Keep your vinyl siding looking good as new with these mildew-prevention techniques.
Your home’s siding is there to act as a layer of protection against the elements. Unfortunately, that means that the siding itself is vulnerable to those same elements. While it’s better than having your home’s structure exposed directly, the weathering and deterioration of your siding will, over time, make your home more vulnerable. Mildew is a huge factor that can lead to your siding’s deterioration and ineffectiveness in protecting your home and your family. The three straight weeks of rain that we’ve just endured serve as reason enough to provide you with these tips to prevent mildew growth on your vinyl siding this spring and summer.
Take a Look
If mildew has already started to grow, it’s important to find it and eradicate it, and fast. Mildew on siding can lead to harmful effects for your home’s health and your own. Get in the habit of inspecting your home for mildew. It won’t take much time or effort to circle your home and look for mildew (or its uglier cousin, mold) — and you’ll probably save plenty of headache by catching it early. For help identifying, check out this helpful article from HGTV.
Eliminate Potential Problems
Don’t leave any stone unturned when it comes to preventing mildew on vinyl siding. While it’s less apt to hold moisture than wood siding, there are still a few persistent sources of moisture that need to be cut off to prevent mildew growth. For example, keep an eye on ventilation ducts to ensure that there isn’t excessive moisture/condensation accumulating. You should also make sure that your gutters aren’t leaking and causing constant exposure to rainwater, which can hold bacteria that may accelerate mold or mildew growth. Luckily, if the problem originates with the need to replace your gutters, Topper can help with that.
Removing Mildew on Vinyl Siding
Lucky for you, vinyl siding is one of the easiest materials to clean and maintain. Its very minimally porous surface doesn’t give the mildew much to hold onto, and all you’ll need is a solution of 3 parts water and 1 part bleach. Apply it to affected areas and let it sit for 30 minutes, then rinse away with a garden hose. If you need a little extra elbow grease, use a soft scrubber that won’t scuff up the surface.
Protect Your Topper-Constructed Vinyl Siding
Founded in 1988, Topper Construction has quickly grown to become one of the largest roofing and siding contractors in the Mid-Atlantic region thanks to our commitment to providing clients with quality work at a competitive price. We install the full range of vinyl siding from major brands, giving you a wide variety to choose from.
For immediate assistance or questions about siding, please call 301-874-0220. We are headquartered in Frederick, Maryland with a satellite office in Pittsburgh to help us better serve you, our customers. We proudly service areas throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, Washington DC, Northern Virginia, West Virginia, and Delaware.
