Monday, July 30, 2012

How to Clean and Maintenance Vinyl Siding

According to the Vinyl Institute, you should wash vinyl siding with a soft cloth or long-handled, soft bristle brush. For textured surfaces, use only a soft bristle brush to keep the grooves in the texture stain-free.  You should start at the bottom of the house and work up.  It is best to rinse the cleaning solution completely before it dries. If your house has brick facing, cover the brick so that it is not affected by the runoff.  You can use a power washer, though you should read the washer instructions carefully before use. When cleaning, hold the power washer straight at eye level to keep the water on top of the siding where it can clean most effectively. Do not aim the power washer upward because the water will be driven behind the siding.

You should also follow the siding manufacturer’s recommendations. Some manufacturers don't want pressure washers used on their products at all. Others allow them, but have limitations on the amount of pressure and the cleaners that can be used. Most will caution against the use of pressure washers around any opening in the wall, such as windows, doors, electrical wiring, and plumbing. Most important thing to remember when using a power washer is that you could be voiding your warranty, so check with your manufacturer BEFORE using.

Use a gentle cleaning solutions when cleaning your vinyl siding. Use a 30/70 mix of vinegar and water. (If that doesn't do the job, the Vinyl Siding Institute suggests mixing 1/3 cup laundry detergent, 2/3 cup powdered household cleaner, 1 quart liquid laundry bleach, and 1 gallon water.)


To maintain your siding, use the proper cleaning techniques as well as common sense. Keep barbeques away from your siding, as well as other items that emit a lot of heat. Also, avoid overspray from pesticides, stains, sealants and wet concrete, these can stain your vinyl siding.

The Roofing Store, http://www.roofingstorellc.com/, can assist you with any questions you may have regarding the maintenance and cleaning of your siding. The Roofing Store services the Plainfield, CT and surrounding areas such as Norwich, Lisbon, Waterford, Woodstock and surrounding areas.


Tuesday, July 24, 2012

The vinyl side of life….

The Roofing Store offers many types of siding for your home, but the most cost effective type is Vinyl. Vinyl has come a long way since the 1950’s. The most important thing to remember about vinyl siding is that it needs to be installed by professionals. The Roofing Store has been installing siding since 1982, so needless to say, they know vinyl.


The main difference between vinyl and wood is maintenance. Vinyl does not need to be painted! When installed by a professional like the Roofing Store, you will have a product that does not blow off during a wind storm, or sag after years of installation. Believe it or not, vinyl does not retain moisture like a wood product. This means no rotting like the wood, and no replacement of warped, or molded pieces. If a piece of vinyl siding does get damaged, replacement it easy, and convenient!


Vinyl siding does come in different grades, so the price will be different depending on the grade. You might consider how long you plan to stay in your home. The higher grade of vinyl will be similar to the best grade of cedar; however, the cost savings is the installation. Vinyl is less labor intensive than a wood product.


Vinyl siding adds beauty to a home, which will add to the value of the home. It is also a building product that carries an outstanding manufacturer limited lifetime warranty by most manufacturers.

All vinyl will fade after 10-15 years and, if desired, can be painted with latex paint. So, if you decide after years and years of having the same color of siding, you can either replace all of it, or simply paint the color you desire.


If you are thinking of installing vinyl siding to your home, contact The Roofing Store at 855-403-4966.  The Roofing Store, www.theroofingstore.com, services the Plainfield, CT and surrounding areas such as Norwich, Lisbon, Waterford, Woodstock and surrounding areas.