
- Vinyl
- PVC
- Fiber cement
- Pressure-treated wood
Although there is still a risk of pest infestation with pressure-treated wood, this risk is somewhat minimized. One of the differences between pressure-treated and other types of wood is that minimizes the risk of moisture damage. Water-damaged wood is more likely to attract destructive pests, which makes prompt repair after storm or flood damage all the more important.
Pressured wood siding is an excellent choice for a home’s structural layer. One of the material’s most significant benefits is its ability to hold the house together and keep everything square. When everything is structurally sound, you will have fewer problems and are more likely to see your siding last.
What Are Some Other Effective Ways to Protect Against Pest Damage?
Regardless of which material you choose, keeping your house properly maintained is essential. A majority of problems with pests and siding come from a homeowner failing to keep up with maintenance, including dealing with wood rot or leaks. An uncorrected case of wood rot, for example, that starts off minor can lead to serious problems with pest infestation.
Keeping your home properly painted deters many of these pests, as burrowing insects find the chemicals used in paint and wood treatments unappealing. In the Kansas City area, a painting schedule of every six to ten years works best. Following up with recommended wood treatments to help seal out water is also recommended to reduce the odds of these pests causing problems.
You will probably also want to use caulking on your home’s corners and to fill any holes made in the wood. Caulking helps keep wood-boring pests from getting inside your home, where they can cause all kinds of chaos. In addition to keeping pests out, caulking reduces the chances of energy loss, which helps make your siding more energy-efficient and comfortable during times of temperature extremes.
Energy Pro Windows & Siding offers a full range of siding, including the most popular pest-proof materials that suit your budget and your home’s unique style. Contact us today to have your questions answered about what to do to prevent siding damage from insects and pests?
