How to Care for Your Siding
If you don’t have enough rainy days to keep your siding and accessories looking fresh and clean, try these tips to ensure your home’s exterior stays beautiful.
Easy Wash
Moderate Dirt
For moderate dust and dirt, spray with clear water using a garden hose. Use a soft-bristled brush such as a long-handled car-washing brush to lightly scrub dirt that doesn’t easily rinse off. Pay attention to areas under eaves, porches, awnings and other overhangs that rain can’t reach.
Heavy Dirt
For heavy and industrial dirt, spray with clear water using a garden hose then lightly scrub the dirt with a soft-bristled brush dipped in soapy water mixed with Trisodium Phosphate. Rinse thoroughly. Wear gloves to protect your hands.
Dirt-Removing Recipe*
- 1/3 cup Laundry Detergent such as Tide®
- 2/3 cup Trisodium Phosphate such as Soilax®
- 1 Gallon Water
Mildew
Mildew, which typically appears as black spots, can collect on all types of building materials. It’s easy to remove when scrubbed with a soapy solution of Trisodium Phosphate and Sodium Hypochlorite. Rinse thoroughly. Wear gloves to protect your hands.
Mildew-Removing Recipe*
- 1/3 cup Laundry Detergent such as Tide®
- 2/3 cup Trisodium Phosphate such as Soilax®
- 1 Quart Sodium Hypochlorite 5% Solution such as Clorox®
- 3 Quarts Water
Caulking Compounds, Tar and Similar Substances
Apply mineral spirits directly to the substance. Afterward, rinse the area thoroughly with water. Wear gloves to protect your hands.
*CAUTION: Exceeding the recommended concentrations of cleaners can damage your siding and accessories. Avoid skin and eye contact with the solution, and in all cases follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Don’t use abrasive-type cleaners and strong solvents. Test any cleaner on an inconspicuous area before applying to major areas. To minimize streaking, clean from the bottom up and rinse with clear water. Scrub lightly. Excessive scrubbing can harm the finish.
Power Washing
If you want to power wash your vinyl or aluminum siding, please be sure to read your power washer instructions carefully before you begin. When cleaning, hold the power washer straight at eye level. Don’t aim the washer upward as the water may collect behind the siding and cause leaks, streaks and decay. Use a 40-degree tip and set the pressure between 1,500 and 2,400 PSI.
Painting Aluminum Siding
Painting your siding will void the warranty on the finish. However, if you want, you can paint your aluminum siding with exterior latex paint. If any metal is showing through the finish, prime those sections before painting. Most paint retailers can mix paint to match your siding. Follow their recommendation for surface preparation and application.
Painting Shutters
Painting your shutters will void the warranty on the finish. However, if you want, you can paint your shutters using a good quality exterior latex or water-based paint. Do not use an oil-based paint. Do not sand the original finish. Prepare the surface by thoroughly washing with a good quality dish detergent. Do not use harsh chemical cleaners. Make sure the shutters are completely dry before painting. Follow the paint manufacturer’s recommendation for surface preparation and application.
Repairs & Stain Removal
Ply Gem siding is built to last but life happens, and sometimes you need to make a repair or clean up a stain. Check out these easy instructions for making your siding beautiful again.
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