Vinyl siding is best known for its low maintenance requirements, however, you should still make sure it is cleaned from time to time. The roofers at DryTech Roofing LLC share some tips on how to keep your siding clean.
Don’t Just Hose It Down
Some homeowners make the mistake of just hosing down their siding for too long. This doesn’t fully clean the siding, and it leaves water pooling around the house exterior. Ideally, one pass with the water, with the nozzle pointed downwards to avoid getting water under the gaps, is the right way to start. Then use a mixture of one cup of dish soap for every four gallons of water, and use a brush with a telescoping handle to gently scrub off remaining dirt in tight corners, then another pass with the hose to rinse it off.
Wipe the Window Glass
Don’t let water from your garden hose dry on window glass. Depending on the water’s mineral content, it may leave water spots on the glass, so don’t let water droplets dry on it. People tend to overlook the windows when they’ve set out to clean just the siding. Always bring soft, clean cloth when cleaning your siding, even when you’re not planning on washing your windows. Use the same kind of safety equipment that roofers use if you have to clean windows.
Inspect Your Vinyl Siding for Mold and Mildew
Vinyl siding dries quickly, which should give you time to check for areas that may have mold and mildew. The reason why you have to wait for these areas to dry is because soap and water won’t work on them. Prepare a cleaning solution made of 3 parts white vinegar and 7 parts water. Dip a clean cloth in the solution and let it soak for a few minutes, then scrub it with a soft brush.
Avoid Using a Pressure Washer
Generally, using a pressure washer on siding isn’t a good idea, regardless of material. Though most kinds of vinyl siding have molded-in colors, some have factory-applied finishes. Fiber cement siding and damage caused by pressure washers is typically not covered by siding warranty; better to clean your siding the safe and easy way.
DryTech Roofing LLC is your leading provider of siding installation and roof repair services. Give us a call at (240) 491-5600 or fill out our contact form. We serve customers in Maryland.