Softwashing aluminum siding - Certified SoftWash Roof Cleaning

Chris Connolly · Freshmen Member

Softwashing aluminum siding

Barry Landis · Sophmore Member

If it's aluminum and hasn't been cleaned in 30 years you better do some test spots first. If the paint is in poor condition, which it most likely is after 30+ years, you definitely don't want to scrub. I just did one last week and the old oxidized paint just washed off the siding just from wetting the walls for the roof cleaning.

Dan Dykstra · Senior Member

If you can run your hand on the siding and it comes away the same color as the house - run, these need to be replaced with vinyl or repainted. Or make sure you talk with the homeowner and explain that it could look very chalky in spots or the paint could all but be gone from the siding after a wash. Just my thoughts.

Chris Connolly · Freshmen Member

Thanks Barry and Dan, I went by earlier and the siding is chalky and in pretty bad shape. I'm gonna have to talk to the owners and let them know that there may be discoloration when I'm done. Thanks again

AC Lockyer · Administrator

Yes Chris, many times on western facing alum you can softwash the coating away as well. Not your fault just the UV rays from the sun kills the powder coat on the alum siding.

AC

Josh Scavetta · SoftWash Systems Certified Applicator

even if the paint is fine you should only need 1%

Danny Cronauer · SoftWash Systems Certified

I have been passing on aluminum every day. The majority havent been painted in 15-20 years. I tell them, me cleaning it isn't going to make this looked painted. I am going to start asking over the phone if they have aluminum siding.

Mike Laskowski · SoftWash Systems Pro Staff

Less is more with aluminum siding. I use only 1/2 percent on aluminum. Also be forewarned that the paint residual runoff will interact with other surfaces like decks and doors so make sure you stay diligent with property protection, manage customer expectations as far as UV fading, uneven results from paint oxidation as well as letting the customer be aware of the potential risk of paint residual interacting with other surfaces. Managing customer expectations is HUGE with aluminum siding. I would also recommend a signed customer acknowledgement of all these issues. Good Luck!

Chris Connolly · Freshmen Member

Great advise guys. Thank You!!