Vinyl siding, which was introduced in the late 1950’s, has been one of the most commonly used exterior home solutions, both in Birmingham and all over the US.
Since then, it had been a well-known replacement to aluminum siding. It’s also undeniable that vinyl has come a long way since it’s early days and had been one of the most popular choice for homeowners because of its affordability, durability and attractive appearance. Aside from those benefits, it also requires minimal maintenance requirements compared to wood.
According to the team at AA Roofing, “Vinyl is hands-down one of the best siding options for homeowners around Birmingham due to its low cost and relative durability. Vinyl stands up to the elements in our state’s extreme humidity and rainfall.”
However, despite vinyl being a quality home exterior solution, some homeowners may experience problems and the most common is that their siding turns green.
What causes vinyl siding to turn green?
Vinyl is a polymer made up of elements that makes it perfect for protecting a home from natural damage like UV rays and strong winds. However, it needs to be properly installed and requires maintenance like any other siding. But if you noticed that your vinyl is turning green, typically one of two things is responsible:
Mold
The most common cause of green mold forming or growing on your siding is either you have a problematic gutter or a leaking drain pipe. Generally, minor adjustments would be needed to solve these water issues and prevent the growth of molds. But getting rid of mold that has already formed on your siding may require you to get help from a professional like Get Superior Cleaning for safety reasons. We offer gutter repair services to homeowners just like you.
Algae
Appears to be a green or brown stain on your siding and has the tendency to stay damp. Algae growth is mainly a cosmetic issue and can simply be resolved by a bit of scrubbing and a mild detergent. The most common cause is dirt and dust that has attached to your siding on which algae feeds on. Consider a siding sealant application as it can help prevent algae growth.
Mold and algae are commonly mistaken to be the same but they aren’t. They have different sources and requires different cleanup. At times, a professional inspector may be needed to help you differentiate between the two and identify the proper solution moving forward.
You can hire a professional siding contractor to identify the source of the issue, remove stains, and help you prevent the issue from recurring. But sometimes, it may simply be time to get your siding repaired or replaced.
DIY solution to remove green stains on your siding.
- Warm water and soap can often remove small amounts of algae on your siding. But stubborn stains may require you to get a mixture of water and chlorine bleach.
- Scrub your siding with a stiff brush moving from side to side over green stains.
- Start at the top of your house and work your way down.
- Then with a garden hose, rinse each section. Ensure the hose is pointing downward to avoid spraying water behind the siding.
If you’re uncomfortable cleaning the siding on your own or if stains persist, contact a professional. They can pressure wash your siding. Something that you’d rather leave to professionals if you don’t want to end up damaging the vinyl.