Vinyl Siding
As with anything that endures the extremes of the outdoors, vinyl doesn’t last forever. Eventually, the UV light from the sun and high and low temperatures will take their toll. Dull, chalky siding is the result of aging and oxidation of vinyl.
Not all vinyl is made the same. Some products will oxidize quicker than others. Oxidation can also discolor vinyl siding. A light brown tint may be visible on the upper panels in severe cases.
We can’t stop the Sun’s UV rays or control the temperatures. The one thing that can easily be handled is the algae that grows on every house in the South. Algae holds moisture to the surface and is a cosmetic nightmare. With a regular yearly house wash, oxidation and algae can be kept under control.
Nothing outdoors is maintenance-free. Although the dull, chalky appearance means aging, it doesn’t mean that it needs to be replaced. If the vinyl isn’t brittle and cracking, then it’s still in good shape.
There are products available to professionals that can completely remove oxidation. With all algae and oxidation removed, your house will look bright and new again. The only downfall is this won’t last very long. Once Vinyl starts to oxidize, it will continue. Using wax after a house wash helps block UV rays and repel dirt and algae for as long as it lasts.
It is a common misconception that chlorinated bleach causes vinyl to dull. When used properly by a professional, a house wash mix containing bleach is recommended by manufacturers for cleaning vinyl siding.