Restoring and Protecting Aging Vinyl Siding

Give your vinyl siding some TLC to keep the fade away, say siding contractors of Washington.

3 Ways to Make Vinyl Siding Look New

Vinyl siding has long been a choice for homeowners that want a reasonably priced covering for their home’s exterior and want lasting curb appeal. It doesn’t destroy the budget and lasts for decades, but even this durable product can become worn and faded-looking while still doing the major job of protecting the exterior of a house. With just a bit of effort, siding can be refreshed at a fraction of the cost of a full residing job. 

Protecting Vinyl Siding from the Get-Go

Newly installed vinyl siding always looks fresh and clean and there are a few ways to maintain this look, though some may be beyond the control of the individual homeowner. The sun, wind, and rain all make their own unique mark on a home and it is nearly impossible to protect siding from these elements, but here are a few ways to protect siding from fading and staining.

• Shade: Keeping vinyl siding out of the sun is obviously an exercise in futility, but shade from trees does protect against fade.
• Guttering: Guttering helps keep the rain from running constantly down one part of the siding which can cause staining, fading, and wear. 
• Watch the Sprinkler: If outdoor hoses and sprinklers are consistently hitting the siding, rust, mold, or mildew stains may develop.

Washing Your Vinyl Siding

If the siding is just not looking as fresh as it once did, a soft wash may be the answer. There are several DIY cleaning solutions that can be made with simple household ingredients. Do not be tempted to use a power washer which can damage and warp the siding and is never recommended. Cleaning solutions can be as simple as a 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water or water and a mild laundry detergent. See the detailed instructions below:

1. Put the solution in a spray bottle.
2. Start from the top and work your way to the bottom.
3. Spray siding and scrub gently with a soft-bristled cleaning brush.
4. Rinse the siding with the hose.
5. Your siding should look sparklingly clean.

A homeowner may want to consider using a vinyl siding restoration product, but they should keep in mind that it needs to be applied exactly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Irreparable damage can result from the misuse of these types of products.

Painting Your Vinyl Siding

If the cleaning does not bring the desired look of complete home renovation, then painting the siding would be the next step. A person cannot just choose a particular color of paint and begin slapping on the outside of their home with a paint roller, there are several things that have to be considered when undertaking painting over existing vinyl siding.

• Paint type:  Use acrylic paint that is specifically designed for vinyl.
• Finish:  Using an eggshell or satin finish gives a great look of renewal to vinyl siding.
• Color:  The paint color should be the same or lighter than the current color. Darker colors can cause the material to warp or melt in the sun.

About Cobalt Exteriors

With dependable technicians and top-quality products, Cobalt Exteriors provides the best exterior home solutions in Woodinville, WA. If you need anything from window installation to a new deck, call Cobalt for a free quote.