Oxidation, which occurs most frequently in damp conditions, causes a chalky white substance on your vinyl siding and trim. Most vinyl siding can be cleaned of oxidation, but it is an effort-taking and time-consuming operation.
Your vinyl trim might look brand new once the oxidation has been removed. Regular cleaning and maintenance entail giving the device a low-pressure wash once a year to maintain it free of mold and mildew. However, vinyl is subject to oxidation. Aluminum siding homeowners are also extremely familiar with this problem.
Such problems are frequently caused by prolonged exposure to sunshine, acid rain, or wet conditions. We’ll go over this in-depth in this post, including how to remove oxidation off vinyl siding.
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What Is Vinyl Siding Oxidation?
You may not know that your home has vinyl siding oxidation if you have never searched for it. There is one method for determining whether or not your siding contains it. Wet your finger, rub it across a dry patch of your siding, and then examine it.
If your finger picks up chalky or white residue, your siding has begun or is well advanced in the oxidation process. Another noticeable feature is a slight white haze that begins to appear on the vinyl. Vinyl is inexpensive and low-maintenance, although it is prone to oxidation. You will have the same problem even if you have metal siding.
How To Deal With Vinyl Siding Oxidation?
Vinyl siding is one of the most often used home exterior sidings today. It’s cheap, long-lasting, and simple to keep up with. Some siding can oxidize because it’s constructed of PVC. When the substance reacts with oxygen, a layer forms on the siding’s surface that appears chalky.
If you have lighter-colored vinyl siding, the oxidation process will take longer. However, if you have grey or blue siding, it will show up sooner than you think. The majority of people are familiar with this issue called vinyl siding discoloration. But oxidation affects more than just the vinyl color; it also affects the vinyl itself.
Inspect Vinyl Siding For Oxidation
The chalky substances are easy to spot if your vinyl siding is deeper in color. To check for oxidation on other colors, rub your finger around the vinyl siding surface.
Prepare Cleaning Solution
On the darker siding, the oxidation is obvious, but on lighter siding, you may need to run your hand along its length to see it. On the surface, you’ll notice a chalkiness and a build-up. Use a vinegar and water solution to clean it.
Use a gallon of water and a mixture of laundry detergent and bleach if you need something stronger. To keep any cleaner out of your eyes, don’t forget to put on a pair of protective goggles.
On the darker siding, the oxidation is obvious, but on lighter siding, you may need to run your hand along its length to see it. On the surface, you’ll notice a chalkiness and a build-up. Use a vinegar and water solution to clean it.
Use a gallon of water and a mixture of laundry detergent and bleach if you need something stronger. To keep any cleaner out of your eyes, don’t forget to put on a pair of protective goggles.
Pre-Clean Siding With Water
Now it’s time to spray down your siding and give it a nice soak. Start working with your cleaning solution in small parts once it’s been pre-rinsed. If you have a one-story home, you can probably accomplish it with a soft brush and a bucket, but a pressure washer loaded with your cleaning solution will be the most efficient for any home.
To remove the chalky oxidation, rinse, scrub, and rinse again in portions as you make your way around the house. Make a yearly inspection of your home and siding to ensure no new oxidation develops. It is possible to keep and safeguard the value of your home by staying on top of it.
Apply Prepared Cleaning Solution
It’s time to use the cleaning solutions you just created after they’ve been pre-rinsed. Begin squirting the solution.
The cleaning solution mustn’t dry out too rapidly. As a result, spray in limited areas. Scrub your vinyl siding with a soft-bristled brush after that. Begin at the bottom and gradually work your way up to get rid of stains. That’s the best way to deal with your chalky oxidation problem.
Rinse-Off Vinyl Siding
As the last step, rinse your vinyl siding with your garden hose to remove the cleaning solution. Ensure the water eliminates the debris when you hose off the vinyl siding. Then you’re done.
Hire Professionals For Smooth And Long-Lasting Cleaning Results
Hiring a professional siding cleaner can be a good investment if you’re not very handy, don’t have access to a pressure washer, or live in a multi-story home. You’ll prevent oxidation, save time, and avoid having to purchase any specific tools or equipment.
The most important thing is to remove the chalky oxidation from your siding, regardless of how you go.
Final Thoughts
Vinyl siding that has been oxidized is a solid sign of your home’s wear and tear. And, if you choose the appropriate paint in the first place, you can delay oxidation for a longer time. Also, consider investing in high-quality vinyl siding for your home from the start.
The disadvantage of the oxidation repair method is that the vinyl siding’s protective outer layer has been damaged by the sun, and it will begin to oxidize again, usually at a higher rate. So, while this isn’t a long-term solution, it does represent a technique to prolong the siding’s aesthetic appearance until it needs to be replaced.
Although this restoration technique is more expensive than a standard cleaning, it is still a fraction of the replacement cost.
