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Home & Garden Articles
Show Off Your Siding
Wed 25 Jun 2008 - 07:59
Show Off Your Siding
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Renee_Rutledge]Renee Rutledge
Your siding is your home's first defense against the elements, including dirt, mud, mildew, moss, and rain. If your siding can use a refresher, don't break out the paint brush just yet. A plain, old-fashioned cleaning might be all you need to get your outdoor surfaces gleaming.
One way to do it? With a regular hose. Stucco siding cleans up well with a regular garden hose and a much diluted cleaning solution. Try a biodegradable cleanser or trisodium phosphate for starters.
If this doesn't cut it, the next step is a pressure wash. You can rent a pressure washer or a painting contractor will come equipped with one. To prevent this powerful stream from damaging your house or even causing personal injury, it's recommended for use by a skilled professional.
Other precautions with pressure washing:
· It's not advised for vinyl, as water can penetrate beneath the material and cause damage. Instead, use eco-friendly cleaners and rinse from the top down.
· Aluminum siding can be washed with a pressure washer, but use the appropriate, reduced setting.
· Power washers typically run at 1,500-2,000 psi and will leave noticeable lines in concrete or wood if pressed too close to the surface or stopped abruptly.
· Wear knee-high rubber boots to protect your feet and legs from the highly pressurized water.
In addition to use for cleaning purposes, power washers are also great tools for preparing surfaces for repainting or staining. Use them on decks and driveways as well as siding. It is best to use wide-spreading fan tips for close-up cleaning and spear tips for high, hard to reach areas.
Renee Rutledge writes for CalFinder Home Improvement where they often write articles about siding while referring licensed and certified [http://www.calfinder.com/painting]painting contractors , [http://www.calfinder.com/painting/contractors]contractors to homeowners for free.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Renee_Rutledge http://EzineArticles.com/?Show-Off-Your-Siding&id=1256056
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