Thinking About Cleaning Your Siding?
So, you’re looking at your house, and the siding’s looking a little… well, lived-in. Maybe it’s green with algae, streaky with dirt, or just generally dull. Happens to the best of us, especially with our Missoula weather – those damp springs and falls can really encourage mildew growth, particularly on north-facing walls that don't get much sun.
The big question is: can you tackle this yourself, or should you call in a professional? As a contractor who’s seen a lot of siding, I can tell you there’s a place for both. Let’s walk through what you need to consider.
Before You Even Think About Spraying Anything
First off, know what kind of siding you’ve got. This is crucial because what works for vinyl can absolutely ruin wood or fiber cement. Most homes around here have vinyl, fiber cement (like James Hardie), or sometimes wood. Never assume – if you’re not sure, check your home’s records or ask a local pro like us at Skyline Siding Solutions. Using the wrong cleaner or pressure setting can strip paint, force water behind panels, or even etch the surface.
Next, do a quick inspection. Look for loose panels, cracks, or gaps. If you find any, you’ll want to fix those *before* you introduce a bunch of water. You don’t want water getting behind your siding and causing bigger problems like rot or mold in your wall cavity.
Finally, protect your plants, outdoor furniture, and anything else you don’t want getting wet or sprayed with cleaning solution. Cover delicate plants with tarps and move patio furniture out of the way. Unplug and cover any outdoor electrical outlets or light fixtures too.
Your DIY Siding Cleaning Kit
For most general dirt, dust, and light mildew, you can absolutely do a pretty good job yourself. Here’s what you’ll likely need:
- A garden hose with a spray nozzle.
- A soft-bristle brush (one that attaches to an extension pole is great for reaching high spots).
- Buckets.
- Mild dish soap or a dedicated siding cleaner (make sure it’s appropriate for your siding type).
- Safety glasses and gloves.
- A ladder, if you’re comfortable using one safely.
Start by rinsing a section of your siding from the bottom up. This helps prevent streaking. Then, mix your cleaning solution according to the product directions. Apply it to the siding, again working from the bottom up, and let it sit for a few minutes to break down the grime. Don’t let it dry on the siding!
Now for the scrubbing. Use your soft brush and work in small sections. Once you’ve scrubbed an area, rinse it thoroughly from the top down. This is important – you want to wash all that dirt and soap residue away. Repeat this process around your entire house.
When to Call in the Big Guns (Pros)
There are definitely times when DIY just isn’t enough, or it’s simply too risky. Here’s when you should pick up the phone and call a professional:
- Stubborn Stains: If you’ve got heavy mold, mildew, or rust stains that won’t budge with mild cleaning, a pro has stronger, specialized cleaners and techniques.
- High-Up Areas: If you need to get on a tall ladder or your roof to reach certain spots, it’s safer to hire someone with the right equipment and insurance. Falling isn’t worth saving a few bucks.
- Pressure Washing Concerns: While a low-pressure wash can be great, using a powerful pressure washer incorrectly can cause serious damage – blasting water behind siding, stripping paint, or even etching the surface. Pros know the right pressure and nozzle for each siding type.
- Delicate Siding: Older wood siding, stucco, or certain painted surfaces are very susceptible to damage from harsh cleaning or high pressure. A pro will know how to clean these gently and effectively.
- Time and Effort: Let’s be honest, cleaning an entire house is a big job. If you don’t have the time, energy, or patience, a pro can get it done efficiently.
For most Missoula homes, a good professional cleaning every couple of years can keep your siding looking great and extend its life. They’ve got the gear, the know-how, and they’re insured if something goes wrong. If you’re ever in doubt, or just want a really thorough job done without the hassle, don’t hesitate to reach out. It’s often a worthwhile investment to protect your home’s exterior.