Siding washing can make an immediate impact upon the look of your home.
However, the results of siding washing will vary greatly depending on the type of siding your home has. Different materials get dirty with different types of stains and pollutants. Additionally, the material properties of various siding materials will greatly affect the results of cleaning. Finally, the method of siding wash, of which there are several, can affect the results.
Vinyl siding BEFORE siding washing
Vinyl siding AFTER siding washing
Different Siding Materials, Different Siding Washing Methods.
The most common siding types in the Portland are cedar (bevel, pattern, tongue and groove or shingle) and fiber cement (a composite product.) Also used in this area is a fair amount of vinyl, as well as plywood-based products, stucco, brick, stone or cultured stone to a lesser degree. Aluminum and EIFS are only occasionally seen, fortunately in the case of EIFS, since it was a terrible choice for our environment.
With such a diverse selection, you can see how the results may vary. Vinyl siding, since it is a closed cell petroleum based product, does not absorb much. Rather than having stains penetrate deep in to it, vinyl siding tends to collect for surface pollutants and organisms. As a result, it tends to get dirty more quickly that other siding types. However, the results, once properly cleaned, are virtually always drastic and beautiful.
More porous siding types, such as cedar or stucco, are completely different. With these materials, stains “soak in”, so to speak. Particularly once the paint starts getting aged and losing some of its protection capabilities, fungus and mildew start to penetrate the surfaces. They usually are a little slower to show dirt and grime. Due to the penetration of the pollutants, even a very thorough siding washing will often still leave embedded stains that are visible. The results are less spectacular when compared to the results of washing vinyl so it is critical that expectations are proportionate.
Reasons and Methods For Siding Washing
We always like to understand the homeowner’s reason for wanting their siding washed so we can match the right type of washing. A washing that is in preparation for and upcoming painting job requires one particular method that relies primarily on pressure to do the cleaning. An abundance of mildew, fungus or general pollutants requires a completely different siding washing method which involves various cleaning solutions. Yet another need for washing might simply be to knock down cobwebs and rinse off muddy rain splash up, for which a gentle rinsing may suffice.
Whatever the reason and siding type, you want an exterior cleaning company that is highly experienced to prevent damage to your expensive siding and the landscape surrounding it. You want a company like All Surface! Contact us today for a free siding washing evaluation.
