Vinyl Siding Maintenance Tips
Vinyl Siding Maintenance: How To Keep Your Home Looking Brand New
Vinyl siding is one of the most popular choices on the market right now. It offers the appeal of wood siding without worrying about rotting, splitting, or insect damage. Plus, compared to other siding options, it’s relatively low maintenance. Make the most of your investment and check out our tips for vinyl siding maintenance.
How To Maintain Vinyl Siding
When it comes to siding, we know what we’re talking about. We want you to enjoy your home’s beautiful outside appearance for years to come, so be sure to follow our vinyl siding maintenance tips.
Is Vinyl Siding Easy To Maintain?
Compared to wood and fiber cement siding, vinyl siding is the easiest to maintain. It doesn’t require periodic painting or caulking and can easily be cleaned with household products. Plus, it’s resistant to extreme hot and cold temperatures, scratches, and bending.
When properly cared for, vinyl siding can last between 20 and 40 years on average. Though, you do have to factor in the amount of UV exposure and harsh weather conditions your home encounters.
How Often Does Vinyl Siding Need To Be Cleaned?
Vinyl is a durable, versatile, and resilient siding material, but it still needs to be properly cared for and cleaned to get the most out of its lifespan. Experts recommend that you clean your vinyl siding at least once a year. This will prevent dirt and other contaminants from building up and causing long-term damage.
Note: If you have a color of vinyl siding that shows dirt more easily, such as white, you’ll probably want to clean it more than once a year.
Can You Pressure Wash Vinyl Siding?
Yes, you can use a pressure washer to clean vinyl siding. However, you need to be careful to do it properly. If you use a water pressure that’s too high, the vinyl can quickly begin to crack. Start with low pressure and slowly work your way up. It’s crucial that you never start with the highest pressure setting.
You also need to consider the distance between you, the pressure washer, and your home. Start far away and work your way closer. If you see siding moving or shaking excessively, you’re too close or using too much pressure.
More Vinyl Siding Maintenance Tips:
- For basic vinyl siding cleaning, use a soft cloth or a long-handled soft bristle brush. If your siding has textured grooves, it’s best only to use the brush, as the cloth can smear stains into the ridges. Use gentle pressure to avoid abrasion. After cleaning, rinse the area with a garden hose.
- When cleaning, it’s best to use gentle products, such as dish soap or water and vinegar. You could also invest in a commercial vinyl siding cleaner.
- For tough-to-remove stains, a gentle cleaner might not get the job done. You can use a mildly abrasive cleaner, such as Soft Scrub, Ajax, or Bon Ami. Use caution when using these products, and be sure they aren’t removing any of the surface’s finish.
- Never use cleaners that contain organic solvents or other aggressive chemicals. They could negatively affect the surface of your vinyl. Avoid using chlorine, bleach, liquid grease remover, or any furniture polishes or cleaners.
- When you’re washing your entire house, be sure to start at the bottom and work your way up to the top. Then, rinse the cleaner off from top to bottom. This will prevent streaking.
Standard Supply and Lumber Is Here To Help
If you’re getting started on vinyl siding maintenance, be sure to have all the supplies you need on hand. If you need extra help, we’re experts in the exterior siding industry and know what needs to be done. Plus, we offer high-quality siding products from the best brands in the business, including:
- Westlake Royal Building Products™
- CertainTeed
Stop into Standard Supply & Lumber, or feel free to call ahead to find what you need!