Vinyl is the common siding option thanks to its economical, attractive, and easy to maintain characteristics. Basically, after installation, you do not need exterminators or carpenters to regularly replace moldy boards. Vinyl siding offers the appeal of wood siding without you ever worrying about it splitting, rotting, or getting damaged by insects.
There are numerous companies that deal in vinyl production and installation. If you’d like to get vinyl siding cost estimates for comparison purposes, you can check online on the various Vinyl Siding Manufacturers websites.
Maintaining your vinyl siding
Regardless of the fact that vinyl is hardy, durable, and often touted as being maintenance-free, it still needs to be well taken care of. This is to avoid scratching, melting or breaking it. Technically, vinyl siding maintenance involves cleaning, removing stains, repainting, and repairing.
If you’d like to keep your vinyl siding looking as good as new, here are some tips for you:
- How to clean your vinyl siding
Over time, dust, airborne debris, and dirt accumulate on the vinyl siding and this makes it look grimy. You should dedicate an hour or two every year and clean every bit of the vinyl siding.
Before you get started, make sure that all the windows are closed. Also, ensure that anything (such as electrical fixtures or outdoor furniture) that may get wet is covered using plastic bags and secured in place with duct tape.
The cleaning process is quite simple. What you require is a garden hose, a sponge, and a brush with stiff bristles. Otherwise, the siding will not become clean unless it’s scrubbed with soapy water. Make sure that you use a mild detergent such as laundry soap to create the solvent.
Start washing the bottom first as you work your way to the top. Once you’re done, rinse from the top downwards
After thoroughly cleaning the surface, rinse it off with clean water from a high-pressure hose. Do not let the solution to dry on the surface.
Cleaning your siding will not only leave it clean and sparkling but will also add more years to its performance.
- How to maintain your vinyl siding
Carry out regular inspection of the vinyl siding to find out if there are any moisture-related issues that may be concealed underneath. Do not let any suspicious streaking or staining on the vinyl to go for a long time without investigation.
Avoid leaning things such as ladders or bicycles against the siding as these may result into scratching or breaking. Trim shrubs and trees that are around the house to prevent them from puncturing the vinyl siding.
Also, considering the fact that vinyl can melt, you should avoid keeping intense heat sources such as grills nearby.
Lastly, make sure that the vinyl siding is firmly attached to the structure to minimize the chances of it being pulled off during strong winds.
- How to paint your vinyl siding
The main purpose of its design is to avoid painting. However, if you must paint your vinyl siding, use good-quality 100% acrylic latex paint.
Do not use dark heat-absorbing colors as these cause it to warp and sag in high temperatures. Ideal colors are grey, white, cream, or pale yellow
