Tag Archives: Siding

Avoid Problems Painting Aluminum and Vinyl Siding

February 12, 2025   Matt

Avoid Problems Painting Aluminum and Vinyl Siding

Anyone with older aluminum siding is well aware of the paint chalking problem. Just rub your hand along the old siding and the chalky old paint will be all over your palm. Trying to get paint to stick to this could be a real problem. This is due to oxidation of the paint. Siding manufacturers originally referred to this problem as a “benefit”. They called it, “self cleaning”, as the paint literally washed off the house.
Older vinyl siding is also a problem. UV light fades vinyl siding over time and the siding becomes very unsightly.
Many unfortunate homeowners and contractors have experienced the dismay, when they repainted their homes, only to find the new paint peeling off a few months later. Both problems with older aluminum and vinyl siding can be overcome with proper cleaning, surface preparation and re-painting.
Cleaning
You will need to rent a powerful pressure washer with at least 3000 psi. You will want a pressure washer powerful enough to remove most of the old chalky paint off the aluminum siding or, to remove any dirt buildup on the old vinyl siding.
Start at the top course of siding and work your way down. You will need to keep the pressure wand fairly close to the siding surface to effectively remove the old paint. In some areas, you may find that the paint comes off to the bare metal. Be careful near windows, corners, soffits and doorways. The water under pressure, can be forced behind these areas causing damage. You can add TSP or other cleaning solutions to the reservoir for mildew, algae or other grime built up. If you do use a cleaning solution, be sure to completely rinse it off with your pressure washer. You should allow your home to dry for several days in dry, sunny weather before proceeding to the painting process.
If you are repainting vinyl siding or vinyl coated aluminum siding, you may need a surface de-glosser. This is a solvent type product used to remove any shine on the surface and to help your first coat to adhere better. You will have no trouble finding a good de-glosser at your local paint supply store.
Application
I like a commercial type airless sprayer. It will draw the paint directly out of your 5 gallon paint pails, through the hose and into your spray gun. These are available to rent at many tool rental locations and even some paint supply stores that supply contractors. If your paint is real high quality latex, it will be thicker than regular latex paint and will require a more powerful airless sprayer.
Priming
This step is equally as critical as the step above. Actually, the cleaning and surface preparation phases will make or break the results of your project.
I like a latex paint additive called emulsa-bond for the first coat. Emulsa-bond is a bonding agent you will add to the first coat of paint or primer, to help it to bond to the old siding.
I buy the best grade exterior latex paint, rather than oil or other solvent based paint. Latex paint seems to keep up with the expansion and contraction of the siding very well. The high quality latex paint I buy needs no primer. I add the bonding agent directly into the first color coat. Check with your paint supplier whether or not to use a primer. The rule of thumb is, when in doubt, use a primer. If you use a primer, add the bonding agent into it before applying. There are also bonding agents available for oil or other solvent based paints. One type is called penetrol. These are usually available at a painting contractor supply store.
Many contractors will spot prime areas, especially where bare metal is exposed. I don’t like spot priming because it can lead to an uneven looking top coat. When I put a primer coat on, I prime the entire home. This gives a uniform surface finish later on.
Finish Coat
Your top coat will be color only. You should check with your paint manufacturer to see if you need one or two top coats after the base coat. Like I mentioned above, buy the highest quality exterior paint.
In Conclusion
Proper cleaning and surface preparation are the two main ingredients to a successful painting job. A bonding agent in the first coat is also very critical to avoid paint peeling off later on. Using these techniques, I’ve re-painted homes that have lasted far longer than the original factory applied finish.
ARTICLE REPRINT PERMISSION
You may reprint the above article in your electronic or print newsletter; however, please include my byline and bio and keep the article intact. I retain all copyrights.

Read More

Tips on How to Clean Vinyl Siding Without Really Maintaining It

October 01, 2021   Matt

Tips on How to Clean Vinyl Siding Without Really Maintaining It

Yes, we know that vinyl siding is the most durable and may be the most lasting siding material next to brick and stone. But don’t treat it like Iron Man, because it isn’t. It is somewhat brittle and heavy objects unceremoniously propped onto its side will cause it to break and sport holes that will only be repaired by replacing, at worst, the entire area.

Aside from that, vinyl siding is very maintenance free. You’d only have to periodically wash its surface to remove dirt, dust, and stain that may have gotten on its surface. And just like any plastic, it can be cleaned with a regular soap and brush. Vinyl is also remarkably durable; it only needs to be replaced every 30 years minimum. It outlasts aluminum for that span of time; it is highly probable that aluminum by then will be sporting dents, holes and depressions here and there. Barring coloring problems, vinyl can withstand easily any force.

However, there’s always a set of commandments that should be followed to ensure that these vinyl sidings last that amount of time. Here’s a countdown.

* Vinyl is a hard plastic that can be brittle. Avoid plunking heavy objects onto its face. If necessary, prop it with care.

* Earlier models are poorly rated for colors that cover the surface. This is evident when scratches upon the face reveal lighter colors. In today’s manufacturing, however, colors are baked into the depth of the vinyl siding. When scratched, those lines will often be invisible since colors are now true and uniformly the same underneath. Still, it is best to avoid scratching the siding even if only to retain is natural glossing.

* Since its construction only involves in snapping the edges together, vinyl sidings tend to leak a lot. So, check periodically channels and punch holes into bottom siding to allow penetrated water to escape.

So, the next question would be how to clean vinyl siding. As was discussed, soap and water can do the job. Even casual rinsing with a moderately powered hose will be enough as long as you take care that water won’t be entering forcibly through the gaps.

There will be time when stains appear and conventional detergent can’t remove them. So, how to clean vinyl sidings with this kind of dirt is our next point of interest.

Using Restora® Heavy Duty Cleaner available at www.flood.com is an immediate answer. This cleaning agent removes deep stains such as mildew, oxidation, chalk, and even algae stains. You ca use it in junction with the Restora® Lo-Lustre Vinyl Revitalizer. This product restores vinyl surfaces to a “brand new” surface and shine.

Be very careful though, on using strong cleaning agents. Some agents will completely remove coloring of vinyl or severely damage it.

Read More

Caring For Your Plastic Exterior siding

April 29, 2021   Matt

Taking care of Your Plastic Home siding

A low maintenance as well as durable material, vinyl exterior siding is a significantly preferred house outside. Although it is a low maintenance material, you will certainly still wish to clean your vinyl home siding periodically. Simply make sure you learn about the ideal cleansing approaches prior to you start.

Basic maintenance cleansing of your vinyl house siding is rather simple. Use a long-handled brush with soft bristles or a soft towel to clean it down with soap and water. If your vinyl exterior siding has actually textured surfaces to it, you will want to use only the brush with soft bristles so as to stay clear of wiping spots into the grooves with a towel. Beginning with the plastic siding at the bottom of your house as well as work your means up. This will help to avoid streaking from the soapy water running down your residence. If you have other materials, such as brick, on components of your house, cover them to make sure that overflow from your vinyl siding will certainly not impact it. Lastly, always make certain you rinse the location prior to the cleansing option dries out.

If you wish to speed the process of cleaning your plastic house siding along, you can buy or lease a power washing machine. To start with, nevertheless, see to it you have actually checked out the instructions on the power washing machine extensively. Second, constantly see to it you utilize the power washer at eye level. If you attempt to direct upwards, you may wind up with water as well as cleaning remedy behind the vinyl exterior siding. These can later leak as well as cause streaks that can ultimately cause degeneration.

Every so often, you may discover areas of mold or mildew on your plastic exterior siding. If these spots are tiny, after that you can just utilize a name brand family cleaner. Simply constantly make sure to test it on a small section of your plastic exterior siding in a low-profile area to ensure it will not damage it at all. If, nonetheless, the areas of mold and mildew or mold are a little bigger, you can use an option of 30% vinegar and 70% water. One more usual homemade option is mixture of powdered laundry detergent, powdered household cleaner, fluid bleach, and water. It is best to simply locate the one that is most hassle-free and also reliable for you.

Not all plastic home siding discolorations, however, are mold or mildew. You may wind up with dust, residue, or also animal stains on the outside of your house. If that holds true, there are a number of basic cleaners that are accepted for usage on plastic house siding. Check your regional shop for easy home cleansers, and afterwards review the containers thoroughly to learn if they work and also secure for usage on plastic house siding and specifically on whatever the stain is that you have actually found on your plastic home siding.

Significantly, vinyl home siding is an usual house outside. It is reduced upkeep, eye-catching, and easy to install. You may, however, every so often require to cleanse your vinyl siding in order to keep it in good functioning problem. Before you do, make sure you understand what is needed and what the correct treatment is to make sure that your vinyl house siding will look good as well as last a long time.

Read More

Tips on Cleaning Up the Aluminum Exterior Siding

April 19, 2021   Matt

Tips on Cleaning the Aluminum Siding

Aluminum house siding was recognized to be maintenance-free, rot evidence, corrosion-resistant, water-proof – indicating there is much less headache for the home owner which it can be left to tackle the elements of nature without reducing its function. One nonetheless needs to take care of cleaning the light weight aluminum house siding from time to time.

In your plan to cleansing the light weight aluminum home siding, you can wash it yearly. Others also choose to cleanse it every six months, but depending upon your circumstance, you might have it according to your choice, as long as these are still aesthetically interesting one’s eye.

In cleaning up the light weight aluminum home siding of your home, this would certainly include using water, detergents and also a pipe. If you are making use of a stress washing machine, ensure to establish it at low pressure or you will find your aluminum nicked after spraying, or at other instances blown off. Be careful as well with your stress washing machine to ensure that no leak will certainly result. It is recommended to additionally make use of a soft-bristled brush to apply the cleaning service, and after which, you may after that hose off and also wash the area with water.

Before cleansing the light weight aluminum exterior siding, make certain that all electrical power outside for your illumination or what have you out there is shut off. Prepare the location by obtaining the items that are obstructing your path, as well as those that you might not desire to wet with your cleansing process. Windows and also doors must be closed as well as ideal secured so that unneeded water will certainly not be available in.

One of the most common problem though starts with the paint on these aluminum house siding. While aluminum may be strong sufficient to handle whatever nature brings, the paints sadly erode under the power of the sunlight as well as the rainfall. When based on such for a good amount of time, paints fades and peels. It chalks and even uses down showing currently the bare aluminum.

After cleaning the aluminum exterior siding, you might after that decide to do a repainting task. It may be sensible to hire a handyperson for this job or one who is certified to do it, to ensure that one will certainly get a good outcome after paint. For referral functions though, light weight aluminum house siding are to be fined sand with fine-grit paper. A steel guide is then to be used, as well as a finishing layer afterwards. It is best to get a paint that has the greatest quantity of acrylic paint material given that this type will last longer.

Read More

Fundamental Guidelines On Painting The Aluminum Home Siding

April 29, 2019   Matt

Standard Standards On Repainting The Light Weight Aluminum Siding

While aluminum house siding have been popular in the market, and also being advertised as a maintenance-free item, the fact hits homeowners when they see their house from the outdoors with the exterior siding currently having actually a discolored finish as well as chalking.

The option is not to take it out and install a new house siding for your residence; even more it is not a remedy to just allow it be, and hoping it would certainly look far better the next time you check out your residence home siding. Have you thought about painting the aluminum home siding of your house?

Repainting the light weight aluminum house siding, or repainting for that issue is the method to go. Not just will this be a less trouble on your component, it will certainly likewise assist you save more cash than having to place brand-new exterior siding in location. In this method, you also reach select from among the large selections of shades, that attract your preference which fits the style of your home.

The tricks to an effective paint job depend on the proper surface prep work, the paint process, as well as the quality of paint made use of for the work.

First as well as leading, similar to any type of paint job, it is suggested to have the surface clean as well as completely dry. Cleansing the aluminum house siding would certainly imply utilizing a detergent option or a top quality soap, whichever you have, as long as you get the deposit out throughout rinsing. The use of a hefty sponge and also scrub brush will likewise be essential along with a hose or a pressure washing machine. Be cautious with making use of the stress washing machine though, and also established it only at the suitable setting to provide you simply enough require fit for your washing needs.

After cleaning, as well as after seeing to it that the aluminum exterior siding of the house is extensively dry, then you can currently use the thinned metal guide, making certain it is tinted to half the stamina of the original color of your surface. Though priming is not typically needed for repainting the light weight aluminum siding with a top quality 100% acrylic latex paint, a good guideline is to prime when unsure. It is additionally an excellent suggestion to mix in a bonding agent for the priming procedure.

Application of the final finish ought to be done within 2 days after the application of the guide, as well as the paint must be a top-notch 100% acrylic latex paint. Using such in repainting the aluminum home siding will certainly give the most effective efficiency required for aluminum siding. This paint is durable and also offers a fade-resistant finish that can last for many years.

The paint might be applied by brush, however a far better alternative would certainly be making use of a spray. Repainting the aluminum exterior siding needs one to know what he is doing, thus you need to find out even more regarding this by reviewing reference materials, or better yet– let an expert do it for you.

Read More

Avoid Vinyl Siding Services by Cleansing

February 24, 2019   Matt

Prevent Vinyl Exterior Siding Fixes by Cleaning

Of all the known exterior siding materials, a lot of professionals today would certainly recommend making use of plastic, also if it’s a gotten job. Most convenient as well as the quickest to mount, really cost reliable, calls for extremely minimal in terms of maintenance; this appears to be one of the most pleasant house siding material out there.

But yet, that does not mean it does not have its very own collection of negatives. It isn’t unsusceptible damages, for example, and significant stains are variables that might make the vinyl product brittle. That suggests maintaining your plastic tidy can extend the life expectancy of your plastic exterior siding. So, without more ado, have a look at these helpful standards on how to prevent plastic siding repairs by cleansing.

One of the most normal pickle of vinyl exterior siding is its responsibility to discoloration. Prospects of which comes in the type of trapped crushed rock, built up dust, and also various other such types. Cleaning up for this mess nevertheless is blessedly conventional. A service making up 10% cleaning agent (or a fluid home soap or simply any kind of sort of cleaning liquid that has non-bleach properties) as well as cozy water is currently enough to remove most spots. You can either brush or clean it with soft wet fabric. On some circumstances, a straight water stress from a garden pipe suffices enough but you have to beware not to force the fluid into the internal workings of the siding.

For larger discolorations, chemicals such as naphtha are found to be effective. Dampen the cloth with the liquid as well as gently rub the tarnish away. In fact you can even utilize bleach, as long as there is paid listening on the focus. Only permit a 1:10 ratio bleach solution, as well as utilize bleach just if naphtha shows to be not successful.

Take care, however, in making use of cleaning representatives. If you accidentally erase the color, there is no chance to fix the damages however to change. As well as if the plastic siding has an amount of age in it, the substitute would be obvious than the various other discolored vinyl material. And also you need to replace the whole area.

Alternatively, you can pick to buy cleaning up representatives that is created for vinyl cleansing. The Restora ® Sturdy Cleanser readily available at www.flood.com is an exemplar example for a risk-free cleaner. This cleaner removes deep discolorations such as mildew, oxidation, chalk, and also algae stains. You can use it in junction with the Restora ® Lo-Lustre Plastic Revitalizer. This product recovers plastic surfaces to a “brand name brand-new” surface area as well as shine.

Basically, attentive cleaning makes plastic home siding repair work a minimal event than usual. Yes, they say that plastic is 100% upkeep free, as well as it is generally. Just constantly inspect those areas that obtain discolored instead heavily, because they are the most reliant obtain breakable faster than the rest.

Read More
« Older posts

  • Subscribe

Support us!

If you like this site please subscribe