Understanding Common Siding Stains – Causes and Remedies
Homeowners should understand what causes stains on siding and how best to clean them. In Woodbridge, VA, vinyl and aluminum are popular choices for homeowners for the exterior of their homes due to their lower costs, durability, low maintenance, and aesthetic appeal. However, they are susceptible to various stains that can detract from their appearance. Understanding the cause of common stains and the best methods to clean contaminants, particularly through a professional power wash, is essential for maintaining the beauty and longevity of your home’s exterior. Many of these common stains will be addressed with regular house washing and thorough exterior cleaning provided by your local power washing company.
Mold and Mildew
Appearance: Mold and mildew typically appear as dark, fuzzy spots or patches on the surface.
Causes: Mold and mildew thrive in damp, humid environments, especially in shaded areas with limited sunlight exposure.
Best Remedy: Professional power washing is highly recommended to remove mold and mildew. High-quality cleaning agents and specialized equipment can penetrate deep into the roots, eliminating mold spores and restoring your home’s cleanliness.
Algae
Appearance: Algae stains often manifest as green stains, particularly on the north-facing or shady facades of the house. They can also be black or orange.
Causes: Algae growth is accelerated by moisture and organic matter like pollen being present on the surface, making it a common occurrence in humid climates or areas with frequent rainfall and shade.
Best Remedy: Power washing services with environmentally friendly cleaning solutions such as sodium hypochlorite or diluted bleach can effectively eradicate algae stains. A soft wash process uses a low-pressure water stream to first kill and then dislodge algae growth, while gentle detergents break down organic matter, leaving your property looking fresh and revitalized.
Dirt and Grime
Appearance: Dirt and grime buildup can result in a dull, discolored appearance, detracting from its original vibrancy.
Causes: Dirt and airborne pollutants accumulate over time, particularly in high-traffic areas or regions with dusty conditions.
Best Remedy: Soft washing is the most efficient solution for removing stubborn dirt and grime from vinyl siding. The combination of low-pressure water and specialized cleaners that combine industry-designed soap and bleach detergents effectively lift dirt particles from the surface, restoring the siding’s shine and luster after a thorough rinse.
Weep Hole Drainage
Appearance: Brown or tan water marks that accumulate below the small weep holes on the bottom lip of vinyl and aluminum siding.
Causes: Dirt, dust, pollen, and fallout can collect behind siding from wind and environmental factors like vehicle traffic. Heavy rain can get behind the siding, which is what those weep holes were designed to allow to escape, and slowly flush those particles through the weep holes. As they dry, the brown stains remain. Sometimes these stains can develop after pressure washing service if excessive water is pushed up into and behind the siding. Professional power washers will avoid this and be sure to thoroughly rinse siding with appropriate techniques.
Best Remedy: Rain will rinse these spots over time, or professional cleaning services can also address these stains. If cleaning is a DIY project, avoid spraying upward at the house and allow water to cascade down the siding to minimize water getting behind the siding.
Rust Stains
Appearance: Rust stains typically appear as reddish-brown discolorations, often stemming from metal fixtures or fasteners on the exterior of the house or condensate drains from HVAC systems.
Causes: Metal components, such as nails or screws, can rust over time due to exposure to moisture and air; red clay stains are essentially rust stains caused as mineral-rich mud splashes against foundation walls during rainstorms. Hard water from condensate drain lines continuously dripping against siding can also result in unsightly stains. In some cases, sprinkler systems that spray too close to the siding can cause rust and hard water stains.
Best Remedy: Professional power washing services utilize specialized rust remover products and techniques to safely and effectively eliminate rust stains from vinyl siding. Careful attention is paid to prevent damage to the siding’s surface during the cleaning process.
Artillery Spores
Appearance: Black spots that accumulate on the lower portion of siding, most commonly in areas with mulch beds.
Causes: Artillery fungus grows in moist areas at ground level and attaches to and feeds on organic materials like wood chips. Properties with bulk mulch and significant shade are more likely to experience artillery fungus infestations.
Best Remedy: Artillery spores are tough stains that require aggressive brushing to remove. Unfortunately, even power washing may not fully eliminate them.
Pollen and Pollutants
Appearance: Pollen and pollutant stains on vinyl siding may present as yellow or brownish discolorations, particularly during allergy season or in urban areas with high pollution levels.
Causes: Pollen, dust, and pollutants can settle on vinyl siding, leaving behind stubborn stains that are difficult to remove with regular cleaning methods.
Best Remedy: Professional pressure washing with hot water and specialized cleaning agents is recommended for effectively removing pollen and pollutant stains. The combination of heat and pressure ensures thorough cleaning, leaving the siding looking fresh and revitalized.
Oxidation
Appearance: White, chalky powder that forms on siding, dulling the appearance and may rub off when touched. The residue will appear on the fingertips.
Causes: Over time, exposure to sunlight and environmental elements can cause the surface of the siding to oxidize, resulting in a chalky or faded appearance. This oxidation process is natural but can significantly detract from the siding’s aesthetic appeal.
Best Remedy: Professional pressure washing using special oxidation remover chemicals and physical agitation or scrubbing is an effective remedy. By using the appropriate cleaning agents, washing equipment, and techniques, pressure washing can remove the oxidized layer, revealing the vibrant color and finish underneath. Though oxidation removal can be expensive, it is significantly more affordable than replacing siding altogether. The best option is to avoid disturbing oxidation by having your home professionally soft-washed. This allows for cleaning without leaving wand marks and risking damage to your home.
Whichever stains your home is experiencing, calling in professionals will be your best option. Look for more information about common stains on driveways, decks, roofs, bricks, and patios. ProExteriorWash Plus is Northern Virginia’s top-rated, veteran-owned pressure washing company and is standing by to answer all your questions regarding maintaining your home’s curb appeal. Well-versed in the manufacturer’s instructions on how to address common stains, our trained technicians can clean most of the stains through regular siding cleaning maintenance. After all, professional power washing is one of the easiest and most effective ways to achieve your home improvement goals.
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