What is Oxidation
Oxidation on Siding
Oxidation, or fading, of painted and unpainted surfaces such as Vinyl, Hardiplank, Stucco, EIFS, and Metal siding and many others, occurs when the ultraviolet light from the sun breaks down the binders in the paint or surface and releases pigments. Oxidation also occurs from neglect or improper maintenance of the surface as well as other causes. High pressure power washing can remove the protective coating on your siding causing it to oxidize quicker causing it to dull and lighten in color.
How to tell if your surface is Oxidized
There are a couple of ways to tell if the surface of your home is suffering from Oxidation and Fading. Fading is usually caused by Oxidation of the paint or surface.
Why Should I Care If My Siding is Oxidized
Oxidized surfaces should never be cleaned using high pressure. This can cause striping, uneven cleaning, and damage to the surface. High pressure cleaning also removes the protective coating on the surface of the siding making it more susceptible algae and mold growth. Our Soft Wash non pressure cleaning process is used to remove mold, mildew, algae, and other organic stains and as little of the oxidation as possible. As the surface dries after cleaning, and due to this pre-existing condition, oxidized or faded areas, although rare, may reveal stains underneath weep holes of siding, irregular spotting of the surface and other surface irregularities including the oxidation becoming more apparent causing the siding to look lighter in color. While the surface will be clean, we cannot guarantee the final outcome or be responsible for these inconsistencies. These irregularities become more pronounced on dark blue, darker tan, brown and green vinyl siding.
If your siding is badly oxidized we recommend oxidation removal after our cleaning, however we do not offer this service. Feel free to contact us if you have questions or concerns.
Oxidation, or fading, of painted and unpainted surfaces such as Vinyl, Hardiplank, Stucco, EIFS, and Metal siding and many others, occurs when the ultraviolet light from the sun breaks down the binders in the paint or surface and releases pigments. Oxidation also occurs from neglect or improper maintenance of the surface as well as other causes. High pressure power washing can remove the protective coating on your siding causing it to oxidize quicker causing it to dull and lighten in color.
How to tell if your surface is Oxidized
There are a couple of ways to tell if the surface of your home is suffering from Oxidation and Fading. Fading is usually caused by Oxidation of the paint or surface.
- Visually the surface will look dull and often have a chalky or uneven look to it.
- You can take your finger or a colored rag, (dark colored rag for light colored surfaces, light colored rag for dark colored surfaces) and lightly rub across the surface. If a chalky substance comes off, then you know your surface has oxidized or faded.
- The walls that get the most sun appear lighter in color than the sides that don't.
Why Should I Care If My Siding is Oxidized
Oxidized surfaces should never be cleaned using high pressure. This can cause striping, uneven cleaning, and damage to the surface. High pressure cleaning also removes the protective coating on the surface of the siding making it more susceptible algae and mold growth. Our Soft Wash non pressure cleaning process is used to remove mold, mildew, algae, and other organic stains and as little of the oxidation as possible. As the surface dries after cleaning, and due to this pre-existing condition, oxidized or faded areas, although rare, may reveal stains underneath weep holes of siding, irregular spotting of the surface and other surface irregularities including the oxidation becoming more apparent causing the siding to look lighter in color. While the surface will be clean, we cannot guarantee the final outcome or be responsible for these inconsistencies. These irregularities become more pronounced on dark blue, darker tan, brown and green vinyl siding.
If your siding is badly oxidized we recommend oxidation removal after our cleaning, however we do not offer this service. Feel free to contact us if you have questions or concerns.