Vinyl siding is a large investment; therefore, you want to make sure that it lasts as long as possible and doesn’t need to be replaced too soon. Plus, since the outside of your home is the first place anyone sees, you want to keep it looking like new for a long time.
The outdoors is full of pollen, dirt, and all sorts of things that can build up on the outside of your home over time.
So how can you maintain your vinyl siding and keep it looking like new?
One way is to have it cleaned regularly. Most vinyl siding manufacturers will tell you it’s low maintenance with minimal cleaning required, and they are right. However, it still needs to be cleaned regularly to keep it looking like new.
Washing your vinyl siding is one of the best ways to keep it looking new, but there are also other ways you can maintain it. If you are thinking of getting vinyl siding or have just had it installed, continue reading for more information on the best way to maintain it to ensure it keeps looking great for years to come.
Keep It Clean
Typically having your vinyl siding pressure washed once a year is plenty for most homes. If you’re in between washing and notice some dirt or mildew, grab a bucket, some warm water, and mild cleanser to spot clean it.
Before going out to rent a power washer, you should probably consider having a professional do it. The pressure washer can cause uneven streaks; if you aren’t adequately trained, you can damage your siding. Make sure to check with the manufacturer of your siding to make sure you can power wash it. Not all siding is compatible with pressure washing.
Read The Labels
Before using any type of cleanser on your home, make sure you read the label and that it’s suitable for siding. You should avoid anything that contains organic solvents, undiluted chlorine bleach, liquid grease remover, nail polish remover, or furniture cleaners and polish. These ingredients can ruin your siding.
If you don’t want to use traditional cleaners and prefer organic, combine one cup of vinegar with one gallon of water in a large bucket. This is good for a quick hose down and rinse in between a thorough cleaning job.
Before washing your siding, make sure anything you don’t want to get the cleaner on is covered, such as any young trees or plants you may have around your house. Another tip is to hose off your home before washing to remove any loose debris.
Pay Attention to Your Surroundings
When you are mowing your yard or outside doing things, make sure you avoid throwing any objects toward your house. While your vinyl siding is tough, a ball or something thrown from the mower can damage it and cause it to crack or break.
Keep your grill far enough away so that it won’t cause the siding to become too hot. You’ll also want to make sure you keep trees that are close to your home trimmed so that their branches and leaves aren’t scraping against your home, damaging the siding.
Inspect Your Siding for Cracks or Breaks
Siding is one of the most critical aspects of your home’s exterior. It defines the look and feel of your home, which can be a significant factor in determining how well your home holds up against weather elements, such as rain and wind.
If you notice cracks or breaks in your siding, it may be time to replace it before the damage becomes more extensive. If you aren’t sure if you need to replace your siding, here are some signs that you should consider having it replaced:
Cracks – If you find cracks in your siding, it could mean that there’s pressure on the wood or aluminum underneath. If this pressure isn’t removed or reduced, moisture could get inside the wall cavity behind your siding and cause rot or mold growth within a few years (or even months).
Breaks – A break in your siding can cause water leakage into your wall cavity. To prevent this from happening, it’s important to repair broken sections as soon as possible, so water doesn’t have an opportunity to get inside the walls of your house.
Protect Your Siding from UV Rays – Over time, vinyl siding becomes discolored from exposure to UV rays from the sun. This discoloration will cause the color of your siding to fade and may even lead to cracking or peeling over time if not addressed early enough before these issues become too severe for fixing without replacing entire sections of the damaged section.
Siding for the Long Term
Maintaining vinyl siding is not a very difficult task. There are many things you can do to ensure your home’s appearance will be protected and extended. If you have questions about your home’s siding, or notice some wear and tear that needs attention, contact a local and trusted home improvement company today.
Excel Home Improvement is a family-owned business located in Romulus that has been keeping homes throughout Michigan updated and renovated for 3 generations. Specializing in residential and commercial siding installation, gutters and roof installation, we install only the highest quality materials from the leading manufacturers.
We approach each job with unparalleled attention to detail and unsurpassed dedication. Our quality of work and top-rated customer service speaks for itself. Contact us for a Free Estimate, our home improvement specialists will help determine the best option for your needs and budget!