Vinyl siding is a durable and beautiful building material. Homeowners also love it because it’s affordable and available in various styles and finishes.
Properly maintained, it can maintain its color and appearance for decades. Yet, regular cleaning and maintenance are required to keep it looking its best.
If you have vinyl siding on your home, you might have noticed unsightly algae growing. This issue might not be too noticeable initially, but the algae can grow and expand over time.
By addressing it early, you can keep it at bay and ensure your siding always looks great.
What’s the most effective method for removing the algae? Before you Google DIY approaches or try any type of at-home technique, it’s important to know what works and what doesn’t.
As you start tackling these stains, this can save you time, money, and energy.
Today, we’re sharing how to get at the root of the algae and remove it for good. With these tips in your toolbox, you can extend the life of your vinyl siding and preserve the look of your home.
How do you remove green mold from vinyl siding?
Even if you do everything right, you might still notice green mold growing on your vinyl siding. When this happens, don’t despair! You likely have all the ingredients you need to tackle it right in your house.
Bleach solution
All you need to eliminate the algae is bleach and water. While you can try using water alone, you will need to wash the siding more frequently to eliminate the algae and stave off new growth.
You don’t have to clean your siding often when you add bleach to the mix. Bleach is a robust cleaner that takes care of algae at the source.
Yet, it’s important to use it safely and exercise caution to avoid over-exposing yourself to the ingredient. Gloves and safety goggles can protect your hands and eyes while you mix and use the solution.
You only need one quart of bleach per every five gallons of water. Using this solution, you can usually wait around nine to 12 months between each cleaning.
Pressure washing
Pressure washing takes at-home cleaning to an entirely new level. A professional crew can apply powerful cleaning agents to your siding, then wash away all the debris quickly, expertly. This saves you time at home and ensures a job well done.
It also cuts through the algae more effectively, eliminating the darkest stains you can see and the less-apparent growth happening underneath. This means you won’t have to worry about the issue as often and can enjoy your sparkly clean vinyl for a longer period of time.
At Advantage Pro Services, our experts carefully approach each pressure washing project.
First, we’ll thoroughly inspect your exterior to understand the source and extent of the dirt and debris you’re dealing with. Then, we’ll use our professional pressure washing equipment and proven techniques to completely clean your siding. At every turn, we’ll treat your property like our own, respecting it and cleaning up afterward so there’s no mess for you to worry about.
What kills algae on vinyl siding?
The bleach in the homemade solution will kill the algae on your vinyl siding. You must spray the covered surface, allow it to penetrate the grime, and rinse it off. If the surface area is small, you can quickly restore your siding and eliminate the unattractive stains marring its surface.
In addition to bleach, you can also find a range of exterior cleaning products at your local hardware store. Some of these are specially formulated to kill algae, so check the labels. Always ensure the solution is safe to use on vinyl siding before you use it.
If the issue appears to be both algae and mold, then create a simple solution of vinegar and water. The vinegar will kill the mold and keep your siding looking fresh.
If the algae growth is more widespread or you need to cover a larger surface area, hand-cleaning might not be the safest or most effective method. Instead, we recommend hiring a professional pressure washing company to come out and do the job for you.
This way, you can rest assured that you’ve removed the full extent of the algae, and it isn’t coming back any time soon. Pressure washing technicians can also access hard-to-reach areas, such as second-story vinyl siding, so you don’t have to climb a ladder.
Will pressure washing remove algae from vinyl siding?
Yes! Pressure washing is a great way to remove algae and mold from your vinyl siding. However, this isn’t a project you should attempt to do alone at home. Instead, it’s best to hire a professional power-washing company to do the work.
These teams will have access to commercial tools and solutions that can completely remove algae and other grime the first time. They can recommend the best products to use to keep your siding clean and sanitary without damaging its exterior appearance.
How do you keep algae from growing on vinyl siding?
Now that we’ve discussed the best ways to eliminate algae let’s take a step back. How do you prevent it from ever growing on your siding in the first place?
The most effective approach is to keep your siding clear, dry, and clean. Let’s take a look at what to do at each phase.
Clear the siding
First, identify any obstructions that could be leaning against it, such as tree limbs and bushes. Dirt and debris from these plants could rub against the siding and contaminate it, so prune them back to keep the space clear.
Pay special attention to areas around your home that don’t get much sunlight, as the shade makes a hospitable environment for algae to grow. If your plants can grow freely along the siding, cutting them back can expose more sunlight to the area, discouraging algae growth.
Keep the siding dry
Next, see if any excess water is building up on the siding. Even something as simple as sprinklers installed too close to your house could leave unintentional moisture on the surface. It could trap moisture inside if the siding is compromised due to damage, loose parts, or other issues.
While rainwater will naturally strike your siding, it shouldn’t do so in excess. It helps to take great care of your gutters, removing trapped leaves and repairing broken drainpipes to ensure they’re successfully directing water away from your home’s exterior each time it rains.
Our gutter cleaning services can clear away leaves and other debris, keeping your home clean and safe. Not only do well-maintained gutters help keep water off your siding, but they can also prevent leaks and pests and damage to your windows and foundation.
Damp siding is a breeding ground for algae, so you want to ensure you’re not unknowingly exposing yours. If you think there are structural issues causing it to trap water, then let your contractor know so they can repair them immediately. They can also look for other culprits that could add moisture to the siding, such as broken pipes or nearby drains.
Clean the siding
Once you’ve cleared away any intrusions and checked for moisture, commit to washing your siding at least once a year. You can use gentle soap and water if you plan to clean frequently. Otherwise, you can use a more powerful bleach or vinegar solution.
This is the best way to remove common outdoor grime, such as tree sap and pollen, that can accumulate on your siding over time. Left untreated, those particles create a layer of nutrients for algae to feast on, and you’ll see green, black, or brown spots on the surface before too long.
To stay one step ahead of algae, hire a professional window cleaning and pressure washing company to inspect your vinyl siding and help you maintain it.
Not only will this team know which cleaners to use and how to use them, but they’ll also help you identify the root cause of any siding issues you might be experiencing, from gutter leaks and broken pipes to plant overgrowth and errant sprinkler heads. They can also share tips on how to fight off new mold growth and keep it from forming in between cleanings.
Our team at Advantage Pro Services is here to help you remove algae from your vinyl siding and keep your exterior looking good as new. When you trust your home to our expert technicians, you can be confident that you’re getting the best pressure washing, gutter cleaning, and window cleaning services. We’ve worked in this industry for over 20 years, and we know how to create a custom plan that works for your home. Contact us today to learn more and get a free estimate!
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