Tips to Properly Maintain Your Seamless Steel Siding
When the rain moves in during the spring, there is a good chance your siding accumulates quite a bit of dirt and other debris. As you move outdoors to start cleaning your yard for the warmer weather ahead, don’t forget about your steel siding. Cleaning it properly is not difficult, but the process is different from how you clean vinyl or wood siding. Learning how to clean it properly will ensure your home looks great season after season.
Break Out the Power Washer
Most people will tell you to avoid power washing your wood or vinyl siding unless it is done by a professional. However, this is the best tool for seamless steel siding. It will effectively loosen the accumulated dirt and debris without causing damage.
Cleaning Formula
While power washing is perfectly acceptable, you will want to avoid using the chemicals you may use on vinyl or wood siding. This is because these can cause damage to steel. Put the chemicals away and make your own solution that includes 1/3 of a cup of laundry detergent and six gallons of water. This will be used along with your power washer.
Begin the Cleaning Process
To effectively clean your seamless steel siding, you will need to use a telescoping handled brush or a deck brush and a bucket of plain water prior to using the power washer. This will help you loosen any dirt and grime first. Be sure the brush you use has soft bristles. When you begin cleaning the siding, start with horizontal strokes and then vertical ones to remove any caked on grime.
Also, mildew and mold can easily build up in areas where moisture is trapped. If this is the situation, you should apply a one to three solution of household bleach and water in a spray bottle. Use this on the affected areas prior to power washing.
Cleaning with the Power Washer
When you are done with the initial cleaning you will be ready to use your power washer. Use the lowest setting to apply the cleaning solution. If you have never used one of these devices before, you should practice in an area that is hard to damage, such as your driveway prior to turning it on to your home.
Work in sections and rinse the washed down areas with your water hose. Be sure you don’t let the soapy cleaning solution dry on your siding.
Clean Up
That is the entire process. As you can see, cleaning your seamless steel siding is extremely easy and only needs to be done once or twice a year. While you can hire a professional to help you with this, it is a process that can be done by any DIY homeowner, as well.
The professionals at Kent Mohler Exteriors are always happy to help guide you in the correct siding maintenance. Give us a call today and see how we can help you with your seamless siding needs in Kansas City!
