Maximize The Life Of Your New House Siding

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The new vinyl siding on your house could last nearly 60 years. By protecting it from materials that can damage the surface, you'll get decades of service from it. Here are some of the common hazards to vinyl siding and what you can do to make this the last siding you'll have installed on your home.

Materials That Damage Vinyl Siding

Several natural substances can damage your vinyl siding, including:

  • pollen from trees and flowers
  • bird droppings
  • mold and mildew
  • sap from trees and shrubberies

Man-made chemicals can also take a toll on your siding, such as:

  • insecticides and pesticides
  • fertilizers
  • cleaning solutions containing chlorine
  • motor oil and transmission fluid
  • brake fluid and grease
  • asphalt driveway and roof sealer

Cleaning Your House Siding

The best way to prolong the life of your vinyl siding is to spot clean any areas that become soiled with a harmful substance. A yearly cleaning of the surface will keep the siding looking bright.

For spot cleaning of small areas, use a solution of mild soap and warm water. Rinse the siding off thoroughly to remove any soap to prevent a buildup. For cleaning large areas or to remove tough materials:

  • Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a household sprayer.
  • Spray an area of siding from the top down.
  • Scrub the area with a soft brush or cloth.
  • Rinse off the area with fresh water.

Tips for Using a Power Washer

You can damage the siding with a power washer if not used properly. To prevent doing damage while cleaning the siding:

  • Use the low power setting on the washer.
  • Point the nozzle of the washer straight at the siding. Do not spray upward or you will force water under the siding.
  • Stop spraying when you are a few inches away from the window and door trim so you don't force water under the siding panels in those areas.

Mold and Mildew

If areas of the house are in constant shade and frequently wet, mold and mildew can form on the siding. Scrub the area with your vinegar and water solution then rinse thoroughly. Work from the top down and use a soft brush or cloth.

Sun and Your Siding

Vinyl siding that is exposed to the sun frequently can develop a powdery chalk on the surface, which makes the siding look dull. Renew the siding by washing the chalk off with a mild soap and water solution. Rinse with fresh water. 

For more information, consider contacting companies like Buffalo Roofing.

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13 March 2016

About Me

choosing roofing that is beautiful and durable

One thing I never realized about roofing is what a difference it can make in the appearance of a home. The roofing on my home was more than 20 years old before we got around to replacing it. As we were working with our roofing contractor to choose the materials that we wanted to use, I learned quite a bit about the many, many options that we had to consider. Our blog will show you several of the options and provide you with facts about each type of material that you can use. Hopefully, what we have included here will help you choose the roofing that will look and perform the best on your home.

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