Hello guys and gals, I need some advise on some unusual stains that would not come off with a softwash or even when the customer hit it with a powerwasher. Its only in the shaded areas around the house on the siding. Here are a few pics
-- Edited by Shaun Harton on Monday 6th of October 2014 07:05:36 PM
Is that the original color? 25 years ago sunburst/yellow was a fairly popular siding color. Fading/oxidation takes off a lot of color. Best bet is to always detail that we remove organic growth with softwashing, not stains. Just under promise and if you clean it you are a hero.
Danny Cronauer said
Oct 6, 2014
What type of siding is that? Is it vinyl? it looks like it could be vinyl clad aluminum siding. If it is then thats oxidation.
Bob Riddick said
Oct 7, 2014
If this is what's left behind after SoftWashing, then I would agree it's oxidation. You might offer to attempt treating a small area using a 10 to 1 mix of F13 (gutter grenade).
Be careful not to brush too hard or to let it dwell too long. If it comes clean, work a deal with the owner for the additional service.
Chad Eneix said
Oct 7, 2014
I see that a lot on light colored siding. It is worst in rural areas, especially near fields. I think it is dirt or some sort of airborne contaminant. Under the soffit never gets rinsed by rain, and that is where the attic "breathes in" through the soffts, so it collects this fine, really stuck on stuff. I see a barn in the background, so this looks rural. Did dirt run out of the soffits when you got them wet?
You can scrub it off if you get right up to it with a hand held brush or Mr. Clean magic eraser. A brush on a pole unfortunately won't do it. That is one of the worst I've seen it, though. I don't believe it is oxidation, or maybe it's oxidation that has become dirt stained? It is about as hard to rub off as oxidization.
I usually prepare the customer for the fact that the first few "laps" of siding under the soffits on white, yellow, or light blue could remain slightly stained. Usually they probably would not even notice except that I point it out to them. My own house is a 28 year old light yellow farm style house in a rural area with a 2 farm fields very close, and I have this a little bit. I have never seen it that bad though, so I'm sure the customer wants it off. If anyone finds a product that can remove this, I'm all ears.
Shaun Harton said
Oct 8, 2014
Thanks for the advice guys. I think Chad is right on the money. Its an old farm house out in the county surrounded by farm fields. The siding has never been cleaned and is over 20 years old and its a mix of vinyl and aluminum. It does have some oxidation, but this is something different. Defiantly a learning experience
-- Edited by Shaun Harton on Wednesday 8th of October 2014 06:16:17 AM
Chad Eneix said
Oct 8, 2014
If they do want you to clean it off, try microfiber car wash mitts and Simple Green. Would be cheaper and easier than using 100 Magic Erasers.
Hello guys and gals, I need some advise on some unusual stains that would not come off with a softwash or even when the customer hit it with a powerwasher. Its only in the shaded areas around the house on the siding. Here are a few pics
-- Edited by Shaun Harton on Monday 6th of October 2014 07:05:36 PM
If this is what's left behind after SoftWashing, then I would agree it's oxidation. You might offer to attempt treating a small area using a 10 to 1 mix of F13 (gutter grenade).
Be careful not to brush too hard or to let it dwell too long. If it comes clean, work a deal with the owner for the additional service.
You can scrub it off if you get right up to it with a hand held brush or Mr. Clean magic eraser. A brush on a pole unfortunately won't do it. That is one of the worst I've seen it, though. I don't believe it is oxidation, or maybe it's oxidation that has become dirt stained? It is about as hard to rub off as oxidization.
I usually prepare the customer for the fact that the first few "laps" of siding under the soffits on white, yellow, or light blue could remain slightly stained. Usually they probably would not even notice except that I point it out to them. My own house is a 28 year old light yellow farm style house in a rural area with a 2 farm fields very close, and I have this a little bit. I have never seen it that bad though, so I'm sure the customer wants it off. If anyone finds a product that can remove this, I'm all ears.
Thanks for the advice guys. I think Chad is right on the money. Its an old farm house out in the county surrounded by farm fields. The siding has never been cleaned and is over 20 years old and its a mix of vinyl and aluminum. It does have some oxidation, but this is something different. Defiantly a learning experience
-- Edited by Shaun Harton on Wednesday 8th of October 2014 06:16:17 AM