With a little effort you can keep your new house siding looking bright for years. You could get up to 60 years of life from your vinyl siding, if you spend some time keeping it clean and repaired. Here are some ways to get decades of life from your new vinyl siding.
Hazards to Your Siding
A number of items can dull the finish of your siding:
- tree and flower pollen
- bird droppings
- mold and mildew
- tree sap
- pesticides and fertilizers
- oil and grease
- household chemical cleansers
Keeping these items from sitting on your siding will prevent them from permanently marring the finish.
Cleaning Vinyl Siding
Warm water and a mild detergent are good for spot cleaning small areas of the siding. For larger areas that need to be cleaned, do the following:
- In a household sprayer, mix up a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water.
- Soak the area of the siding to be cleaned thoroughly with the solution.
- Use a soft brush to scrub the area lightly.
- Rinse the area off with fresh water from the garden hose.
Removing Mold and Mildew
If portions of the siding are in the shade and frequently don't dry off after becoming wet, mold and mildew can settle onto the surface. Spot clean the area with your vinegar and water solution. Dry the area thoroughly after cleaning the surface.
Dealing With Sun Damage
If part of your house is in the sun all day, a chalky substance can form on the siding. This makes the siding look old and dull. Use warm water and a mild soap to gently scrub the surface of the siding.
Tips for using a Power Washer
When used properly, you can safely use a power washer on your siding. If not used correctly, you can force the siding away from the house or create gaps that allow water to get under the siding panels. Here is how to use your power washer safely and effectively on the siding.
- Turn the power washer to its lowest power setting.
- Start at the top of the siding and work your way down.
- Point the power washer nozzle directly at the siding and not at an angle. By angling the nozzle up, you risk forcing water under the siding panels.
- If your power washer has a reservoir for cleaning solutions, fill it with your vinegar and water solution. When finished soaking the siding with this solution, remove it from the power washer so you can rinse off the siding with fresh water.
For more information, contact companies like Cornerstone Home Improvement.
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