UV radiation and acid rain are the primary causes for the surface of vinyl siding to deteroriate. This results in the vinyl becoming dull and brittle, leaving a rough surface that absorbs moisture, making it a perfect breeding ground for the growth of mold, mildew, and fungus.
To determine whether blackish areas are mildew or just dirt, take a small amount of household bleach and apply it to the vinyl siding with a sponge. If the black spots disappear, it is most likely mildew. If they don't go away, the discoloration is probably just dirt and should easily be removed with a non-phosphate detergent.
When detecting the growth of mildew on vinyl siding, it is important to remove it as quickly as possible. The faster you are in removing it, the easier it is to clean. Mold and mildew will spread very quickly, especially in damp climates, and could ruin the vinyl siding permanently if not removed soon enough.
If you choose to do this work yourself, start by scrubbing any mildew from the vinyl's surface prior to power washing. Use both hands when operating the equipment and never use it while standing on a ladder. For high areas, you may be able to rent 6-12 foot extension wands, but be aware that these are difficult to handle and dangerous. Start with the nozzle about 3-5 feet from the wall and work your way closer until you feel the spray is strong enough - but not too strong. Never get closer than 12 inches from the siding as you may damage it and avoid aiming it upward as you may push water behind the siding. Remember, you are working with high pressure, so never point the nozzle at anyone and always wear safety glasses. Always keep the wand, water, and yourself away from any electrical wires or devices.
If you have a wide spread mildew problem, or your home is very large, it is much easier and safer to let a professional power washing contractor to do this work for you. These contractors are familiar with the correct detergents and methods to properly remove mildew, restoring your vinyl to a like-new appearance.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
How To Hire A Professional Contractor
Without a doubt, hiring a contractor for your home improvement project can be a daunting task. How do you know you've got a good contractor - one that you can trust to do a good job for a fair price that stands behind their work? Unfortunately, there are no guarantees. However, if you do your research before you actually hire a contractor, you will improve your odds of getting a contractor that you will be happy with, eliminating stress and anxiety.
Most homeowners know that you should get at least three bids for any home improvement job. The question is, whom do you ask? Word-of-mouth referrals tend to be the best. Ask your family, friends, and neighbors for the names of contractors that they have been happy with. You may get responses that include companies that you are familiar with and smaller companies that you have never heard of. Don't rule out the smaller companies - many good contractors prefer to get all of their work through word-of-mouth referrals.
Whether you prefer to use a referral from someone you trust or end up blindly calling a company that you've located on the internet, it's important to trust your instincts. Did the contractor return your call promptly and show up on time for your appointment? During the estimate process, was the contractor able to answer your questions to your satisfaction? Were they able to provide references? Was the contractor able to lay out their expectations for your project? These are all important points to consider when it comes time to make your decision.
The bids you receive from prospective contractors should be in writing and contain an itemized list of labor and material costs. You want fixed bids - not time and materials bids - as these tend to escalate far beyond what you expected the job to cost. The bids you receive will tell a lot about the contractors that are bidding. Was the estimate ready when the contractor promised it? Was the bid outrageously high? This contractor is busy and only wants the job if you are willing to pay a premium for their time. Was the bid very low? This contractor doesn't understand the scope of the job or deliberately underbid to get the job, perhaps due to shortcuts or inferior products.
Before you sign a contract, you may also want to check into how your selection conducts business. How long have they been in business? Do they have verified references? It is also imperative that the contractor carries both liability insurance (for your property) and worker's compensation insurance (for injuries to themselves).
When the time comes for your home improvement project, such as pressure washing or deck restoration, we hope that this information is helpful in selecting a contractor that meets your expectations.
Most homeowners know that you should get at least three bids for any home improvement job. The question is, whom do you ask? Word-of-mouth referrals tend to be the best. Ask your family, friends, and neighbors for the names of contractors that they have been happy with. You may get responses that include companies that you are familiar with and smaller companies that you have never heard of. Don't rule out the smaller companies - many good contractors prefer to get all of their work through word-of-mouth referrals.
Whether you prefer to use a referral from someone you trust or end up blindly calling a company that you've located on the internet, it's important to trust your instincts. Did the contractor return your call promptly and show up on time for your appointment? During the estimate process, was the contractor able to answer your questions to your satisfaction? Were they able to provide references? Was the contractor able to lay out their expectations for your project? These are all important points to consider when it comes time to make your decision.
The bids you receive from prospective contractors should be in writing and contain an itemized list of labor and material costs. You want fixed bids - not time and materials bids - as these tend to escalate far beyond what you expected the job to cost. The bids you receive will tell a lot about the contractors that are bidding. Was the estimate ready when the contractor promised it? Was the bid outrageously high? This contractor is busy and only wants the job if you are willing to pay a premium for their time. Was the bid very low? This contractor doesn't understand the scope of the job or deliberately underbid to get the job, perhaps due to shortcuts or inferior products.
Before you sign a contract, you may also want to check into how your selection conducts business. How long have they been in business? Do they have verified references? It is also imperative that the contractor carries both liability insurance (for your property) and worker's compensation insurance (for injuries to themselves).
When the time comes for your home improvement project, such as pressure washing or deck restoration, we hope that this information is helpful in selecting a contractor that meets your expectations.
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