In the United States, vinyl is by far the most popular choice of siding material–and for good reason. It is widely available, comes in different styles and colors, is relatively inexpensive and is easy to maintain. But for all its good qualities, vinyl isn’t completely indestructible. To help you keep your vinyl siding looking and functioning great, here are a few do’s and dont’s to follow.
Do:
Clean it regularly. Keeping your vinyl siding clean prevents your home from looking shabby. A home exterior with years worth of dirt and grime can severely decrease your curb appeal and devalue your home so be sure to give it a thorough cleaning at least once a year.
Use the right cleaning solution. For best results, we find that a simple mix of laundry detergent and warm water does wonders. Avoid harsh chemicals when cleaning your vinyl siding and aim the hose nozzle downward to prevent water from going upward between slats.
Use a pressure washer. Pressure washers work better than a regular garden hose when it comes to removing grime but don’t use a high setting to avoid damaging the vinyl.
Don’t:
Use abrasive materials. This is very important. It may solve your dirt problem in the short term, but it can also ruin your vinyl siding in the long run. It is also worth noting that some cleaning detergents are considered “abrasive.”
Let Dirt Linger. If you have dirty vinyl siding, don’t wait too long to address it. While vinyl siding can last up to 40 years, the key to taking full advantage of its longevity is by keeping it clean.
Let trees and shrubbery become overgrown. While plants and trees look good around your home, don’t let them grow too close to your siding. Protruding branches can scratch up or even puncture your siding so be sure to keep them neatly trimmed.
For all your exterior home improvement needs, be sure to give Thompson Roofing and Construction a call at (256) 252-3188 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation today.
