While many vinyl sidings today are designed to be totally maintenance-free, they still become dirty, just like a freshly painted house, a new automobile or any product exposed to atmospheric conditions. Generally, your vinyl siding can be cleaned satisfactorily by using an ordinary garden hose to wash it down.

If this doesn’t do the job, try the following:

1. Get a soft-bristled, long-handled, car brush that screws into your garden hose.
2. Scrub it with this cleaning solution:
   • 1/2 cup laundry detergent
   • 2/3 cup of trisodium phosphate ^(?)
   • 1 gallon water

In certain geographical areas where mildew may be a problem, substitute one quart of 5% sodium hydroxide (bleach) for one quart of water in the above formula.

If the house is extremely dirty, you should start washing from the bottom and go to the top, rinsing frequently. The cleaning solution should be left on the siding for several minutes before rinsing.

Finally, you should remember that rigid vinyl siding is made from organic materials, and will melt or burn when exposed to a significant source of flame or heat. Building owners, occupants and outside maintenance personnel should always take normal precautions to keep sources of fire, such as barbecues, and combustible materials, such as dry leaves, mulch and trash, away from vinyl siding.

Remember: you can contact us any time to help with your home’s maintenance.

(?) This is an agressive cleaning agent; most hardware stores sell TSP. It is usually located in the paint department and often comes in a box that looks like a small milk carton. It’s usually blue and teal-colored, with T.S.P. in big letters on the front.

The house had been neglected. It needed much interior and exterior work, however the potential was evident. The couple paid $250,000 for the house knowing that a major makeover was needed…

…enter TOTAL REMODELING.

Our client proceeded to invest $200,000 for interior and exterior remodeling work in the first year. The first thing to go was the dark brown color that was a builders’ favorite throughout the 80’s. Most of the windows were changed with the same style and size, albeit with products that functioned and looked more appealing. The major window change was effected on the front wall over the master bath. Two small awning windows were discarded to make way for the new larger trapezoid window that greatly alters the home’s look both in and out. Weathered Cedar Elite siding was applied. After the leaking skylights were removed, a 50-year, quarry gray dimensional roof was installed.

How did the project turn out?

Before

After

Looking at the pictures, you be the judge. As for the clients’ purchase and remodeling investment; the home subsequently sold for over $900,000 less than five years later!