Low-maintenance Siding Choices from a Siding Contractor in Lubbock, TX

In late September, Lubbock had to deal with isolated storms that brought in hail and strong gusts of wind; as with any weather disturbance, exterior components like siding took a direct hit. In particular, wood siding that is exposed to moist conditions are likely to succumb to mold and algae infestation. While it may be tempting to use a pressure washer to get rid of mold and algae, Chicago Tribune columnist Tim Carter warns that this may not be such a good idea.

Cleaning TipsWhen it comes to wood siding, the mildew and algae are possibly feasting on the actual stains and sealers you may have used to preserve the wood. Many clear and semitransparent wood sealers and stains are made with alkyd or oil resins. These natural oils are also delicious food for mildew and algae. Some of the sealers and stains contain chemicals designed to prevent mildew and algae growth, but these chemicals can break down when exposed to sunlight and repeated exposure to rainwater.

I know that you may love your pressure washer because it’s a cool tool, but it can wreak havoc with houses if used improperly. As with Spider-Man, so it is with pressure washers: With great power comes great responsibility.

What can a homeowner do to deal with such a problem? Well, the folks over at LiveStrong.com say that homeowners can clean wood siding effectively on their own by spraying an oxygen bleach cleaner solution directly onto the wood siding. Let the cleaning agent sit for at least 20 minutes then scrub the mildew and algae off.

Although DIY methods can be effective, they can also be quite tedious, given that wood siding gets dirty rather easily. As such, it may be worth investing in low-maintenance siding options like vinyl or steel, which are available through a reputable siding contractor in Lubbock, TX like Jones & Associates. Unlike traditional wood siding that ultimately requires frequent maintenance, vinyl and steel don’t require painting or scraping, and won’t rot or crack.

In any case, homeowners need to exert some effort to maintain to keep wood siding in good condition such as regularly inspecting for obvious signs of staining or disrepair. For stylish and low-maintenance siding options that can boost your home’s curb appeal, count on a trusted siding contractor in Midland, TX like Jones & Associates.

(From Cleaning tips for exterior siding, Chicago Tribune, Published 24 May 2013)

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