Sleek, modern, and affordable vinyl siding boosts your home’s curb appeal, protects it from pest damage and moisture intrusion, and delivers low-maintenance qualities homeowners love. But low maintenance doesn’t mean “no maintenance.”
So what are the essential upkeep items you need to take care of in order to keep your new vinyl siding looking amazing over its lifetime?
Here are some simple tips:
Vinyl Siding Maintenance
1. Wash it
Each spring and fall when the weather is mild, take time to wash your vinyl siding with a common garden hose. Avoid using a power washer as it could damage your siding and void your warranty. Work on one section at a time with a simple solution of ¼ cup of dish soap and four gallons of water. Be sure to rinse your siding thoroughly, and dry your windows that may have accidentally gotten wet to avoid water spots.
Why this helps: Keeping the dirt and debris from accumulating on your siding will ensure it maintains its attractiveness over its lifespan. If you don’t clean your siding, its looks could decrease over time. Don’t risk compromising your siding’s beauty by skipping this simple step.
2. Check your siding for unhealthy mold and mildew
Once you clean your siding, examine it carefully for unwanted mold, mildew, or stubborn stains. Create a mixture of 30% white vinegar and 70% water to clean off these unwanted blemishes.
Why this helps: Leaving mold and mildew will only encourage them to grow, giving you a bigger clean-up job later. And leaving stubborn stains will hinder your siding’s appearance even more over time. Deal with these things early, and you’ll save yourself a lot of hassles.
3. Be careful when you grill out
When you grill out, be careful to place your grill at an ample distance from your vinyl siding. Don’t allow anyone to use a patio torch or any other source of intense heat near your home exterior, or you could damage it.
Why this helps: It’s important to keep your grill a good distance away from your siding because vinyl has a low melting point and can burn. If your grill is too close, you could create a melted patch on your home exterior, making your dwelling vulnerable to moisture infiltration and pests.
4. Inspect it for hidden damage periodically
If hidden moisture starts to lurk behind your vinyl siding, the sooner you find it, the smaller the repair job will be. Water penetration can be sneaky, and if left unnoticed, can create costly damage to your home. If you see suspicious streaking or staining on your vinyl siding or on your foundation wall, or if you see loose areas of siding, take time to investigate it and contact a reputable contractor, if you have any concerns. If you see a crack or gap in your siding, it should be repaired quickly.
Why this helps: It’s important to know the state of your siding to catch any unwanted trouble early, avoiding the hassles of fixing costly damage.
5. Be extra cautious during the winter months
As you might expect, vinyl can crack if it is impacted by a heavy object (particularly if it’s cold outside). So keep your bike, lawn mower, and other outdoor equipment (like snow blowers) away from your siding, particularly during the cooler months.
Why this helps: You’ll preserve the beauty and integrity of your vinyl siding by being extra cautious during winter months. Should any problems occur, replace any damaged siding promptly to avoid further trouble.
6. Don’t paint it
When it’s vinyl, it’s final. While other siding materials need to be repainted periodically, vinyl doesn’t. Many vinyl manufacturers will void your warranty if you paint it.
Why this helps: Painting your vinyl siding can damage it.
Easy Maintenance Vinyl Siding for Your Indianapolis Home
At Craftsman Exterior, we’re certified by the Vinyl Siding Institute, so our team is trained and current on the latest installation techniques for all types of vinyl siding, ensuring you’ll receive a gorgeous, lasting exterior.
We offer a wide range of stylish vinyl siding products for you to choose from—including Mastic, CertainTeed, Exterior Portfolio, Royal Building Products, and Crane Performance siding.
Enjoy peace of mind about your Indianapolis home’s property value with vinyl’s lifetime warranty while you reduce your utility bills and keep your home comfortable year-round. Learn more about a siding replacement from our team at Craftsman Exterior Remodeling.
