[french_guy]

Hello

My aluminum siding needs a serious cleanup, especially on one section with some green on it (algae? moss? mold?)
How should I clean it? I have an electric pressure washer with a tank for additives
What should I use? bleach or a specific product dedicated for algae/moss?

Thanks

 

[ZTMAN]

I like to keep my siding clean. I have a pressure washer, but don't use it on my siding, no need to.

I buy the siding cleaner that you hook the bottle to your hose, spray the siding, and then use a brush on and extension pole on the siding, and then rinse. Does a better job then pressure washing and is a lot quicker.

One side of the home is prone to algae growth. I discovered wet and forget. Spray two times a year, and the green stuff does not come back. Wet and forget is available at Walmart in a concentrate. I buy the jug that makes six gallons. Pick up the five dollar pump sprayer and you will be amazed.

 

[french_guy]

I like to keep my siding clean. I have a pressure washer, but don't use it on my siding, no need to.

I buy the siding cleaner that you hook the bottle to your hose, spray the siding, and then use a brush on and extension pole on the siding, and then rinse. Does a better job then pressure washing and is a lot quicker.

One side of the home is prone to algae growth. I discovered wet and forget. Spray two times a year, and the green stuff does not come back. Wet and forget is available at Walmart in a concentrate. I buy the jug that makes six gallons. Pick up the five dollar pump sprayer and you will be amazed.

Is the Wet and Forget a cleaner, or a preventive product ?

 

[ZTMAN]

Is the Wet and Forget a cleaner, or a preventive product ?

Both. Take a look on the web to find info about it. Spray it on and forget it. The rain does the work.
The green stuff will be gone in a few days. Full clean if a few weeks depending on how much rain you get.
Great for algae and mold on bricks.

 

[mark sr]

How old is your siding? I've found that more often than not some of the factory finish [on old siding] will be gone after cleaning. Properly prepped aluminum siding paints and holds up well.

 

[french_guy]

How old is your siding? I've found that more often than not some of the factory finish [on old siding] will be gone after cleaning. Properly prepped aluminum siding paints and holds up well.

Something like 30 y +
I think the best way to paint is with an airless paint sprayer, but can it be also done with a roller?

 

[mark sr]

Yes, a brush or roller will work fine. I like spraying because it gives it back the factory appearance, also easier to get 1 coat coverage. The main thing when painting old aluminum siding is to address the chalk! It's not always feasible to wash it ALL off so adding Flood's EmulsaBond to the first coat of latex will insure the paint will adhere well. It's not uncommon for a paint job on aluminum to last a dozen yrs. There is one I sprayed 25 yrs ago that still looks good from the road at 30 mph.

 

[Colbyt]

pressure washer and nothing but water always works, with no streaking, for me.


and a caution: No siding is water tight if you shoot up. Always shoot straight on or down. This means a ladder for the upper portion.

 

[mark sr]

No siding is water tight if you shoot up. Always shoot straight on or down. This means a ladder for the upper portion.

Worth repeating!!
the biggest mistake folks make when pressure washing [especially aluminum or vinyl siding] is thinking they can do it all standing on the ground. You also want to use care at the soffit and next to windows/doors. A little commonsense can go a long way.

 

[Canarywood1]

I've been using Home Armor house wash for about 8/9 years now, i get it at HD for about $6.50/$7.00 a gallon,great stuff.

 

[french_guy]

Worth repeating!!
the biggest mistake folks make when pressure washing [especially aluminum or vinyl siding] is thinking they can do it all standing on the ground. You also want to use care at the soffit and next to windows/doors. A little commonsense can go a long way.

What paint would you recommend? I have access to Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore stores, Lowes, HD, Menards......

 

[carpdad]

Your siding should be chalking, which is a fine powder of paint will be washing off with a gentle brushing. Power washing alone may not be good enough. You may have to also scrub off the old finish and rinse off.
Then wait at least 2 weeks for water that WILL have got under the joints. Then wait further for at least 3-4 days of sunny weather. You can use the power sprayer but also back brush. Leave a thin layer between vertical and horizontal joints. Don't paint on the sunny side. 1 primer then 2 coats finish.

 

[mark sr]

While back brushing is needed when spraying over wood, it's not necessary on aluminum siding and will take away from the factory look you'd get from spraying. If brushing/rolling, I'd prime and then apply 1-2 coats of finish. I normally spray 1 coat of finish and call it done. I've gotten good long lasting results doing it that way.


A pressure washer along with a cleaning solution [I use bleach and TSP] will get a lot of the chalk off but not all of it. Adding EmulsaBond to the paint counteracts what chalk is left. I did one small house where the lady didn't want to pay me to wash the aluminum siding and said she would do it. I was shocked when I return as ALL the chalk was removed. When questioned she said she hand scrubbed the entire house with tide - too time consuming for a contractor.


You'll always find better coatings at your local paint store [not paint dept] they normally give better advice too. With SWP I would use SuperPaint or better. I prefer the satin finish as it gives a closer to factory look. Flat paint won't highlight defects in the siding or paint application as much.

 

[french_guy]

IF I were to get a sprayer, which one would be best for a DIYer and still affordable?

 

[mark sr]

You can rent an airless BUT unless you have spraying experience it probably isn't a good idea. There is a lot more to it than just pulling the trigger. Besides spraying on the right amount of coating you also need to be aware of where the overspray will go! It's easy to get in trouble with spraying if you aren't paying attention.

 

[french_guy]

You can rent an airless BUT unless you have spraying experience it probably isn't a good idea. There is a lot more to it than just pulling the trigger. Besides spraying on the right amount of coating you also need to be aware of where the overspray will go! It's easy to get in trouble with spraying if you aren't paying attention.

OK, so roller and brush seem to be the best option for me......What roller is recommended then (material, nap)?
Thanks

 

[mark sr]

If I had to roll it I'd use a whiz roller [or similar]

https://www.lowes.com/pd/WHIZZ-6-in...9e3a-c98a39414958&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6emsyYKD3QIVS77ACh1XtwHVEAQYAyABEgKJy_D_BwE

 

[carpdad]

You can rent power sprayer, but the advice on over spray and wind is important, esp around the garage and cars.:smile: BTW, learning curve on using the sprayer is fairly short. Keep the coat thin and do 2 coats. I am reminded and agree that a primer may not be needed. Research this further.