Due to the rising cost of lumber and advances in technology affordable alternatives to wood siding have been developed. This material is much easier to clean and maintain and is also durable. Concrete fiber is a wood alternative which is tough and long lasting while giving the appearance of wood. However, it will still require maintenance on your part.
Tips For Maintaining Siding
Stains will appear on siding from time to time due to dirt and mud which can appear on exterior walls. Children like to throw balls or other objects which will also contribute to this and there is also mold and mildew, which is prevalent in more humid areas. All of these issues should be addressed as quickly as possible.
You should start by carefully inspecting the entire exterior. All the sides will likely need equal cleaning. It is the siding of your home that is most exposed to elements such as rain, snow and sleet, and if there are trees nearby the home this will also contribute to the buildup of dirt and grime. Although concrete fiber will to some extent be naturally rinsed through rain, you will need to manually clean it at least once a year or hire someone to do it on your behalf.
Siding can be cleaned with a simple garden hose. Mixing dish soap which is eco-friendly with water and then applying it to the siding with the nozzle will produce excellent results. Some homeowners choose to mix vinegar and water to produce a solution for cleaning the sides of their home. No matter what formula you use, only a minimal amount of soap should be added, and when applied it should be rinsed off carefully. You will also want to keep the mixture away from your landscaping as plants do not do well when they come into contact with soap.
Avoid Mildew Killer And Bleach
Mildew and mold are natural growths that can become problematic when they appear on concrete fiber. They range in color from black to green and as with most things in life which are unpleasant and undesirable they can be difficult to get rid of. This tempts many homeowners to resort to using bleach, but this will only make things worse. Bleach could actually damage the siding and given the cost and time you spent to install it this is the last thing you want.
Instead, take a sponge and mix in a bit of soap and water and then wipe away the mold. If it still resists, you can bring out the pressure washer. If you don’t own one it can be rented, but when using it begin with the lowest setting and increase pressure only as needed. The majority of concrete fiber uses a sealant, and you don’t want to damage it with too much pressure from the washer, as it could strip away the coating. Once you’re done washing the siding, use a leaf blower to dry it.