How to Properly Maintain Your Home's Siding

We all want the exterior of our home to look as good as the day it was built or remodelled. But, how can you maintain that? 

You can start by completing an inspection 1 to 2 times per year, looking for damages or other areas of concern. These could be related to insects, pests, weather, heat (BBQ), or everyday life, which could affect the structure or foundation of your home.

Cleaning your siding is another way to maintain the lustre of your home throughout the years. Depending on the siding material, there are various ways to clean your exterior.

Aluminum/Steel Siding

Metal siding is simple and easy to clean. You only need your garden hose, soapy water and a soft rag. Using the garden hose, wet down your metal siding and then use soapy water and the rag to wipe off any dirt or other debris. Wash off any soap and dirt residue with the hose and let dry.

Vinyl Siding

Even though it's virtually maintenance-free, vinyl siding can become just as dirty as other siding materials. Use a garden hose and soft-bristled brush to get easy to clean areas. For areas that are a bit stubborn, use 1/2 cup of detergent and 2/3 cup trisodium phosphate, mixed with a gallon of water, and a soft-bristled brush. For tricky mildew problems, substitute hydrochloride (muriatic acid) for one-quarter of the water in the above formula. If it appears the siding hasn't been washed in quite some time, allow the cleaning solution to sit on the surface of the vinyl siding for several minutes before rinsing. 

Wood Siding

Dirt and other airborne pollutants that are found in the environment naturally can settle on the siding and trims, creating visible spots on coated surfaces. Use a garden hose, soft-bristled brush, non-abrasive detergent, and water to wash away dirt and grime. In order to get rid of mildew, use a solution of 1 part bleach and 3 parts water.

Fibre Cement Siding

Remove dirt, dust, chalking, or airborne pollutants that build up over time. Use a soft cloth or brush to wipe away any dust, dirt or chalk away, and then rinse the area with clean water. To get rid of oil, grease and other contaminants, use a milk liquid dishwashing soap, water and a soft cloth. Clean off the stained siding and use a garden hose to rinse it. To get rid of mould and mildew, use a mildew-specific cleaner and lightly scrub with a soft cloth. Then rinse off with a garden hose.

Stone

Stone siding can become littered with dirt because it's installed close to the ground. Clean dirt away using a granulated detergent mixed with water and a soft-bristle brush. 

Before you start cleaning your siding, contact the dealer or manufacturer as they may propose different cleaning tactics that hold their siding's finish and warranty. Please check with them on the exact steps and precautions to take.