Reasons to bother cleaning home siding

Q: I have read on Web sites the answers to the questions of “How do I wash vinyl siding?” and “Can I use a power washer?” Can you post and answer this question that may be helpful to others: “Why should I keep my vinyl siding clean year-round?” — Philip L., via e-mail

A: Good question! And the answer is pretty clear: Keeping the siding clean throughout the year will keep dirt, stains and mold from diminishing the look and shortening the life of your home’s siding. Cleaning the siding on a regular basis also gives you the chance to inspect the whole exterior of the house for damage, not just to the vinyl siding but also things like the gutter system, other facing materials like brick or plaster, and so on.

A house is a system, partnering different methods to keep the interior dry and cozy. If one part is off — like a break in the gutter allowing rainwater to flow into places it shouldn’t — the entire system can be affected. Leaks can appear in the ceiling or walls, followed by mold. Or the water can find its way behind the vinyl siding, creating an unseen mildew problem. So checking for and fixing all trouble spots will ensure the health of your house and minimize costly repairs.

But, back to cleaning the siding. Washing the vinyl siding twice a year will keep it free of dirt and looking good. A long-handled, soft brush and a water-based cleaning solution will loosen grime, followed by a good rinse using the garden hose and a sprayer attachment. Work your way up from the bottom to minimize streaking, then down from the top to finish.

A pressure washer can be used to clean siding, but be careful. Follow the product’s directions for cleaning siding, and don’t aim the pressure washer upward as water can be forced through the small overlaps of the siding and cause a mildew problem.

As always, be aware of the unique properties of vinyl siding. To prevent permanent damage (the kind where panels have to be replaced): Don’t barbecue right next to the house, because most siding warps at 160-165 F. Cover up the siding if you’re using stains or sealants, other chemical solutions or wet concrete nearby. And don’t spray herbicide or fungicide on the siding to get rid of a mold problem before checking the label, as some of these products can stain the vinyl.

HOME TIP: When using a pressure washer, don’t spray directly at eaves, vents or light fixtures, as the intense water stream can damage them.