One of the things that makes vinyl siding so popular – besides its aesthetic appeal and affordable price – is the extremely low maintenance nature of the product. It never needs painting, requires little maintenance, and is difficult to crack or dent. By following just a few basic maintenance and care guidelines outlined below, you can extend the life of your siding and keep your vinyl siding looking like new for years to come.
To learn more about caring for your vinyl siding or for answers from our experts, contact our St. Charles siding and roofing company company today online or by phone at 314-378-6623.
Power Wash Your Vinyl Siding Twice A Year
Regular rainfall should usually be enough to keep your vinyl siding looking clean and new. Nevertheless, anyone who has ever left his or her car out in the rain knows that even normal rainfall can sometimes leave behind a residue. Additionally, while your siding is designed to allow most dirt and dust to slide off, inevitably, there will be some build-up overtime. In particular, areas of the house that are protected from rainfall may collect the most dirt.
Because of this, it is recommended that you clean your vinyl siding twice a year. A bi-annual cleaning, will keep your home looking bright and beautiful for years. A power washer is the quickest and easiest way to clean your siding, but if you do not have access to one, an ordinary garden hose and the careful use of a long-handled, soft bristled brush will work just as well on particularly dirty spots. When cleaning, it is important to be gentle and avoid over-scrubbing, as this can leave your vinyl siding with localized glossy patches, rather than the smooth matte finish you desire.
Sweep the Crevasses in Your Siding With a Broom
Though unlikely to damage the siding itself, spiders and other insects are attracted to the protective overlaps characteristic of vinyl siding. This is not just a problem because you do not want bugs in or around your home, but it can also result in claw or scratch marks from the small mammals who prey on these insects. However, regularly running the bristles of a long-handled broom through these cracks will sweep away unwanted invaders.
Thoroughly Inspect Your Vinyl Siding After Severe Weather
Vinyl siding is resilient, but not impenetrable. Strong winds, hail, tornados, and other storms can cause damage to your siding by leaving chips or cracks or even causing the siding to pull away from your home. While some types of damage can be difficult to see, these types of siding damage can quickly turn into big problems, even if there is only a small damaged area.
It is important to spot these areas early, as storm and hail damage repairs often start simple but can compound exponentially if left untreated. A small crack, if subjected to continued strong winds, can compromise an entire panel, and even the underlying liner or insulation. Therefore, after storms, we recommend taking a walk around the perimeter of your home, to check for cracks or holes in your vinyl siding.
If you suspect any damage, contact our siding contractors immediately for an inspection and to learn about your siding repair options.
