How to Clean and Maintain Your Siding Without Damaging It

Table of Contents

• Best Cleaning Practices for Different Siding Types
• Long-Term Care Strategies for Siding Longevity
• Protect Your Home With Clean Siding

Proper siding maintenance with TurnKey Siding will avoid damage. Wash the surfaces often, inspect for damage, and treat delicately according to the type of material. In Louisiana’s weather, both humid and storm-prone, using the right cleaning tools, such as soft-bristled brushes and non-abrasive cleaning products, prevents unnecessary wear.

By checking for bending or cracking periodically after inclement weather, you can hopefully catch the problems before they do damage to your home. If you employ these tips, your siding will last and look good for years and years. So, vinyl, fiber cement, or wood, it is up to you to make it last!

Key Takeaways

• Clean gently. Think about the best siding cleaning process for your house material. For vinyl, a gentle-bristle brush and a little detergent should do. Wood siding requires gentle scrubbing and occasional resealing.
• Adjust your siding maintenance schedule to factor in Louisiana weather. Make frequent debris removal, regular trimming of plants, and moisture checking during the rainy season to prevent rotting.
• Prevent siding damage caused by excessive exposure to UV light and heat. The most effective defense is a UV-resistant treatment or finish on siding. This is particularly necessary in the persistent, humid, hot summers of Louisiana.
• Check and clean any gutters and downspouts regularly. This prevents water from accumulating close to the siding and is particularly needed because of the rain in Louisiana.
• Always employ the manufacturer’s instructions in sealing, painting, or cleaning the siding. This will be your best bet at not accidentally damaging the siding and will allow you to maintain your warranties if this is a concern.

Best Cleaning Practices for Different Siding Types

Cleaning techniques are different for all types of siding, and becoming aware of the best methods to use will keep your house’s exterior looking like new for many years to come. Louisiana’s hot, humid climate brings mold and mildew and moisture damage to the fore, so maintenance is especially important.

Clean Vinyl Siding Safely

Vinyl siding is among the strongest siding options and can withstand 3,000 PSI pressure washing. Soft washing using a soap-and-water formula is a better option to avoid cracking or warping. Use a stiff-bristled, long-handled brush to scrub away dirt for resistant stains, scrubbing shaded spots extra hard, which are exposed to mildew.

Maintain Wood Siding Without Damage

A gentle spray from a garden hose will safely wash away accumulated dirt. Don’t pressure wash; this can easily strip paint or even damage the wood. Repainting every five to ten years protects wood siding from Louisiana’s extreme humidity.

Care for Fiber Cement Siding Properly

Though low maintenance, it is best to clean fiber cement siding to maintain its optimum appearance and prevent dirt, mildew, and other accumulations from building up. Employ a mild, non-acid soap and the best-bristle brush available, and refrain from rough, high-pressure washing that will pit the material.

Handle Stucco Siding with Care

Since stucco is porous, it’s susceptible to unsightly stains from algae growth. A soft, non-abrasive sponge and mild dish soap and water solution will dislodge surface grime without hurting the finish. Do not pressure wash stucco since this can irreparably harm the material. Fix cracks promptly to prevent water infiltration damage in Louisiana’s rainy season.

Tips for Cleaning Brick Siding

Brick siding is extremely hardy in general, but when not well cared for, it can be damaged by moisture. A blend of 1 part bleach to 1 gallon of water is highly effective in killing and dissolving mildew or moss. Scrub with a stiff-bristle brush and then rinse in depth. Avoid high-pressure washing, which can wear down the mortar through repeated use.

Long-Term Care Strategies for Siding Longevity

Maintaining your siding isn’t simply a cosmetic choice; it will help it to withstand our harsh Louisiana weather. Below are five long-term maintenance strategies to keep your siding looking its best.

Establishing a Regular Maintenance Schedule

Having a good, long-term maintenance schedule will help protect against untimely damage. Washing your siding every once in a while will help protect against the buildup of dirt, mildew, and mold. Siding cleaning can be as simple as a hose, diluted soap, and a soft cloth to scrub with.

Selecting Suitable Paints, Finishes, and Treatments

In the case of wood siding, applying a new coat of paint or stain will help keep moisture and UV rays at bay. Recoat every five to ten years, depending on weather exposure. By way of general rule, always choose the finest quality, water-resistant finishes/paints/treatments available that can withstand Louisiana’s hot, humid weather.

Keeping Gutters and Downspouts Clean and Functional

When gutters and downspouts are clogged, excess water can overflow directly onto siding, promoting mold and rot. Remove all debris from gutters and downspouts every six months, or more often after severe storms. Make sure that they slope away from the building’s foundation and walls to reduce moisture intrusion risks.

Following Manufacturer Guidelines to Protect Warranties

Always defer to the care instructions given by your siding manufacturer. Cleaning with improper products or failing to perform regular maintenance can lead to warranty cancellation. Take pressure washing as an example; on any given product, it may or may not be acceptable.

Protect Your Home With Clean Siding

With Louisiana’s extreme climate, siding requires more maintenance to withstand the sweltering sun, muggy air, and big storms. It does take the right approach, but you can—and should—actively protect your home and ensure it continues to look its very best.

When you do need assistance or guidance, contact us at TurnKey Siding, your reputable, knowledgeable local professionals.