Vinyl Siding Maintenance and Vinyl Siding Cleaning
Vinyl siding has lower maintenance requirements compared to other siding types. However, low maintenance doesn’t mean no maintenance. Similar to any siding material, the surface of the best vinyl siding can still attract various stains to your home, including grime, animal droppings, and, in more severe instances, mold.
The following suggestions are more or less optional, but if you’d like to keep your siding looking good for as long as possible, it’s well worth adhering to a few simple dos and don’ts for your vinyl siding maintenance.
- Clean your vinyl siding. Otherwise, stubborn stains could form on the surface of your siding, making siding maintenance harder and more time consuming.
- Use a mild cleaning solution. It’s best to use a mild cleaning solution made using warm water, laundry soap or trisodium phosphate substitute. Easy to clean with a soft bristle brush and mild soap. Avoid using cleaners containing organic solvents, grease or nail polish removers, and undiluted chlorine bleach and abrasive cleaning tools.
- Use the right equipment and tools. Minimize the risk of accidental slips by wearing closed toe shoes with slip resistant soles. Additionally, safeguard your skin from harsh chemicals in cleaning solutions by donning rubber gloves, and protect your eyes from splatters by wearing eye goggles.
- Don’t ignore signs of damage. If you notice cracks forming on vinyl siding, have a contractor inspect your exterior as soon as possible. The sooner a contractor can conduct siding repair, the better.
PRO Tips for Vinyl Siding Maintenance and Cleaning
- Always refer to the specifics outlined in your warranty to understand the recommended cleaning methods for your siding. Consider conducting a small test to assess how well your siding responds to the chosen cleaning product.
- While a cooled grill can be safely stored next to your siding wrapped house, it’s crucial to note that if the grill is in use or still hot from previous use, it should be positioned several feet away from your property. The high temperatures emitted can potentially melt, warp, or cause damage to your siding.
- When dealing with siding discoloration, it’s advisable to review your warranty before considering any painting solutions. Consulting with your siding manufacturer is essential as well, as applying paint might address the problem, but it could also potentially void your warranty.
- To make the task more manageable, focus on one section or area at a time when cleaning your house. Tackling the entire house simultaneously can be overwhelming, and products may not be properly rinsed before drying, leading to potential issues. Breaking your property into sections ensures a more effective and controlled cleaning process.
- Cleaning your siding is most effective when you start at the top and work your way down.
- Do not perform this task in high heat. The cleaning solution may dry too quickly if the temperature is too high, making it difficult to effectively rinse off and clean.
- Washing your siding two to four times a year is generally sufficient, but it’s advisable to clean it whenever necessary for optimal maintenance.
- Inspections should be done at least twice yearly. Do them before you wash your siding and after every major storm.
- Avoid using a tough bristle brush, as it has the potential to scratch your siding, leaving your property looking worse than before you started. Opt for a softer brush to ensure a gentle and effective cleaning process.
Proper vinyl siding maintenance will keep the exteriors of your home looking and functioning at their best.
It’s essential to recognize that maintenance has its limits. If your vinyl siding appears worn despite regular upkeep, it may be prudent to start considering a siding replacement for your home.
If you are looking for assistance for your upcoming home renovation project at New America Construction we provide vinyl siding estimates for all NJ homeowners.
Call us for more information 973-804-9400
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