How to Maintain Vinyl Siding

Good vinyl siding should do all the work for you. It should actually require very little upkeep. If you’re having to do too much, it probably means it’s time for new siding.

However, there are certain steps you can take to make sure you get a nice long life out of your siding, and the maximum return on your investment.
Here is some basic maintenance that’s either low-cost or free to do!

Watch the Heat

Of course, you can’t control how much sun beats down on your vinyl siding over the summer months. Besides, the siding is there to protect your home from that sun.
You can, however, be a bit more mindful of where you put things like your BBQ though. Putting it too close to the home can put unnecessary heat and pressure on your siding.
So be sure to put your BBQs and fire fits a safe distance away.

Give it a Bath Once Per Year

This should really be the only major chore your siding should create each year. Give your exterior a good cleaning using a soft cloth or brush with soft bristles. Also, you’re fine to use a garden hose on a light setting. Your power-washer might actually be a bit too much for it, so save that bad boy for your windows.

You will also want to make sure you use the right soap. Opt for a mild soap that’s not going to poison your nearby plants or glass. If you have to use something a bit more heavy duty on stains, be sure to cover your plants or bushes.
Pro tip: If you’re washing off mildew, use a mix of one cup of vinegar for every gallon of water.

Know When To Paint

You need to be very careful about painting your siding. You need to consult your warranty because:
  • Premature fading may be covered by your warranty
  • Painting the siding may actually void your warranty
Painting at the wrong time, or in the wrong way, may actually trap moisture against the siding. Which is obviously bad.
But that should be pretty much it. People choose vinyl siding because it's amazingly low-maintenance. Unlike wood, there's no need to paint, stain or treat the entire facade of your home every couple of summers.

Just set aside that one afternoon every spring to give it a cleaning and you should be good to go for the rest of the year. If you're having to do more (like replace broken parts or paint faded siding), this could be a sign it's time to replace it.

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