Aluminum Siding Chalking

I ll show you how to clean aluminum siding and remove that chalky residue easily without power washing.

Aluminum siding chalking.

To clean your aluminum siding choose a dry windless day. Although it seems like a big job getting rid of the chalk is surprisingly easy. Chalk occurs on aluminum siding due to aging and weather effects. Once you ve determined what cleaning method to use try to work in the shade as much as possible.

If a powdery substance comes off don t be alarmed because this is chalking which is normal in paint made for aluminum substances. You can paint it. I ll admit i hate our aluminum siding. If your hand is chalky then you have to remove the chalk before you paint.

Use of an interior paint for an outdoor application. Not adequately sealing a porous surface. The problem however is that this product experiences corrosion especially in areas of high humidity or salty ocean winds. With all aluminum siding painting projects washing is the most important part.

While aluminum siding is rigid and holds up well to the environment chalk will show up eventually. Instead of replacing old aluminum siding it is often more cost effective to repaint it. It is advertised as low maintenance. The uv rays from the sun breaks down the paint fades aluminum siding and creates chalking.

Rub your hand along the siding when it is dry to check for chalking which is common. If your aluminum siding has developed a chalky residue or is faded stained or just plain the wrong color fear not. The oxidation that occurs with aluminum siding results in the build up of a chalk like substance on the siding itself which can easily be seen by wiping your hand across the aluminum. Aluminum siding first began appearing on homes in the early 1960s.

The key to painting aluminum siding is to get it. Oil based paints tend to chalk more than latex formulations. It dents easily and the red color is difficult to coordinate with outdoor decor. Factory finished siding can develop an excessively thick chalk layer and may require power washing to ensure complete chalk removal.

Read this before you power wash your aluminum siding. Check your siding first for signs of mildew chalking and needed repairs. This is called chalking and essentially is the existing paint breaking down from the weather. This oxidation that occurs on aluminum siding results in the build up of a chalk like substance on the siding itself which can easily be seen by wiping your hand across the aluminum.

This can be done by using an aluminum siding cleaning product that can be purchased at many home improvement stores along with a scrub brush or abrasive sponge and some good old fashioned elbow grease. Chalk removal raises the value of the home and is much less expensive than siding replacement. Use of a low grade highly pigmented paint.