Red dirt and prairie dust stick to the side of a house out here in the Oklahoma Panhandle. Between the high winds blowing dirt off the plains near Sunset Lane and sudden summer downpours, your exterior takes a beating. Oasis Siding Co receives many questions regarding how to wash and maintain different siding materials without wrecking them.
How often should I actually be washing my siding?
Washing once a year is usually plenty for most homes around Guymon. If you live right out on a gravel road or closer to open fields where the wind really whips up the dust, you might find yourself wanting to rinse things down twice a year. Spring is usually the best time to wash away the grime left behind by winter winds and whatever moisture we managed to get.
Can I use a high-pressure washer on my vinyl siding?
You should put the pressure washer on the lowest setting if you must use one, but Oasis Siding Co tells people to stick to a regular garden hose and a soft-bristled brush on an extension pole. High pressure can force water right up underneath your vinyl panels, and once moisture gets trapped behind the wall, you are looking at mold or warped wood underneath. Plus, if you blast a pressure washer too close to older vinyl that has been baked by the Panhandle sun, you will crack it right open.
What is the best homemade mix for getting rid of green algae and mildew?
You do not need to spend money on store-bought chemicals. A simple mix of water, a little bit of white vinegar, and a splash of dish soap will knock out most mild algae spots. For tougher mildew patches on the north side of your house where the sun does not dry things out as fast, mix one part household bleach with four parts water. You must make sure you wet down your foundation plants first so the runoff does not kill your landscaping.
Does hard water leave spots when I rinse my house?
Hard water does leave spots, especially if you are on a well with high mineral content out in Texas County. If you let that hard water dry in the afternoon sun, you will end up with a cloudy white film all over your dark siding. You should try to wash your house on an overcast day, work in smaller sections, and always rinse thoroughly from the top down before the soap dries.
Will cleaning my siding ruin my fresh caulking or window seals?
Cleaning will not ruin seals if you are careful, but if your caulk is already old, cracked, and dried out, high water pressure or harsh scrubbing is going to blow it right out of the joints. Take a walk around your house before you start cleaning. If you see gaps around your windows or where siding meets the trim, leave those areas alone until you have had a chance to scrape and re-caulk.
Is professional soft washing worth the money?
If you have a two-story house or fiber cement siding that needs a delicate touch, hiring out can save you a whole weekend of hassle and potential ladder accidents. Oasis Siding Co uses low-pressure chemical application systems that kill organic growth at the root without stripping paint or damaging the material. Sometimes it is nice to let someone else handle the ladder while you enjoy a Saturday afternoon.
Maintaining your exterior does not have to be a massive chore if you stay ahead of the dust. Take it slow, use the right tools for your specific material, and keep your home looking sharp against that bright Oklahoma sky.