Galvanized Steel Siding staining - Certified SoftWash Roof Cleaning

Brandon Vaughn · SoftWash Systems Pro Staff

Galvanized Steel Siding staining

Huey Miller · SoftWash Systems Authorized Professional

Looks like same staining that you get on gutters.......aluminum oxidation. Have you tried a gutter cleaner?

Brandon Vaughn · SoftWash Systems Pro Staff

I personally haven't tried anything yet. The contractor said that he's had about 4 different cleaning guys go out and try to get the stains off with no luck. We'll see if I can do better. I'll bring some gutter zap out with me as well. My hope is to find something that will remove the stains without needing to agitate the whole surface... There is about 50k sq. ft. like this...

Mario Ciottariello · SoftWash Systems 5-Star Professional

I'm with you I'd try the gutter zap and a loaf brush.

Jason Rapisarda · Freshmen Member

Your probity going to need an acid cleaner. Try an aluminum brighter like u would use for truck wheels. Each chem Saber is great stuff! And safe on glass. Call and talk to Mike www.eacochem.com

Chad Eneix · SoftWash Systems Authorized Professional

I second that eacochem makes good stuff. Confirm exactly what the surface is, then call and they can advise.

Brandon Vaughn · SoftWash Systems Pro Staff

Jason Rapisarda wrote:
Your probity going to need an acid cleaner. Try an aluminum brighter like u would use for truck wheels. Each chem Saber is great stuff! And safe on glass. Call and talk to Mike www.eacochem.com

My Landa Supernova is an aluminum brightener. That's what I was thinking as well. I've used that stuff diluted down to remove oxidation on gutters as well.

I'll check out Eaco chem too! Thanks for the recommendation.

AC Lockyer · Administrator

Be very careful because the zinc coating can be altered if not removed by a solution that is either too acidic or too caustic. Make sure you stay as neutral puns possible. In a range of 6 to 8 on the Ph scale. Remember there is a difference between cleaning away dirt, grime, mildew etc. and surface restoration where you are reversing damage or aging. Be very careful not to make it worse by burning the siding.

AC

Brandon Vaughn · SoftWash Systems Pro Staff

AC Lockyer wrote:
Be very careful because the zinc coating can be altered if not removed by a solution that is either too acidic or too caustic. Make sure you stay as neutral puns possible. In a range of 6 to 8 on the Ph scale. Remember there is a difference between cleaning away dirt, grime, mildew etc. and surface restoration where you are reversing damage or aging. Be very careful not to make it worse by burning the siding.

AC

Thanks for the reminder. I'm going to do a small test patch behind a bush to see how everything does. Is it possible to damage the zinc coating and not be able to visually tell? And have a catastrophic surface failure later on? Or should I be able to tell if there is damage occuring?

AC Lockyer · Administrator

You will see it instantly dull.

AC

John Aloisio · SoftWash Systems 5-Star Professional

Brandon,

check if it is definitely galvanized or is it galvalume? If galvanized it is pretty much a lead coated steel and most acidic based products will strip the lead if agitated. Galvalume is a lead and aluminum dipped steel, which in that case, a butyl based gutter brightened might do the trick. Those streaks could be the zinc striping, caused by mild acid rain.

You know what you are doing, just try a test spot first.

Vic Irish · SoftWash Systems Certified Applicator

John Aloisio wrote:
Brandon,
check if it is definitely galvanized or is it galvalume? If galvanized it is pretty much a lead coated steel and most acidic based products will strip the lead if agitated. Galvalume is a lead and aluminum dipped steel, which in that case, a butyl based gutter brightened might do the trick. Those streaks could be the zinc striping, caused by mild acid rain.
You know what you are doing, just try a test spot first.

How can you tell the difference between galvanized, aluminum and galvalume?

Galvanized is magnetic while aluminum is not. What is galvalume?

John Aloisio · SoftWash Systems 5-Star Professional

Galvalume is steel, but it has a coating on it made up of 55% Aluminum and 45% zinc, to enhance the corrosion resistance of the panel.

Vic Irish · SoftWash Systems Certified Applicator

John Aloisio wrote:
Galvalume is steel, but it has a coating on it made up of 55% Aluminum and 45% zinc, to enhance the corrosion resistance of the panel.

Thank you, John. Good answer!

Vic Irish · SoftWash Systems Certified Applicator

Hey Brandon,

I'm curious how this turned out? Did you use the SuperNova?

Jesse Bracken · Junior Member

me too...