Should You Clean Oxidized Vinyl Siding Yourself or Hire a Professional Service?
Before deciding whether to use a DIY cleaning method or a professional pressure washing service to clean oxidized vinyl siding, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each option. A home solution may be cheaper but it’s very time-consuming. There’s also a chance that you might end up with more damage than when you started. Professional pressure washing will cost more money. However, they have the experience and expertise to get the job done quickly.
If you have any questions about cleaning oxidized vinyl siding, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We can set up a time for a consultation so you know exactly what needs to be done, and the time it will take to be completed.
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Why Should You Clean Oxidized Vinyl Siding?
Vinyl siding is the most popular exterior cladding in the United States. Homeowners love it because it’s a durable, versatile, and affordable material that is easy to install and maintain. Over time, though, you may notice a white chalky substance on the surface of your vinyl siding and trim.
What you’re seeing is fading or oxidation. It’s a natural process that happens when the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material is exposed to oxygen and other natural elements as well as dirt and grime build-up.
It’s important to remove oxidation on vinyl siding. Apart from fading and other aesthetic concerns, oxidation can lead to the degradation or deterioration of your exterior cladding. Regular maintenance ensures that your vinyl siding not only looks good, but it will also last for many years to come.
What Is Vinyl Oxidation?
Oxidation is a natural, elements driven process that is inevitable, sometimes even with proper maintenance. Over time, your vinyl siding is exposed to sun, humidity, vegetation, and other factors that result in a chalky substance on your vinyl. It is a very common problem for all vinyl homes and it happens quicker than you would expect. Don’t worry though, the professionals at Carolina Pressure Washers are experienced in removing oxidation but it requires a two-step process and knowledge and expertise to deliver a satisfying result making your home look new again.
Is Vinyl Siding a Good Idea To Get?
Vinyl siding is a great, low maintenance option for home builders. The fact that it is not painted is a huge benefit in lower costs as your home ages. EXCEPT maybe for the good ‘ol vinyl siding oxidation problem.
Unfortunately, no product or substrate that is outside and is subject to UV rays will stay 100%.
The sun’s UV rays are what causes vinyl siding oixidation. If you have never really looked for it you may not know if your home has vinyl siding oxidation. There is one way that often works to see if your siding has it. Simply wet your finger and rub a dry area of your siding and look at your finger.
If you see any chalky or whiteness on your finger, then, unfortunately, your siding has started or is well along in the oxidation process. The other thing that is obvious is the slightly white haze that the vinyl starts to show. For instance, if you look at your vinyl under a porch or behind shutters you will sometimes find almost a completely different color. This is because the sun has lightened the vinyl and taken a toll on it.
Why Carolina Pressure Washers?
Flexible Booking
Easily get a quote on our website. We can sometimes even provide same-day appointments.
Customer Service
Every pressure washing job we do we leave customer’s satisified and happy they chose us.
Flexible Payment Options
We accept a variety of different payment options to make it easy and convenient for you.
How to Clean Oxidized Vinyl Siding
We utilize a cleaning method that has proven to be effective after years of experience. We recommend only hiring a professional like Carolina Pressure Washers who is experienced in oxidation removal.
1. Check for Signs of Oxidation
It’s often easy to detect the white, chalky substance on your vinyl siding since it is not aesthetically pleasing. It is easier to see on darker-colored homes but common on all vinyl siding. We use a black glove to test on oxidized siding before every wash.
2. Wear Protective Gear
Always wear protective gear. We utilize heavy-duty nitrile gloves and a respirator to protect our skin and lungs from the serious, risk-based chemicals that some jobs require. Always wear protective glasses.
3. Wash The Home
Before removing oxidation, we always perform a house wash to target organic growth and to ensure that all is left on your siding is oxidation. This ensures a thorough and proper clean.
4. Apply Chemical Solution & Rinse Thoroughly
After cleaning your home, we will apply a chemical solution that is made specifically to remove oxidation from your home’s siding. We work in sections at a time while allowing the chemical to dwell for two 5-10 minutes cycles while keeping the surface wet. After these two cycles we will rinse thoroughly to ensure that all of the chemical has been removed from the surface and the surrounding area. We also rinse the vegetation in the surrounding area as an extra step to ensure there is no damage.
Regular Maintnenace
Ensure to inspect your siding on an annual basis to detect oxidation as higher sun exposure will lead to quicker oxidation on your vinyl.
Should you detect oxidation, give the professionals at Carolina Pressure Washers a call to provide a free quote to restore your surface to a like-new finish. We do not recommend trying to remove oxidation yourself as it often times will result in more damage that could require additional repairs or replacement of your siding. Trust our trained technicians with your oxidation removal and save yourself time, money, and energy without the guarantee that the job will be accomplished.