Top Tips for Vinyl Siding Maintenance
2020 saw an explosion in home remodeling, as many homeowners used the pandemic downtime to improve their home’s curb appeal through various DIY home improvement projects. And, this uptick in remodeling doesn’t show any signs of slowing down any time soon.
Many homeowners who are remodeling decide to invest in vinyl cedar shake siding because of its combination of unique aesthetics, affordability and high return on investment (ROI). It is well known that vinyl siding is durable and low maintenance. It doesn’t chip or dent, and you’re not required to repaint every few years.
If you’re considering selling your home down the road, vinyl siding is a good investment that will increase the value. But, before you decide whether vinyl cedar shake siding is right for your home, let’s talk about what goes into caring for this affordable, low-maintenance material.
Vinyl Siding Maintenance
Genuine cedar shake siding, though charming, can be a hassle to maintain. Luckily though, vinyl cedar shake siding is a better alternative for many reasons.
Vinyl cedar shake siding offers the same timeless elegance as cedar siding but at a substantially lower cost. Cedar siding also needs to be repainted every three to five years, while vinyl cedar shake siding requires much less frequent washing.
How To Clean Vinyl Siding
Here’s what you need to know about cleaning vinyl siding, like the trusted vinyl cedar shake siding offered by Factory Direct Siding.
A pressure washer in the range of 1000 to 1500 psi is ideal, as most models will allow you to apply the cleaning solution directly through the machine as you’re power washing. While a garden hose has notably less water pressure, it can also be an effective option. If you don’t have a hose, a bucket of warm water, ladder and soft cloth or soft bristle brush will do.
Most home improvement stores carry specific vinyl siding cleaners. Barring any extreme filth, many mild household products, such as dish soap or Simple Green will be sufficient, as well.
Once you’ve finished cleaning, rinse the area with clean water from the hose, power washer, or bucket. (Make sure to rinse the siding from top to bottom. This will ensure you avoid any streaking.)
Removing Difficult Stains from Vinyl Siding
Some stains and grime can build up over the years and won’t come off of vinyl siding with soap and water alone.
For stains like grease, mold, or mildew on your home’s exterior, you can use a common household cleaner; Lysol®, Windex®, or Murphy’s Oil Soap®, and a little elbow grease will remove most tougher stains.
You can also use a mildly abrasive cleaner for really stubborn stains like motor oil and tar. (Professionals recommend the use of Soft Scrub® and Ajax® for these instances.)
It is important to keep in mind that any amount of abrasion in a cleaner can damage vinyl cedar shake siding. Do not ever use the following chemicals to clean vinyl siding: furniture polish, liquid laundry detergent or chlorine bleach, nail polish remover, soap containing organic solvents, or liquid grease remover.
What You DON’T Need To Do To Maintain Vinyl Cedar Shake Siding
Vinyl cedar shake siding is easy to clean! No frills. No crazy maintenance tricks required. So, for the fun of it, let’s take a look at all the things that AREN’T required to maintain vinyl cedar shake siding.
No Resealing Or Repainting Needed
Because wood cedar siding weathers and changes color over time, many people prefer to paint or stain their cedar siding to provide some protection against the elements. In fact, cedar siding requires repainting or restaining every few years, which can cost a lot of time and money.
Vinyl cedar shake siding, by comparison, never needs to be resealed or repainted. It won’t wear out or suffer discoloration. It also won’t warp with age and isn’t susceptible to rot.
No Touching Up Chips Or Dents
Vinyl cedar shake siding colors don’t chip. They don’t dent either. So, you won’t get stuck doing pesky touch-ups or struggling to remember the name of the paint color used.
No Treating It With Fire Retardant Sealants
Unlike cedar siding, vinyl cedar shake siding is naturally fire retardant. Even if you don’t live in an area affected by wildfires, this should still bring some comfort.
How To Repair Vinyl Cedar Shake Siding
Unless a tornado, hurricane, or other extreme weather event comes to town, it is unlikely your vinyl siding will need major repairs.
When it comes to minor siding repair though, there are a few simple steps you need to follow.
Make the Surface Area Level
Use a utility knife or a razor to trim the edges of the siding around the hole. It is important to make the surface of the vinyl flush with the edge of the hole.
Sanding may seem appealing, but it is not a good idea. Sanding can cause scratches on the surface that don’t match the natural grooves of the vinyl. Scratches like this can be difficult to fix or cover up.
Apply the Exterior Caulking
Fill inside and around the hole with exterior caulking. It is best to match the color of the caulking to the vinyl siding colors. If this isn’t possible, use exterior caulking that is paintable.
Finish the Siding Repair
Tidy up the edges of the caulking with your razor once the area is dry. You’ll want the caulk to lay flush against the original vinyl siding.
Contact Your Home Siding Professional
Now that you understand why vinyl cedar shake siding is the most cost-effective and low-maintenance siding option available, how soon will you make your investment?
Factory Direct Siding has been an expert in vinyl home siding for 80 years. Using state-of-the-art technology and 3D imaging, FDS provides the most realistic vinyl cedar shake siding on the market.
Contact Factory Direct Siding today to discuss your home siding options.
