Metal siding is prized for both its aesthetic appeal and its low-maintenance needs. While you don’t need to do too much, it’s still important to clean the material to keep the outside looking its best. This protects its integrity and ensures that your siding will continue to safeguard your home from the elements while regulating your indoor temperature. Here are some basic do's and don’ts to keep in mind.

Do:

Use a brush.

While it’s fine to run a garden hose over the surface, you can tackle built-up dirt, grime, and other debris more effectively if you use a nylon-bristle brush. Make sure the bristles are soft to prevent surface damage. This can be helpful in eliminating more stubborn accumulation that doesn’t come off easily with water. Always scrub back and forth and then up and down to remove the buildup. 

Apply mild cleansers.

You can concoct a simple cleaning solution by mixing a gallon of water with a quarter cup of mild dishwashing detergent or car-cleaning soap. Apply the product to the surface with your nylon-bristle brush, then scrub. You can also pour this into a pressure washer if you need to use more powerful equipment for cleansing. Don’t allow the cleaning solution to sit on the metal for too long, as it could lead to corrosion or cause the paint to fade. 

Don’t:

Pressure wash unnecessarily.

While you can safely use a pressure washer on metal siding, it isn’t a necessity. Consider it a last resort alternative when there is a considerable amount of buildup that doesn’t respond to a nylon-bristle brush. If you do need to use this tool, always apply the lowest power setting. Anything too high could potentially harm the integrity of the metal. 

Clean large areas at once.

While it may seem easier to spray your entire home at a time, you risk causing corrosion if the metal remains damp for too long. Instead, clean the metal siding section by section, ideally on a warm and sunny day. Although clean water won’t generally cause the metal to corrode, there’s always a small chance that lingering moisture may cause damage. To hasten the drying process, you can dry each metal panel with a squeegee.
 

If you need a reliable professional to supply materials for your metal siding project, turn to Greenview Metals in Blair, WI. Proudly serving clients throughout Trempealeau County, they’re proud to offer high-quality metal that can withstand general wear and tear, and they have a broad range of colors and lengths. Visit the website for more information, or call (715) 538-1325 to speak with a team member.