Aluminum, Steel & Vinyl siding

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Aluminum, Steel & Vinyl siding

Aluminum, Steel & Vinyl siding maintenance & repairs:

	These are the manufactured sidings. They are generally made to resemble beveled horizontal wood board siding although other styles are available. Aluminum and steel siding usually have baked enamel paint finishes. The coloring in vinyl siding is imbedded in the material. The siding can be smooth or can be embossed with a wood-grain texture to resemble painted wood boards.
	These manufactured sidings are insect and water resistant. However, some maintenance is still required.
	Aluminum and steel siding can show scratches and can dent if struck by a baseball or other object. Touch up scratches with paint. If dents are obvious, there are ways to remove them. Over time the color may fade and need to be repainted. In many areas, local building codes require that aluminum and steel siding be grounded at each corner of the building.
	Vinyl will not dent like aluminum. If hit, it flexes to absorb the shock and returns to its original shape. However, vinyl siding can crack. You should replace any cracked sections.
	You should inspect all manufactured siding for loose or damaged sections and open seams and joints. Repair or replace the siding when necessary.

Although durable and low maintenance, vinyl siding does need attention from time to time. So, how do you clean and care for vinyl siding, or even make repairs if necessary?

It's best to wash vinyl siding with a soft cloth or bristle brush. Start at the bottom of the house and work up to avoid streaking. Never aim water upward as it may collect, leak later and cause rot and decay. Always consult with the manufacturer before painting vinyl siding as this may void your warranty.

When it comes to repairs, vinyl is tough but not indestructible, and it can crack under impact. You can patch small cracks and replace larger areas. However, siding fades with time, so the patch or replacement piece may not be a perfect color match.

Vinyl siding is an economical material that with proper maintenance should last for many years.

Cleaning your home’s exterior surfaces regularly will improve your home’s appearance and will help preserve your paint, stain or siding finish. Cleaning once or twice a year will remove light soil as well as grime and pollutants that can damage your siding.

Wash from the bottom up with a solution of soap and warm water. Washing from the bottom up prevents streaking. Pay particular attention to the areas around door handles and window catches where dirt and grease will be heaviest. Rinse with fresh water from top to bottom to prevent runs of dirty liquid on a newly cleaned surface. You can use a pressure washer or a garden hose and scrub brush for this job.
If you find mildew on your siding, apply household bleach directly to any affected areas and rinse with a garden hose.

Note: The Information contained within this website is for informational purposes only. Kevin M. Leonard & The Ohio Home Inspections Company always recommends that a qualified expert be consulted in the area of concern.

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