You can expect to get nearly 60 years of service from your new vinyl house siding with a little regular care and maintenance. Keeping the surface clean and repairing any damage quickly will keep your house looking new for years. Here are some ways to get the most from your siding investment.

Be Aware of the Dangers to Your Siding

There are a number of environmental factors that can cause your siding to look worn and faded. These include:

• pollen collecting on the siding
• bird droppings
• mold and mildew
• sap from overhanging trees
• holes created by birds and insects

If you use any of the following substances near your siding, you also risk damaging it should the substances splash onto the siding:

• insecticides and herbicides
• fertilizers
• household cleaning chemicals
• motor oil
• asphalt driveway sealers

Keeping Siding Free From Damage

Clean substances off of the siding before they have a chance to damage the finish. Some tips for keeping your siding clean include:

• Use a soft cloth or soft-bristled brush to remove any chemical substances from the siding.
• Use a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water to remove dirt, bird droppings, pollen, sap, mold and mildew from the siding.
• For tougher materials such as grease or ink on the siding, use a non-chlorine cleaner and rinse the surface off thoroughly with water.
• Work from top down on the siding to prevent streaks from running down the siding as you clean.

Power Washing Your Siding

You can use a power washer to clean siding as long as you take some precautions.

• use only the low pressure settings on the power washer
• point the washer nozzle straight at the siding and not at an angle which could force water up under the siding panels
• wash up to but not directly onto window and door trim so water doesn't make its way under those pieces

If you're uncomfortable with using a pressure washer, have a siding company power wash your siding once a year to keep it clean and looking nice.

Sun Damage to Your Siding

When a portion of your siding is constantly exposed to the sun, a dusty material can accumulate on the vinyl siding that looks like chalk. This makes the siding look dull. The dust can be removed with warm water and a mild soap. Rinse the surface well with fresh water and repeat if spots remain after it has dried.

Shade Damage to Your Siding

If sections of your siding are constantly in the shade, mold and mildew can become a problem. Clean small patches with a mixture of equal parts of vinegar and water, followed by a fresh water rinse. If mold or mildew covers a large area, have a siding company clean the siding to make sure the material hasn't made its way under the siding panels.

For more maintenance tips and information, talk with local siding companies, such as WeatherSeal Windows.