Use and Care Manual
IMPORTANT:
It is highly recommended that the entire guide
is reviewed for best practice methods for all
Diamond Kote
®
Building Products.
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE + CARE
The siding should be inspected periodically:
• Re-fasten any loose siding and cut
back any trees/shrubs that touch
the siding. Replace any caulking that has
hardened, cracked or lost its seal.
• Correct the drainage in any spots where
water is retained in contact with the siding.
Long term contact with water may result in
discoloration.
• Avoid regularly wetting the siding with
lawn sprinklers since water in many locales
contain rust or minerals which may discolor
the siding's surface, shorten the life of the
nish and encourage the growth of mildew
and fungus.
• Diamond Kote
®
does not recommend power
washing siding, it can cause moisture
intrusion, damage and/or discoloration.
CLEANING
Depending on location and climate conditions,
siding may be subject to occasional
accumulations of dirt, dust, etc.
• Periodic washing is helpful (every 6 to 12
months). Use clean water and mild detergent,
then apply with a cloth, sponge or soft brush
(such as a car wash brush). Less streaking will
result if the siding is washed from bottom to
top. Immediately follow by rinsing thoroughly
with clean water from a garden hose.
• Never use harsh cleaners, abrasives or
strong solvents, which may damage the paint
or surface. If the dirt does not wash o it may
be mildew or a fungus growth.
MOISTURE MANAGEMENT + GUTTERS
Water management is key to protecting every
part of your home, including your siding. Each
area of the country is aected by moisture,
whether it's an occasional thunderstorm or high
levels of rainfall. The resulting water has potential
to cause damage.
We recommend protecting your home from
rainfall with gutters and downspouts. Always be
sure that your drainage system is free of debris
to work properly.
LANDSCAPING
Plants hold moisture, so any bushes, trees or
other plants that are close to your home should
be trimmed periodically. Plants should not come
into contact with your siding. Also, sprinkler
systems should be adjusted to never saturate
areas near your home.
CLEARANCES
Maintain required clearances and drainage slopes
to ensure that moisture is diverted away from
your siding at roof lines and ground level. Proper
clearances include 1" from concrete, roof lines,
patios, etc. and 6" from nal grade. Landscaping
should not reach the siding.
TOUCH-UP PAINT GUIDELINES
Diamond Kote
®
Touch-Up paint is intended for
use on Diamond Kote
®
pre-nished products. We
cannot guarantee the performance of Diamond
Kote Touch-Up paint on other products.
• Apply Touch-up paint on all exposed face
nails. Cotton swabs are recommended for
touch-up painting on the nished face of
products. Follow the coating manufacturer's
maintenance instructions or watch the
Diamond Kote
®
Touch-Up Paint Best
Practices Video on our YouTube Channel.
PAINT CARE
• Stir Touch-Up paint for a minimum of 10
minutes before use. Heavier pigments in the
paint settle to the bottom requiring the paint
to be thoroughly mixed before use. Clean up
with water is recommended.
**Do not allow touch-up paint to freeze. Keep
container from freezing.**
SURFACE PREPARATION
DO NOT APPLY PAINT OVER PAINT.. Only apply
paint to the bare area.
• Surface must be clean and dry.
• Test the color on a sample piece or hidden
area of the siding/trim before applying.
• Nail heads and other small imperfections can
be touched-up using a cotton swab by simply
dotting the desired area.
• Do NOT fan out or try to blend the paint.
• Allow 24 hours dry time.
CARE & MAINTENANCE GUIDE
2.18