You may have heard that vinyl siding is low maintenance. It’s true, but low maintenance doesn’t mean “no maintenance.” So what does vinyl need as upkeep to help it protect your home for its lifespan and look great in the process? How do you prevent problems when cleaning it?
Learn the answer to these and other common questions to keep your vinyl siding looking great.
Eight FAQs on Cleaning and Maintaining Vinyl Siding
1. How do you protect vinyl from damaging heat?
The fact is that when it comes into contact with heat, vinyl melts. Too many homeowners find out the hard way that their grill was too close to their vinyl siding. Later they notice a big, melted patch on their home exterior. As a precaution, keep your grill a safe distance away from your home exterior to prevent your siding from melting.
2. What is the best way to clean vinyl?
Once or twice a year, rinse your siding with a garden hose to rid it of dust and dirt. If you allow dirt to accumulate, your siding will start looking dim and won’t get clean unless it’s washed.
As needed, periodically wash vinyl siding using a garden hose, mild soap, and a long-handled, soft bristle brush. (If your siding’s surface is textured, skip the long-handled brush to avoid smearing stains into the textured grooves.) While you wash your siding, don’t point the hose upward, as you could get water behind the siding panels which could cause problems. For optimal results, rinse the cleaning solution completely before it dries.
3. Should a power washer be used to clean vinyl siding?
No. Power washers are too harsh and could harm your siding’s integrity. It could damage your vinyl siding or create moisture intrusion behind it, causing costly damage down the road.
4. How do I remove mold and mildew from my vinyl siding?
Small spots of mold and mildew can be cleaned with a solution of vinegar and water (three parts vinegar to seven parts water). Wash the moldy parts of your siding with this mixture until the mold is removed, and then rinse it thoroughly.
5. Can I paint my vinyl siding?
Vinyl siding should never be installed in a dark, heat-absorbing color, or it will tend to warp and sag when exposed to sunlight. If you paint your vinyl siding, stick with white, gray, or another reflective hue.
You really shouldn’t paint vinyl in the first place, but if you moved into a home with vinyl siding that is a color you don’t care for, you could check with the manufacturer for guidance on if you should paint it or not and how to paint it.
Understand that many vinyl siding manufacturers void their warranties if the siding is painted. Be sure to consult with them before painting!
6. How do I keep from bashing it?
Take care of your vinyl siding by being careful where you park your bike, lawn mower, or other lawn maintenance equipment. Vinyl can crack, especially when it’s cold outside. If your vinyl siding breaks or cracks, replace the damaged panel promptly to avoid further problems.
7. How often do I need to inspect my vinyl siding?
It’s essential to inspect your vinyl siding thoroughly every spring, fall, and after any major storms. If moisture gets behind your vinyl siding, it may go unnoticed for a while. Investigate any suspicious streaking or staining you see on your vinyl or on your foundation wall beneath it. It’s possible you’ll uncover hidden trouble if you follow up on any peculiar streaks and stains. Keep an eye out for loose areas of your siding, another warning sign that there is trouble beneath.
8. How do I protect my vinyl siding from discoloration?
When you’re using stain or sealants for other home exterior projects, cover your vinyl siding to protect it from damaging discoloration or staining. Vinyl siding may fade over time, but there isn’t anything you can do about that.
Beautiful Vinyl Siding for Your Denver Area Home
Vinyl siding can mimic the look of wood, so you can boost your home’s look while benefiting from the insulation this siding provides. Today’s vinyl siding delivers great aesthetics without the maintenance worries, rotting, splitting, woodpecker damage, or insect damage wood siding attracts.
Cost-effective vinyl siding is great for first-time homeowners and rental properties as it’s an easy way to update your home exterior.
At Refined Exteriors, when you choose us for your home exterior upgrade, you’ll enjoy a stress-free renovation that boosts your Denver area home’s appearance and safeguards its structural integrity.
Learn more about our vinyl siding services.
