Maintaining Exterior Siding
Siding can be a very attractive exterior finish with a practical function. Here are a few details you should know about cleaning and repairing various types of siding:
Wood
Avoid using a power wash with excessively high pressure. The pressure can chip off pain or stain and also damage the wood. To get rid of mildew, ask your hardware merchant for a mild multipurpose cleaner. Always be careful not to allow soap or water to get behind the siding boards. To help keep water from this area, all hosing or washing should be from the top down, similar to a rainstorm.
Vinyl
When washing vinyl, be careful not to allow soap or water to get under the horizontal panels. If water gets inside the ventilation/drip hoses underneath, it could damage your insulation or compromise your moisture barrier.
Aluminum
Sometimes excessive chalking may appear on the surface of painted siding. This is actually a normal process as the paint matures. The chalk protects the siding color while it is exposed to the sun. Excessive chalking may indicate a poorly mixed paint formula, but a gentle wipe should keep it under control.
Steel
Pre-finished steel siding is usually very durable, and often installed in sheets. If sheets are installed correctly, you will not need to be overly concerned about moisture finding its way behind the panels. However, to be safe, you always be mindful of where the panels join, and avoid excessive water pressure in these areas.
Wood
Avoid using a power wash with excessively high pressure. The pressure can chip off pain or stain and also damage the wood. To get rid of mildew, ask your hardware merchant for a mild multipurpose cleaner. Always be careful not to allow soap or water to get behind the siding boards. To help keep water from this area, all hosing or washing should be from the top down, similar to a rainstorm.
Vinyl
When washing vinyl, be careful not to allow soap or water to get under the horizontal panels. If water gets inside the ventilation/drip hoses underneath, it could damage your insulation or compromise your moisture barrier.
Aluminum
Sometimes excessive chalking may appear on the surface of painted siding. This is actually a normal process as the paint matures. The chalk protects the siding color while it is exposed to the sun. Excessive chalking may indicate a poorly mixed paint formula, but a gentle wipe should keep it under control.
Steel
Pre-finished steel siding is usually very durable, and often installed in sheets. If sheets are installed correctly, you will not need to be overly concerned about moisture finding its way behind the panels. However, to be safe, you always be mindful of where the panels join, and avoid excessive water pressure in these areas.