3 Ways to Keep Your Vinyl Siding Looking Like New

Vinyl siding offers a lot of benefits over other materials. When installed correctly, vinyl can last for 25 to 40 years, and in some cases, even longer before it needs replacement. Additionally, vinyl costs less to install, and it comes in a variety of colors to suit your style. With vinyl, you never have to worry about rot, corrosion, or pests weakening the material.

Although vinyl doesn’t require as much maintenance as wood siding, it does need a little care if you want it to look like new year after year. The following tips can keep your siding in great shape long after its initial installation.

1. Clean Your Vinyl on an Annual Basis

Like everything else in or on your house, vinyl siding collects dirt, dust, and grime in its tiny cracks, dips, and crevices. Over time, this debris triggers an oxidation process that contributes to fading and discoloration. In some areas, vinyl siding may also see some mildew and mold growth that could spread to other, less-resistant parts of your home.

Fortunately, you can quickly clean your siding with a little soap and water. Simply dampen a soft-bristled brush in the soapy water, scrub the panels on the lowest part of the house, and gradually work your way up to minimize streaking. Then, give your siding one final rinse with the garden hose from top to bottom.

For particularly stubborn stains, mix three parts vinegar with seven parts water. Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes before scrubbing and rinsing.

2. Apply Vinyl Restoration Product

Your siding has to face the sun’s harmful UV rays every day. Although regular cleaning can slow some of the oxidation process triggered by dust and debris, your siding may still look faded after a few years due to the UV exposure.

A vinyl restoration product, such as Vinyl Renu or Rust-Oleum ReColor, can remove some signs of aging and restore your vinyl’s vivid color. Depending on the product you use, the blend could further protect against UV damage, oxidation, cracking, and mildew growth, so your vinyl looks like new for even longer.

In general, you should apply a restoration product after thoroughly cleaning your siding and allowing it to dry. However, you’ll want to read the manufacturer’s directions carefully, as different brands come with varying instructions.

3. Give Your Siding a Fresh Coat of Paint

One of the many reasons homeowners choose vinyl over wood is so they don’t have to paint their siding year after year to ensure it looks great. As vinyl’s color is a part of the siding itself, it will never completely lose its unique shade of Heritage blue, cypress green, or sterling gray.

But that color does fade little by little, even if you apply restorative products. If your vinyl is in otherwise great shape, you can touch up that color and make it look fresh out of the warehouse when you apply a new coat of paint.

For a smooth, even coat and brilliant color, you should choose acrylic paint specifically made for vinyl siding. Additionally, you’ll need to thoroughly clean your siding and apply two coats of adhesive primer to ensure the paint properly bonds to the vinyl’s surface. Also, steer clear of dark colors (such as dark blue or black), as the UV exposure will lead to bubbling and peeling in the paint.

--Love the Look of Your Vinyl Siding

With these simple steps, you can count on your vinyl siding looking its best, and in turn, your house will look like new as well.

However, keep in mind that vinyl is not indestructible. Despite careful cleaning and maintenance, a few of your panels may crack or warp under extreme conditions. In these cases, you’ll need to hire a professional contractor to replace the cracked panels. Depending on the extent of the damage, the contractor may have to completely remove and install new vinyl siding to ensure your house remains safe from leaks and continues to look stunning all year round.