By Tom Bailey, Owner of Cowboys Roofing & Exteriors
Hey there, Calgary!
Tom Bailey here—owner of Cowboys Roofing & Exteriors, and your friendly neighborhood exterior expert. If there’s one thing we’ve learned from serving our awesome clients across this great city, it’s that first impressions matter. And when it comes to curb appeal, your siding does a lot of the heavy lifting.
You might not think about it every day, but your home’s siding plays a huge role in both protecting your house from Calgary’s wild weather and keeping it looking sharp. That’s why I wanted to take a moment today to share a few lesser-known, expert-level tips that’ll help you keep your siding looking absolutely pristine for years to come. Whether you’ve got vinyl, fibre cement, or composite siding, these five secret tips can make all the difference.
Let’s jump in!
You’d be surprised how many homeowners damage their siding by cleaning it the wrong way. Pressure washers might seem like a quick fix, but if you don’t know what you’re doing, they can force water behind the panels or strip protective coatings. That’s why understanding your siding material is key.
Use a soft brush or microfiber cloth with a gentle soap-and-water solution.
If you want to use a pressure washer, keep the stream at eye-level and pointed straight—never upward. High pressure at the wrong angle can drive water behind the siding and cause mold or mildew growth.
Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or industrial cleaners—they can discolour or warp your vinyl.
Fibre cement is strong, but still needs care. Low-pressure washing only.
Stick with mild detergents and avoid anything acidic.
Inspect for chipped or peeling paint while cleaning—it’s a good opportunity to catch small issues before they turn into expensive repairs.
Composite products like LP® SmartSide® are low maintenance but still benefit from regular cleaning.
Gently rinse with a garden hose and use a non-abrasive sponge for stubborn spots.
Avoid scraping tools or metal brushes—these can scratch or gouge the surface.
Pro tip: Aim to clean your siding twice a year, ideally in spring and fall, when temperatures are moderate and you can inspect your home before and after Calgary’s most extreme seasons.
This one’s sneaky. Most people don’t connect drainage problems to siding issues, but excess moisture around your foundation or walls can wreak havoc on your exterior over time.
Soil erosion around your home can lead to siding panels warping or detaching from the foundation.
Standing water can splash mud, minerals, and salts onto lower panels, causing staining or accelerated wear.
Ice damming in winter can cause water to back up under siding or eaves.
Make sure gutters and downspouts are clean and directed away from the home—at least 4–6 feet.
Grade the soil so that it slopes away from the foundation. Even a gentle slope will help redirect water.
Keep landscape features like mulch beds or rock borders slightly below siding level to prevent direct contact with moisture.
Taking care of what’s happening at ground level can make a massive difference in keeping your siding clean, dry, and beautiful.
It’s easy to notice a cracked or missing panel—but the most serious problems often start with subtle signs that go unnoticed.
Bubbling or bulging panels – Could mean moisture is trapped behind the siding.
Discolouration or streaking – A slow indicator of water damage, mold, or UV breakdown.
Warped or wavy appearance – Might suggest improper installation or temperature-related expansion.
Tiny holes or gnaw marks – Could mean pests like birds or rodents are trying to make themselves at home.
In Calgary, extreme temperature fluctuations can cause siding to expand and contract quickly. That’s why it’s smart to inspect your siding seasonally—especially after chinook winds, hailstorms, or heavy snowfall.
If you’re ever unsure about what you’re seeing, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We offer free inspections and can help identify whether a small issue needs a simple fix or something more comprehensive.
Here’s a pro-level tip that a lot of homeowners don’t know about: your siding system includes joints, seams, and edges that rely on caulking and sealants to stay watertight. Over time, these seals dry out, crack, or peel—especially with Calgary’s freeze-thaw cycles.
Around windows and doors
At trim edges
At corners where two siding panels meet
Around exterior light fixtures or vents
Use a high-quality, paintable exterior-grade caulk—preferably one that remains flexible over time.
Scrape away old, cracked caulk before applying new sealant.
Apply sealant in dry conditions when the temperature is between 5°C and 30°C for best results.
A small bead of caulk can prevent thousands of dollars in water damage. It’s one of the simplest ways to prolong your siding’s lifespan—and one of the most overlooked.
Even if your siding looks good from a distance, its protective layer may be breaking down. UV rays, wind, snow, and pollution slowly eat away at the finish of both painted and pre-finished siding products. Keeping up with maintenance coatings is one of the best-kept secrets to a long-lasting exterior.
Repaint every 7–10 years, depending on sun exposure and manufacturer guidelines.
Use premium, exterior-grade, UV-resistant paints made specifically for your siding type.
Power-wash and sand (if needed) before painting to ensure adhesion.
You can’t repaint most vinyl siding, but you can apply a UV protectant after cleaning to extend its lifespan.
There are specialty coatings available for colour restoration if your siding is fading but still in good shape.
Proper surface maintenance not only keeps your home looking sharp but also ensures it continues to resist moisture, pests, and fading. Calgary’s sun can be brutal—so protect your siding just like you’d protect your skin with sunscreen.
We get it—siding maintenance isn’t the most exciting home project on the list. But here’s why it matters:
Energy efficiency: Damaged or poorly sealed siding can cause drafts, leading to higher heating bills in the winter and cooling costs in the summer.
Moisture protection: Water that sneaks in through compromised siding can damage insulation, framing, and drywall.
Resale value: Pristine siding boosts curb appeal, which increases your home’s market value and selling power.
Insurance claims: Regular maintenance helps you document your home’s condition and prove storm-related damage later on.
At Cowboys Roofing & Exteriors, we’ve replaced siding for Calgary homeowners who never saw the early warning signs—and we’ve helped many more avoid those expensive repairs by acting early. Prevention is always cheaper than replacement.
Your home is your biggest investment—and your siding is its first line of defense. With the right care and a few secret tips up your sleeve, you can keep it looking sharp, functioning beautifully, and holding strong through every storm, chinook, and snow squall Calgary throws its way.
Remember:
Clean it gently but thoroughly.
Keep an eye out for those easy-to-miss signs of wear.
Don’t ignore the importance of caulking, drainage, and seasonal inspections.
And most of all—don’t be afraid to ask for help.
At Cowboys Roofing & Exteriors, we’re not just here to install siding—we’re here to help you take care of it. If you ever need a hand with a siding inspection, minor repair, or full replacement, you can trust our team to treat your home like it’s our own. That’s the cowboy way.
Until next time, stay safe, take pride in your home, and give us a shout if you need anything!
Warm regards,
Tom Bailey
Owner, Cowboys Roofing & Exteriors