Cleaning
How do I wash Wildside siding?
Wash Wildside siding with a soft cloth or ordinary long-handled, soft bristle brush. For textured surfaces, use only a soft bristle brush to keep the grooves in the texture stain-free. For best results, start at the bottom of the house and work up and rinse the cleaning solution completely before it dries. If your house has brick facing, cover the brick so that it is not affected by the runoff.
Can I use a power washer?
Yes, though you should read the washer instructions carefully before use. When cleaning, hold the power washer straight at eye level to keep the water on top of the siding where it can clean most effectively. Do not aim the power washer upward as water may be driven behind the siding.
You should also follow the siding manufacturer’s recommendations. Some manufacturers don't want pressure washers used on their products at all. Others allow them, but have limitations on the amount of pressure and the cleaners that can be used. Most will caution against the use of pressure washers around any opening in the wall, such as windows, doors, electrical wiring, and plumbing.
How do I remove mold and mildew?
Small spots of mold and mildew can be handled with cleaners such as Fantastik® or Windex®. For larger sections, a solution of vinegar (30%) and water (70%) has proven successful. Alternatively, you also could try the following solution: 1/3 cup (2 2/3 ounces) powdered laundry detergent (e.g., Tide®, Fab®, or equivalent), 2/3 cup (5 1/3 ounces) powdered household cleaner (e.g., Spic & Span®, Soilax®, or equivalent), 1 quart (32 fluid ounces) liquid laundry bleach, and 1 gallon (128 fluid ounces) of water.
What types of cleaners should I use for other stains?
A list of commonly accepted cleaners is provided in the box below. Be sure to spot check any general or stain specific cleaner before using it on a large section of siding. After removing the stain, rinse thoroughly with water. Do not use cleaners containing organic solvents, undiluted chlorine bleach, liquid grease remover, nail polish remover, or furniture polish or cleaners. They can affect the surface of the siding.
Maintenance
How can I protect Wildside siding from discoloration?
Cover Wildside siding when using stains, sealants, and wet concrete as part of other home renovation projects. Certain insecticides or herbicides can potentially stain Wildside siding. Consult the product labels and/or the insecticide or herbicide manufacturer before applying.
How does heat affect Wildside siding?
Wildside siding is made from organic materials and can melt when exposed to a significant heat source. Wildside is a combustible material, but will not readily ignite unless exposed to flames from an existing fire. Home and building owners with all types of siding should always take precautions to keep heat sources such as barbeque grills, and readily ignitable materials such as dry leaves, mulch, and trash away from the structure.
How does heat from reflected light affect Wildside siding?
Abnormally concentrated sunlight reflected onto Wildside siding by windows can result in surface temperatures far exceeding those caused by direct exposure to the sun. Temperatures necessary to cause significant distortion of Wildside siding are not routinely achieved, even when siding is exposed to both direct sunlight and the reflection from normal, flat window glass. However, under some conditions the glass in energy efficient windows can become concave, forming a mirror that concentrates sunlight in a small area. Temperatures in this area can be greater than many building materials, including Wildside siding, are designed to withstand.
The best way to avoid or reduce this problem depends on the specific circumstances. However, anything that blocks the path of sunlight, either to the window or between the window and the siding, will eliminate or reduce the problem. This includes the strategic placement of trees, bushes or other landscaping elements and the use of sunshades above windows. Screening applied to windows may reduce the total amount of reflected energy sufficiently to avoid the problem.
Can I paint Wildside siding?
Consult with your Wildside siding manufacturer before painting Wildside siding. Many manufacturers void their warranties if the siding is painted.
What kind of Wildside siding should I use if I'm planning to reside my home?
There are many different shapes, colors, and textures of Wildside siding. While VSI does not recommend any one type or brand, it does sponsor the VSI Product Certification Program that helps ensure the quality of Wildside siding through a third-party inspection process. Wildside siding certified through VSI's Program carries a special logo on its packaging that means it has been independently verified to meet or exceed the industry standard for quality. For more information about which brands of Wildside siding are certified, click here for our searchable database of certified products