Keeping Vinyl Siding
Clean
 Wash
vinyl siding
with a soft
cloth or
ordinary
long-handled,
soft bristle
brush. For
textured
surfaces, use
only a soft
bristle brush to
avoid smearing
stains into the
grooves of the
texture. To
prevent
streaking from
soap and water
running down the
house during
cleaning, start
at the bottom of
the wall and
work up. Rinse
the cleaning
solution with
water before it
dries. If your
home has brick
facing, cover
the brick so
that it is not
affected by the
runoff.
Vinyl siding can
be washed with a
power washer,
although you
should read the
washer
instructions
thoroughly
before use. When
cleaning, hold
the power washer
straight at eye
level. Do not
aim the power
washer upward,
as the water may
collect behind
the siding, leak
later, and
produce streaks
or could remain
and cause decay.
Small spots of
mold and mildew
can be handled
with cleaners
such as
Fantastik or
Windex. For
larger sections,
a solution of
vinegar (30
percent) and
water (70
percent) has
proven
successful.
Alternatively,
you also could
try the
following
solution: 1/3
cup (2 2/3
ounces) powdered
laundry
detergent, 2/3
cup (5 1/3
ounces) powdered
household
cleaner (e.g.,
Spic & Span,
Soilax, or
equivalent), 1
quart (32 fluid
ounces) liquid
laundry bleach,
and 1 gallon
(128 fluid
ounces) of
water.
Be sure to spot
check any
general or stain
specific cleaner
before using it
on a large
section of
siding. After
removing the
stain, rinse
thoroughly with
water. Do not
use cleaners
containing
organic
solvents,
undiluted
chlorine bleach,
liquid grease
remover, nail
polish remover,
or furniture
polish or
cleaners. They
can affect the
surface of the
siding.
General cleaners
such as Simple
Green?, Nice &
Easy?, Armor
All?, or the
equivalent can
be used to clean
dirt, bird
droppings, and
spider webs.
Cleaners such as
Fantastik?,
Lestoil?,
Murphy's Oil
Soap?, Windex?
or the
equivalent can
remove some
stains such as
bubble gum,
crayon,
oil-based caulk,
felt-tip pen,
grass stain,
lithium grease,
motor oil or
rust. Try
cleaners such as
Soft Scrub? or
the equivalent
for pencil or
paint*.
Rinse all
cleaners with
water before
they dry.
VINYL SIDING
MAINTENANCE
To protect vinyl
siding from
discoloration,
cover it when
using stains,
sealants, and
wet concrete as
part of home
renovation
projects. To
avoid potential
staining from
insecticides or
herbicides,
consult the
product labels
and/or the
insecticide or
herbicide
manufacturer
before applying.
Vinyl siding is
made from
organic
materials and
will melt or
burn when
exposed to a
significant heat
source. Home and
building owners
should always
take precautions
to keep fire
sources (e.g.,
barbeque grills)
and combustible
materials (e.g.,
dry leaves,
mulch, trash)
away from vinyl
siding.
The typical heat
distortion
temperature of
vinyl siding is
approximately
160 F to 165 F.
When
temperatures
reach these
levels, the
siding is likely
to distort.
Reflected or
radiated heat
sources can
include windows,
roofing,
pavement, and
certain
underlayments.
Installing
screens and
awnings and
planting bushes
or other
landscaping can
alleviate
reflections or
radiation.
If a vinyl
siding panel is
permanently
stained or
otherwise
damaged, it is
easily
replaceable.
Place an
"unlocking" tool
behind the
bottom of the
panel above the
panel to be
replaced and
unzip it from
the lock of the
damaged panel.
Gently bend out
the upper panel
and remove the
nails from the
damaged panel.
Remove the
damaged panel.
Lock on the new
panel and nail
it up. Use the
unlocking tool
again to zip the
upper panel over
the lock on the
new panel.
If you wish to
paint your vinyl
siding, consult
with your vinyl
siding
manufacturer
first. Many
manufacturers
void their
warranties if
the siding is
painted.
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a vinyl siding
contractor in
Atlanta?
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