As a low-maintenance option, metal siding is a popular choice. One of its primary advantages is that it requires significantly less upkeep (in terms of both time and money) compared to vinyl, wood and other materials. Nonetheless, following a few simple rules can keep your metal siding appearing fresh. Here are some suggestions for keeping your metal siding in good shape:
Don’t Use Harmful Items
Do not use harmful materials such as wool scrubbers, wire brushes, paint thinners, power washers or sandpaper. This includes cleaning solutions and chemicals as well. When used on metal panels, these items can permanently harm them, reducing their lifespan and preventing them from functioning as intended.
Regular Visual Examinations
Metal siding, as we discussed, requires very little upkeep. Once it’s set up, it usually doesn’t need any more attention for an extended period, either in cleaning or other maintenance care. But to ensure your metal panels are still functioning correctly, we recommend checking on them visually once or twice a year.
When inspecting your siding, keep an eye out for any signs of damage such as scratches, bruises or impacts, so you can fix them before they worsen. Inspecting your panels after severe weather and high-velocity winds is crucial to ensuring all your connections are in place. Corrugated or box rib siding, which has exposed fasteners, should be scrutinized for rust and weathering. Inspecting your siding is the quickest and most straightforward approach to spot any issues and fix them.
Clean the Glass and Panels
Metal panels are kept clean easily by rinsing them off with a garden hose or wiping them down with a damp microfiber towel from time to time. To avoid denting and damaging metal panels, our staff does not advise using a power washer on your siding. Commonly, a quick spritz with a cleaning agent is all that is required. For the best scratch protection, you should use only microfiber towels.
If you need a ladder to access a high section of your siding, do it safely. If you have to climb a ladder, you should do it while wearing closed-toed shoes with enhanced grip. Protect the paint or finish on your metal siding using a ladder and cushioned stabilizers. It would help if you didn’t damage or scuff the coating on your panels by resting a ladder against them because they are protective.
Invest in a Mild Cleaning Agent
Siding panels may require a mild cleaning solution to remove stubborn dirt and stains to restore them to their like-new condition. Your experts at Merlin’s Roofing suggest combining a quarter cup of detergent (such as liquid dish soap or car wash solution) with a gallon of water. After rinsing the panels, apply the solution to the siding using a microfiber cloth, sponge, or soft-bristled brush and let it set for a while. Your boards should appear as fresh as new after you rinse them with clean water and leave them to sit for 10 minutes.
For the most part, this cleaner is suitable for use with any of our metal siding paints or finishes. To keep the colour or finish from being damaged or removed accidentally, it is best to consult with your product specialist before applying any chemicals (or cleaning solutions) to your panels. Siding panels with stubborn stains, such as rust or algae, may require more than simply the cleaning mentioned above. If this is the case, you should consult a member of our staff for advice before taking any action that might potentially harm your siding.
Always check the label instructions before using a cleaning product. Some cleaning solutions are not only bad for your siding, but also for you and the soil below. It’s also a good idea to lay down a tarp or some other form of coverage to protect any landscaping, plants, shrubs, or other objects on the ground directly beneath your siding – in case cleaning solutions drip down there.
Next Steps
Siding cleaning is best done in parts across the panels. Begin in one area and clean it horizontally using a cloth or soft-bristle brush, then vertically in the same area. The filth and grime will disappear, and the work will seem less overwhelming if you do this first. Start with one place and rinse it well before moving on to the next.
You should follow these metal siding care guidelines if you want your siding to last for decades and appear as good and fresh as new. You can keep your metal panels looking brand new and functioning at their best by regular visual inspections, washing any clear debris, and addressing persistent dirt with a mild cleaning solution.
Contact one of Merlin’s Roofing experts in Ottawa immediately if you’re thinking about using metal siding in your next construction project. Our knowledgeable staff are here to assist you in selecting the metal siding panel and colour/finish that best suits your needs – we can provide some suggestions if you’re unsure how to get started.
For more information, please visit merlinsroofing.com online or call us at (819) 969-0920 today.