Cleaning Aluminum Siding Chalking

Some exterior paints such as those used on aluminum siding intentionally chalk for self cleaning.

Cleaning aluminum siding chalking.

Chalk removal raises the value of the home and is much less expensive than siding replacement. Once you ve determined what cleaning method to use try to work in the shade as much as possible. Chalk occurs on aluminum siding due to aging and weather effects. To clean stubborn mildew you will need bleach.

Vinegar and borax are other good eco friendly alternatives for cleaning mold and mildew. The problem however is that this product experiences corrosion especially in areas of high humidity or salty ocean winds. You can also look for special cleaning solutions that are meant for cleaning aluminum siding at your local hardware store. Not adequately sealing a porous surface.

Read this before you power wash your aluminum siding. I ll admit i hate our aluminum siding. It is advertised as low maintenance. A chalky white substance on your vinyl siding and trim is caused by oxidation which occurs most often during damp or wet weather.

Wipe the surface with the palm of your hand. It s not hard to clean oxidized aluminum patio furniture or siding if you have the right materials. Factory finished siding can develop an excessively thick chalk layer and may require power washing to ensure complete chalk removal. To clean your aluminum siding choose a dry windless day.

Scrub off the chalk with a strong solution of water and spic and span or tsp detergent or a nonphosphate tsp alternative. The cleaning agent makes the removal of the chalk easier and it also kills any mold mildew or algae that may be growing on the siding as we don t want that festering beneath our top coat of paint. Oil based paints tend to chalk more than latex formulations. I ll show you how to clean aluminum siding and remove that chalky residue easily without power washing.

It dents easily and the red color is difficult to coordinate with outdoor decor. The uv rays from the sun breaks down the paint fades aluminum siding and creates chalking. Although it seems like a big job getting rid of the chalk is surprisingly easy. Use of a low grade highly pigmented paint.

Use of an interior paint for an outdoor application. Aluminum siding first began appearing on homes in the early 1960s. Use appropriate materials to clean mildew and chalking. Check your siding first for signs of mildew chalking and needed repairs.

Following the scrubbing we will go back over the siding with a light power wash to rinse. Clean chalky aluminum siding with cleaning products. If the paint color comes off on your hand the paint is chalking.